New Covenant United Church of Christ
The New Covenant United Church of Christ was founded September 20, 1974 with the merging of the former Lloyd's Memorial Congregational Church (which was joined with the newly formed United Church of Christ in 1958) and St. Members of the Concordia Bethany United Church of Christ joined the congregation in 1988. Each of these churches had a long and distinguish
ed history of dedicated Christian service in the Buffalo community. Peter's, was Lloyd’s Memorial Incorporated (1914), which had its origins in a group which split from Bethel AME church because of a concern for moral reforms. In 1964, Lloyd's constructed a building at Spring and Clinton (459 Clinton Street) which eventually became the home of New Covenant United Church of Christ. New Covenant began under the dual pastorate of Reverend Jimmie L. Sawyer until 1975 and Reverend Philip Smith until 1978. Reverend Will J. Brown Jr. was called to serve as interim pastor in 1979. A few months later, he was called as part-time pastor, a position he held for nine years. In 1988, he accepted the call as full-time pastor. Under Pastor Brown's leadership, the membership was spiritually uplifted through Bible class, Sunday school, worship service and the celebration of various liturgical events. Reverend Brown served as Undershepherd for thirty years retiring as Senior Pastor November 14, 2010 at which time he was designated Senior Pastor Emeritus. During Pastor Brown’s leadership the mortgage was burned and the following structural additions were made: secretarial and trustee offices, two lavatories, pews and carpet. In addition the kitchen and the pastor’s study were updated and two vans were purchased. Brown transitioned from his earthly home to live eternally with the Lord July 13, 2011. The associate pastor and wife of Reverend Will J. Brown, the Reverend Jacquelyn Ross Brown, assumed the senior pastorate November 15, 2010. Pastor “Jackie” also enjoys a substantial history in the city as a volunteer, educator, workshop facilitator and mentor of young women between the ages of 20 and 40. Her passion is teaching as she proclaims the word of God. Under Pastor Jacquelyn Ross Brown’s leadership eight deacons have been ordained and the church has continued to grow spiritually, financially and numerically. Under her leadership a roof has been installed, the front entrance remodeled and a grand piano purchased as well as upgrades to the kitchen and pastor’s study. New Covenant has sponsored a weekly food pantry for the surrounding community for more than twenty years. Through tithes and offerings the church supports missionary activities around the world and locally. The outreach ministries include: Neighbors in Need, Strengthening the Church, One Great Hour of Sharing, UCC Covenantal Share and the UCC Christmas Fund. Each Easter and thanksgiving the church donates to feed 100 persons at The Buffalo City Mission. During the last two years the church has participated in funding digging wells for a fresh water supply to Dominican Families. The church participates in the New York State Conference, the Western Association of the United Church of Christ, Church Women United and VOICE Buffalo. The Ministries of the church include the following: Diaconate, Trustee, Usher, and Christian Education. The Women's Fellowship sponsors a guest speaker and luncheon each first Saturday of the month, Men's Fellowship sponsors a Breakfast with a guest speaker each third Saturday of the month. Other ministries include the Senior Choir, Men’s Chorus, Youth with Voices Choir and a Youth Liturgical Dance Ministry. Christian teaching occurs through the Thursday Bible Study, Sunday school, children's church, New Membership classes as well the preached Word. The ministries are involved collectively in strengthening the spiritual growth of the membership with special emphasis on the youth. Standing on a mountain of accomplishments in our past, we clearly embrace our mission of “worshiping God; preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ; celebrating the sacraments; realizing Christian fellowship and unity, render loving service to the community and to strive for righteousness, justice, peace, and equality for mankind. On Feb. 8, 2021, New Covenant UCC called our new Pastor, Rev. Rachelle Sat'chell Robinson, M. Pastor Robinson was born and raised in the City of Buffalo. She is passionate about the community and serves as a community volunteer with several different organizations. Pastor Robinson takes delight in encouraing people to use the gifts that God has given them for the uplifting of the Kingdom. As our example, she comes to us ready to use the gifts that God has given her. Pastor Robinson has come to us under a pandemic but she has not let that stop her. Under Pastor's leadership (in less than 90 days), we have followed CDC guidelines and have had several drive up programs for the congregation. Pastor and the Deacons are leadinng worship service from the sanctuary with participants remaining on Zoom. Ministries have started holding their meetings in person. Pastor's study has been upgraded and refurnished.
