Reflections, Rev asked me perhaps a long time, there were quite a few of us however, some of course have moved away, others have passed on to glory. Reflections, why talk about the past? Why not live for Today! Because we as a people cannot afford the luxury. We know, without the past there is no future! This story needs and deserves telling, over and over and over…. many saints before us “toiled diligently” to pave the way for where we are come today. We need not forget this. My efforts have been to talk to some of those of yesterday, those I could find, as I put the word out.

I first heard this from Sis. Glady’s Acree. She says, "I was there at the beginning in 1920." She and her sister were here from Kentucky, visiting her father, Jake Acree on 8th Avenue. While she was in her father’s front yard she saw a man, a woman, and a child coming down the street.  When they approached her, the gentleman introduced himself as Rev. Walter Childs with his wife & daughter of Robbins, Illinois. He asked, "Is there a church in Phoenix?" She said “No, we go to Harvey for church.” He continued, “we are out here looking for a place to build a church, can you direct us to some church folk?” She took him to Sis. Annie Green. Sis Green welcomed him, praising the Lord. After he told her what he wanted to do, she was so excited, she told him how badly Phoenix needed a Church. Therefore, she offered her living room as a temporary meeting place until such time as a church could be built. They had their first meeting the following Sunday. The group soon grew too large to continue at Sis. Green’s, so they moved to Bro. Jake Acree’s, and from there to Bro. Aaron Gaston’s home.

By 1923, New Covenant was charted and Rev. Walter Childs was Pastor. In 1925, this frame building was destroyed by fire. They were not defeated and construction started over on 5th Avenue. In 1932, Rev. Sulls became pastor. He only served one year. He was followed by Rev. John West who also served one year. In 1934, Rev. J. B. Whittaker became the new pastor, he served until his death in 1942. In 1943, Rev. A. H. Hester was called to minister at New Covenant. At that time, the congregation consisted of 28 members. Rev. Hester and his members stepped out on faith and were determined to build a new facility. By September 1947, they broke ground for the excavation of the new church. In March 1951, Rev. Hester and the members of New Covenant marched from the old church to the new church. What a glorious time it was to see what God would do if you trust him & step out on his word.

With Rev. Hester as contractor and carpenter, work begun to complete the edifice in August 1956. The dedication service for this new church was held in April of 1957. Under the leadership of Rev. A. H. Hester many organizations and auxiliaries were organized. To name a few: Nurses Board, Victory Wide Awake, Matrons Circle, and the Ever Ready Circle. New Covenant also has a credit union, a weekly publication, “Voice of New Covenant,” Sunday School in Action, Baptist Training Union (BTU), and a Day Care Center. We then purchased a 15 passenger 1978 Dodge Van. We were again blessed in 1979, when William Carraway preached his trial sermon and received his license as a minister. On January 27, 1980, Rev. A. H. Hester passed away after serving faithfully for 38 years.

As most of you know, the Lord is still blessing New Covenant.  In March 1980, Rev. Richard D. McCreary II was called as minister of our church. Under his leadership our membership has increased dramatically. Just to name some of his accomplishments: A Christian Development Center, Food Co-op, Bus Ministry, Monthly Newsletter, Food Pantry, Annual Evangelism Crusade, Gospel Extravaganza, Church/Community Wide Bond Program.

With much prayer, faith and a lot of determination we dared to undertake a new educational wing. By 1984, we broke ground for this new addition. In June 1986, we had our dedication services for our newly renovated church and kitchen along with our eleven room educational wing. Which includes classrooms, library, Pastor’s study, counseling & banquet room and an elevator. You all must agree we have been truly blessed. Be grateful for yesterday, it has given us Today! Praise God!

View Larger Map

Reflections, Rev asked me perhaps a long time, there were quite a few of us however, some of course have moved away, others have passed on to glory. Reflections, why talk about the past? Why not live for Today! Because we as a people cannot afford the luxury. We know, without the past there is no future! This story needs and deserves telling, over and over and over…. many saints before us “toiled diligently” to pave the way for where we are come today. We need not forget this. My efforts have been to talk to some of those of yesterday, those I could find, as I put the word out.

I first heard this from Sis. Glady’s Acree. She says, "I was there at the beginning in 1920." She and her sister were here from Kentucky, visiting her father, Jake Acree on 8th Avenue. While she was in her father’s front yard she saw a man, a woman, and a child coming down the street.  When they approached her, the gentleman introduced himself as Rev. Walter Childs with his wife & daughter of Robbins, Illinois. He asked, "Is there a church in Phoenix?" She said “No, we go to Harvey for church.” He continued, “we are out here looking for a place to build a church, can you direct us to some church folk?” She took him to Sis. Annie Green. Sis Green welcomed him, praising the Lord. After he told her what he wanted to do, she was so excited, she told him how badly Phoenix needed a Church. Therefore, she offered her living room as a temporary meeting place until such time as a church could be built. They had their first meeting the following Sunday. The group soon grew too large to continue at Sis. Green’s, so they moved to Bro. Jake Acree’s, and from there to Bro. Aaron Gaston’s home.

By 1923, New Covenant was charted and Rev. Walter Childs was Pastor. In 1925, this frame building was destroyed by fire. They were not defeated and construction started over on 5th Avenue. In 1932, Rev. Sulls became pastor. He only served one year. He was followed by Rev. John West who also served one year. In 1934, Rev. J. B. Whittaker became the new pastor, he served until his death in 1942. In 1943, Rev. A. H. Hester was called to minister at New Covenant. At that time, the congregation consisted of 28 members. Rev. Hester and his members stepped out on faith and were determined to build a new facility. By September 1947, they broke ground for the excavation of the new church. In March 1951, Rev. Hester and the members of New Covenant marched from the old church to the new church. What a glorious time it was to see what God would do if you trust him & step out on his word.

With Rev. Hester as contractor and carpenter, work begun to complete the edifice in August 1956. The dedication service for this new church was held in April of 1957. Under the leadership of Rev. A. H. Hester many organizations and auxiliaries were organized. To name a few: Nurses Board, Victory Wide Awake, Matrons Circle, and the Ever Ready Circle. New Covenant also has a credit union, a weekly publication, “Voice of New Covenant,” Sunday School in Action, Baptist Training Union (BTU), and a Day Care Center. We then purchased a 15 passenger 1978 Dodge Van. We were again blessed in 1979, when William Carraway preached his trial sermon and received his license as a minister. On January 27, 1980, Rev. A. H. Hester passed away after serving faithfully for 38 years.

As most of you know, the Lord is still blessing New Covenant.  In March 1980, Rev. Richard D. McCreary II was called as minister of our church. Under his leadership our membership has increased dramatically. Just to name some of his accomplishments: A Christian Development Center, Food Co-op, Bus Ministry, Monthly Newsletter, Food Pantry, Annual Evangelism Crusade, Gospel Extravaganza, Church/Community Wide Bond Program.

With much prayer, faith and a lot of determination we dared to undertake a new educational wing. By 1984, we broke ground for this new addition. In June 1986, we had our dedication services for our newly renovated church and kitchen along with our eleven room educational wing. Which includes classrooms, library, Pastor’s study, counseling & banquet room and an elevator. You all must agree we have been truly blessed. Be grateful for yesterday, it has given us Today! Praise God!

View Larger Map