The earliest gatherings of New Covenant were held in the basement of the Montgomery family home, led by Elder Eugene Montgomery. After Elder Montgomery’s passing in 1995, Superintendent James McKenny became pastor. In 1996, under Pastor McKenny’s leadership, the congregation relocated to 2306 and 2304 Johnstone Street—former home and appliance repair shop. After making necessary repairs, painting, carpeting, and purchasing pews, the church held its first worship service in the newly prepared sanctuary on Mother’s Day 1996.

 

Following Pastor McKenny’s resignation in August 1996, Bishop Johnnie James Johnson stepped in as interim pastor. In January 1997, Elder Anderson Gray began assisting Bishop Johnson and soon after assumed pastoral leadership. Pastor Gray resigned in 2000, during which the church experienced a period of low membership. Despite this, Mother Lurline Montgomery faithfully kept the church doors open, leading daily noon prayer. Bishop Johnson continued to support the ministry financially and administratively, while Missionary Rose Lee McKenny sustained worship and Bible Study services.

Later in 2000, Elder Cornell Grady was appointed pastor but resigned the same year. On January 1, 2001, Elder Alvin T. McNair was appointed as pastor by Bishop Johnson. Under Pastor McNair’s leadership, the church paid off its existing mortgage, acquired adjacent property, renovated the sanctuary, added restroom facilities, and officially organized and incorporated the church. Additional land was also donated by the Montgomery Family.

 

In 2004, New Covenant C.O.G.I.C. became New Covenant Christian Center, launching as an independent ministry. Attendance began to grow rapidly, with a notable increase in both Sunday morning and mid-week services. By late 2007 and early 2008, the ministry acquired the former Rescue Squad property and another nearby building to accommodate its expanding needs. These facilities were transformed to include a fellowship hall with video overflow, classrooms, offices, updated restrooms, and a full kitchen. Enhancements such as a paved parking lot, metal roofing, landscaping, and a decorative waterfall were also added to beautify the campus.

 

In August 2024, under the leadership of Senior Pastor Shanell McNair-Kalu, the church once again celebrated paying off its mortgage. The church now operates under the vibrant vision of Purpose Konnected Ministries, led by Senior Pastor Shanell McNair-Kalu and Pastor Kalu Kalu Jr. This ministry is committed to serving the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of people from all walks of life—including seniors, children, singles, couples, and the widowed. With a focus on teaching believers to be rooted in faith, grow in grace, and abide in love, the ministry is excited and full of expectation for the greater things God has in store.