“What’s in a name?” you might ask. For New Generation For Christ Fellowship Church, the name speaks volumes. It embodies a vision of leading a new generation into a promised land of faith. The church’s story begins with Elder Ida M. Perry. She felt called to guide a portion of God’s flock. This calling followed her 25 years of service at St. Peter Church of Christ.
New Generation For Christ Fellowship Church held its first service September 3 1972. The location was 3400 Germantown Ave. Elder Herbert Mitchell served as the guest preacher. Brother Rodney Jubilee became the first member. The Germantown location was only a starting point. The church soon moved to a smaller space. This space was located on Delhi and Dauphin Street. Elder Perry preached there every Sunday. Her audience included her mother Jennie Rogers and her daughter Geraldine Henderson. The Sunday School students were the children of Sister Beulah Harris.
The church needed a new place of worship. In 1973 New Generation For Christ Fellowship Church moved to The Guild. The Guild was located on 735 Fairmount Ave. This center allowed the church to rent space. Every Sunday Mother Rogers would set up chairs. She also made breakfast for the congregation. Many people found Christ at this location. Several church groups started there as well. Sister Pauline Carter became head of the Trustee Board. Deacon Samuel Holland became head of the Deacon Board. Sister Geraldine Henderson became the first official Sunday School Teacher. Minister Nancy Carter president of the Usher Board and Choir minister preached her trial sermon April 19 1978. She later became Elder Perry’s right-hand.
While at The Guild New Generation For Christ Fellowship Church became an official church. This happened under the North Eastern District Assembly September 14 1973. Sister Pauline Carter and Brother James Perry Jr witnessed this. New Generation spent over five years setting up chairs in this rented space. They searched for a permanent home. After years of obedience on February 3 1979 God provided a home. Elder Perry led a motorcade of members friends and well-wishers. Their destination was 1423-25 N Bouvier Street. This became their permanent home.
New Generation Church of Christ Disciples of Christ Inc held its mortgage burning ceremony November 7 1982. Elder Perry’s pastor Elder Clyde Brown attended. It took only four years of faithfulness to pay off the church building. It was heartwarming for Elder Perry to have her pastor celebrate with New Generation. He was honored to be the guest preacher for the service. Elder Perry pastored New Generation for many years. The church attracted many faithful youth. These youths worked to build up God’s house. Brother Harry Washington brought Minister Mark Fulton. Mark Fulton became the Youth Minister. Elder Herbert Mitchell often visited to perform baptisms and guest preach. Elder Perry’s husband James Perry Jr led the men of New Generation. They built the baptism pool together. Every member contributed to building a warm God-fearing church. It became a sincere house of worship.
Elder Perry pastored New Generation for over 40 years. She continued doing the Lord’s work. Even with her failing health she persisted until her passing February 1 2013. God sent Bishop Darryl Rouse Sr to New Generation. Bishop Rouse had befriended Elder Perry and members at a retreat. This relationship led to him becoming the next pastor.
Bishop Darryl Rouse Sr was installed May 24 2014. He leads a small but dedicated flock. Bishop Rouse is revitalizing the church. He gave the church a new theme from Psalm 37 3-5. The theme is A New Focus for a New Generation. Since Bishop Rouse’s installment the Church has become more connected. It has connected with the North Eastern District and the Diocese churches. New Generation For Christ Fellowship Church continues to evolve. It remains rooted in its founding principles. It embraces its vision for the future.