Reverberating with history the story of New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church begins. This church started with humble beginnings. It now stands as a testament to faith and community.
Elijah Thurston founded New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church. He began his ministry in 1934. At first, he pastored Salem Baptist Church. It was located at 37th and Langley Avenue. In 1937, he moved the church. It was reorganized as the 44th Street Baptist Church.
The church moved again in 1956. Its new location was 740 East 77th Street. It was also renamed New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church. Elijah’s son John Lee Thurston joined him in the ministry. He served as co-pastor.
Elijah Thurston passed away in 1968. John Lee Thurston then took over the church’s sole leadership. The legacy continued with Stephen John Thurston. He is the third generation to pastor New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church.
Stephen John Thurston was born in 1945. He grew up in Chicago. The church significantly influenced his life. In 1967, John Lee Thurston invited Martin Luther King, Jr. to preach. King spoke about achieving goals. He also addressed improving welfare and glorifying God. Fifteen-year-old Stephen found inspiration in King’s words.
Stephen John Thurston preached his first sermon in 1971. The sermon was titled “Where Did You Die?” In 1974, his father ordained him. He became an assistant pastor. By 1975, he was appointed co-pastor.
When his father passed away in 1979 Stephen became the sole spiritual leader. Under his leadership New Covenant grew significantly. The church grew from 50 members to over 2,000.
Thurston is known for his dynamic ministry. He was named one of “America’s Best and Brightest Young Business and Professional Men” in 1987. He inherited his grandfather’s booming voice and conservative values. He also inherited his father’s charisma and activist aspirations.
Thurston delivers sermons at multiple services. He hosts radio broadcasts and television shows. He actively promotes his political platform. He also holds conservative social values.
During the 1990s, Thurston made several world trips. He coordinated the Baptist World Alliance in Seoul Korea in 1990. He visited Ghana and Zimbabwe in 1993. In 2003, Thurston was elected president of the National Baptist Convention of America.
Remembering his youth Thurston advocates for the disenfranchised. He champions the black community. Some find him too opinionated. Thurston believes it is his duty to speak boldly.
New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church continues to thrive. It is a beacon of faith. It stands as a testament to the Thurston legacy. The church enriches the spiritual and communal life of Chicago.