The year was 1966, exactly 41 years ago that the New Corinthian Baptist Church of Pasadena was born. This local assembly of believers has continued to serve the Greater Pasadena community as a great beacon light. Happy Birthday Newco. I wanted to share some history of this great church with my blog readers. Enjoy!
A Brief History of the New Corinthian Baptist Church of Pasadena
serving the Kingdom since 1966
In accordance with the Great Commission and with a divine mandate in mind, the Rev. Ike K. Morris organized a mission in October 1966. The mission began in the home of Deacon and Sister Eugene Ware at 440 W. Walnut Street in Pasadena, California. Services were held there for two weeks.
The members of the mission were Deacon and Sister Eugene Ware, Deacon Moody Armstrong, Mother Hamilton, Sister Leona Colton and Sister Frances Pickett. The mission shared through the Grace of God and the Kindness of Pastor C.D. Fisher the facilities of the Union Baptist Church of Pasadena for one month. The mission moved to 546 N. Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, California. Two members joined the mission, Sister Roberta Green and Dec. J.W. Colton.
A meeting was called for the purpose of organizing a church. In attendance was Rev. J.E. Ellis- New Zion Hill Baptist Church, Rev. Joseph Richardson – Prosperity Baptist Church and Rev. S. T. White – Emmanuel Baptist Church. The Rev. Ike J. Morris was elected pastor of the newly organized church. The church was then named the New Corinthian Baptist Church of Pasadena. Rev. J.E. Ellis gave the charge from II Timothy 4:1-8. Our church began to grow in membership and ministry while worshipping at 546 N. Fair Oaks. The church initiated the purchase of property located at 474 N. Summit Avenue on a land sales contract.
In January 1969, Rev. Ike J. Morris resigned as pastor of the New Corinthian Baptist Church of Pasadena. After one month without a shepherd, Rev. A.J. Shears was elected as the new Pastor. The church continued to grow under the leadership of Rev. Shears with the addition of new programs for the youth and expanded fellowships. Rev. Shears served as Pastor from February 1969 until his resignation in July 1975.
In August 1975, the New Corinthian Baptist Church of Pasadena elected its associate minister, Rev. A.K. Brown as the new Pastor. Under Rev. Brown leadership, many accomplishments were made and visions fulfilled. Rev. Brown served for 10 years and 11 month before resigning in July 1986. The church then received Rev. J.L. Ransom as Interim Pastor where he served for 6 months.
In April 1987, Rev. W.C. Coleman became the new Pastor of the New Corinthian Baptist Church of Pasadena. This was an exciting time in ministry. The outreach arm of the church was reaching those in the community who was in need of hope and healing. Under Rev. Coleman leadership many commitments were fulfilled including the payoff of a second mortgage. In January 1991, Rev. Coleman appointed an Assistant Pastor, Rev. M.E. Reynolds, who would later serve as the church next Pastor. Rev. Coleman resigned in February 1991.
Rev. M.E. Reynolds served as Pastor from February 1991 until October 1999. After Rev. Reynolds resignation, Rev. T.L. White served as Interim Pastor for 6 months.
After 9 months of prayer, the church then elected Rev. F. Demond Harris as their new Pastor in February 2000. Under Rev. Harris leadership the church has experienced growth in all areas of ministry. Many ministries have been developed to meet the needs of the families within our church and community. We have hosted a community day that reaches hundreds for the past 5 years. In 2002 we started the Newco Community Learning Institute. A program designed to enhance man in the areas of literacy and career development. We established a Cleaning and Janitorial business named Newco Dustbusters Inc. We have remained a leader in the cleaning industry since March 2004. In the summer of 2006, we planted a Hispanic Ministry "Ministerio Evalgelistico Palmbra De Vida" thus making us ONE CHURCH - TWO MINISTRIES. After 41 years, we are consistently serving the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of man in the Greater Pasadena Community.
