New Covenant Baptist Church

Was it destiny that led a “small band of determined Disciples of Christ” to establish the New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church in Phoenix, Illinois, in 1920? They yearned to be a beacon in the world, igniting a flicker of faith that refused to be extinguished. Tragedy struck in 1925 when fire ravaged their first church, a humble wooden structure on 8th Avenue, the first of its kind in the village. This was a devastating blow, but the congregation knew that the church was not defined by bricks and mortar but by the spirit of its people. They found a new home on Fifth Avenue, their resolve strengthened by their faith. The New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church faced a period of uncertainty with a rapid succession of pastors in the 1930s. Yet, in 1942, their prayers were answered with the arrival of Reverend A.H. Hester. A visionary leader, Reverend Hester guided the church for 38 years, overseeing significant growth and the construction of a new building. This edifice, a testament to their unwavering faith, was inaugurated in 1951. The legacy of Reverend Hester lived on through the numerous ministries established under his leadership. New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church continued to flourish under the guidance of their next pastor, Dr. Richard D. McCreary II. Appointed in 1980, Dr. McCreary ushered the church into a new era. His tenure saw physical expansions, the launch of innovative ministries, and the fostering of future spiritual leaders within the congregation. The New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church stands today as a testament to the enduring power of faith and community, a beacon that continues to inspire and uplift.