The New Covenant Sabbath Apostolic Church has a deeply rooted history which now expands 80 years. “We have come this far by faith and by faith we will keep leaning on his everlasting arms” … a snapshot of our history…The initial founders, the Late Evangelist Sue Irene Chappell Edwards affectionately known as Mother Sue and Elder John Oliver Edwards were a husband and wife ministry team. In the year of 1939, they began to conduct services at 812 St. James Street. After an impromptu meeting during a bus ride, Mother Sue met Mrs. Florence G. Carter. A discussion was held regarding permanent church location here on sacred grounds of 2129 Ford Avenue. After months of getting the building up to code, the first service was held on August 1, 1944. During her ministry, Mother Sue had to withstand consistent backlash as a “woman” in the pulpit. She was often criticized by those that held leadership positions. She was told to “get out the pulpit and go back into the kitchen” and was often rejected by fellow male pastors. BUT… during the ensuing years of her ministry, numerous people were baptized in Jesus’ name, filled with the Holy Ghost, and given the uncut gospel truth as the church doors remained opened. As the church continued its growth stages, Mother Sue expanded its ministries and evangelistic efforts through various diverse mediums which included but were not limited to the development of mission churches, a “Saint’s Home”, the Apostolic Faith Training School affectionately known as “Mother Sue School” and radio broadcasts. Mother Sue is still revered and remembered today as not only our Founder, but the 1st Pastor of this ministry. She will be forever acknowledged for her holy boldness, her willingness to stand up to the naysayers and preach despite opposition the undisputed gospel truth.

 

     On August 28, 1958, Brother Willie was baptized in Jesus name joining the then Apostolic Faith Holiness Church. Upon joining the movement, there was nothing Mother Sue asked that Brother Willie didn’t honor. God knew the task prepared before him and blessed him with his precious wife Missionary Ellen Easter Suggs. Shortly thereafter in October of 1972, he became the Pastor of S. I. Edwards Memorial Church and Overseer of the Sabbath Apostolic Pentecostal Assemblies of America. With a steadfast vision of growth, Bishop Suggs continued to establish various mission churches with a goal of “keeping the body together” and “doing a greater work”. God honored his servant’s prayer sending people from all walks of life and many nationalities into the doors resulting in thousands of souls being baptized in Jesus’ name. Bishop traveled up and down the roads every week for many years with a purpose of “showing love”. On August 18, 1991, Bishop Suggs opened the doors of this $750,000.00 edifice which is now close to $1,000,000.00. This building would later be named the New Covenant Apostolic Church. As the ministry continued, Bishop continued expansions through various platforms, one including the opening of Hands of Hope Child Care Center. Many children within the church and the community came through the doors to hear the sound of the harmonica or a song. Bishop loved spending time with the youth and showed his love through both words and actions. Bishop Suggs will always and forever be remembered for his unique delivery of the call to salvation, unyielding confidence in God and determination for the saints to put their mind on Jesus and have church!

 

     Sister Cynthia Perkins served as a faithful assistant to Bishop Suggs for over 30+ years as a willing worker. She spent her time in the ministry fields as David did… helping Bishop tend to the sheep working wherever her hands touched. She worked with all her might often sacrificing her personal life in efforts to help support God’s ministry, her Pastor, and various boards in any way she could. Later ordained Minister Cynthia Perkins, with the support of her faithful and dedicated husband Deacon Michael Perkins, she answered ‘”YES” to the call, with a mandate by God, “to bring MY PEOPLE TO ME”! She was elected on October 29, 2017 as our current pastor. Under this new administration and season, God has shown Himself faithful by adding to the church, weekly many times, such as should be saved. Pastor Perkins has called souls to re-dedicate their lives to Him. Affectionately known now as Pastor P, she preaches the Word of God, is often seen playing with the children at various functions, and is helping us to prepare this house, God’s house to be a place where everyone that enters feels loved and welcomed. She has a clear purpose to bring people into RELATIONSHIP with their Heavenly Father while developing Christ-like maturity equipped to reach out and share the Good News of the gospel, all while magnifying and glorying God!” Pastor P has a heart and passion to assist those in our community by showing the love of God without stipulations and judgement. We often hear her quote from St. Matthews- “when you have done it to the least of these, you have done it unto me”.  As often as events roll by, you will see her in the trenches still supporting and working, not standing by the wayside as she enjoys fellowshipping and supporting all within the community. Through vision, we are purchasing a brand new Mercedes church bus and adding various ministries.Our church mission statement is "Reaching Up, Reaching Out, and Reaching Within" and with the help of God, Pastor P will continue to be the vessel that God calls her to be while preparing HIS children to meet him again…over in glory.  We can’t wait to see where God will take us through her leadership! Today we are celebrating our past, thanking God for our present, and seeking HIS WILL for our future as we continue to be the church that not only stands on the hill but serves and receives ALL with open arms and hearts full of love.