Church History
Our Roots:
As a result of the coal mines closing in West Virginia, several people relocated to Wilmington, Delaware. Some of theses included the families of George and Elizabeth Young as well ad Malcolm and Ethel Kyle. As others followed hay came and many began worshiping with Faith Tabernacle UHC, Bethel Pentecostal, and Mount Zion UHC, in Chester, Pa. These saints were encouraged by the elder A.J Pyatt to organize a church in Wilmington.
As a result of the coal mines closing in West Virginia, several people relocated to Wilmington, Delaware. Some of theses included the families of George and Elizabeth Young as well ad Malcolm and Ethel Kyle. As others followed hay came and many began worshiping with Faith Tabernacle UHC, Bethel Pentecostal, and Mount Zion UHC, in Chester, Pa. These saints were encouraged by the elder A.J Pyatt to organize a church in Wilmington.
In 1963 Our church was organized in a meeting which was conducted in the home of Deacon and Sis. Stockton. The names New Pentecostal United Holy Church was selected for this house of worship. The organization was as follows: Reverend Louvenia Dickerson was chosen as Pastor, Reverend George Cuthbertson was chosen as Assistant Pastor, Sis Mamie Hale was elected Mother of the church and Sis. Naomi Bryson was elected secretary. Our 10 founding pioneers were: Reverend Louvenia Dickerson, Reverend George Cuthbertson, Sis. Ruth Cuthberson. Dec. Stover Stockton, Sis. Elizabeth Stockton, Mother Mamie Hale, Sis. Naomi Bryson, Sister Ethel Kyle, Bro. Robert Hamlin, and Sis. Betty Hamlin
For 6 years with the room "214" of the "Y" as our meeting place, our membership grew. We had rallies to raise money like our "Hog Killing Day Change RallAAy." Giant Plastic Hogs were purchased from the local 5 & 10 cent store. Members rallied to fill the banks and on the appointed day the Hogs were slaughtered. This was truly some West Virginia Customs. It successfully raised $630 dollars. Dinners were sold each Saturday. Orders were delivered to general Motors, the Hospital, the Port and other locations. Philip E.. Gregory, Sr. served as the driver to assist with the deliveries. These rallies helped to raised in excess of $50,000.
In December 1969, we paid cash for our present church. On the opening Sunday, the members of the New Pentecostal marched from the Walnut Street YMCA to our new building 721 N. Monroe Street. It still stands proudly after 54 years! Our church membership grew from the original 10 to more than 200 between our beginning and the mid 1970's.
The 1980's represented a period of stability at New Pentecostal. Under Dr. Dickerson's leadership, the membership continued to thrive.Our church has faithfully been a supporter of the United Holy Church on a sub district, district and general level. Equally the United Christian College continued to prepare, train, teach and develop students who are pursuing their callings in the Lord. Dr. Dickerson enlisted several others to keep pace with the demand of the "college". The help selected were, Sister Ernestine Watts, Elder Larry Bryson, Sr and Elder Alice Martin. also, no one could live with out the snacks and bake goods from our Sister Lula McNair. In 1989 Elder Larry Bryson was appointed Assistant Pastor and served faithfully until his calling to establish and pastor, Word of Life Ministries, in Middletown, De.
The 1990's became a period of challenge and proving for our great church. August 27, 1996 Dr. Louvenia Dickerson was honored by City Of Wilmington Officials in the ground breaking ceremony for her vision for an education center. The Dickenson Education Center was built and the mandate to Pastor Dickerson "To teach my people" was now "Substance".
The Changing of the Century
The changing of the time from the 20th to the 21st century reflected change for New Pent as well. Our "beloved pastor" Dr. Dickerson had completed her life's work and this signaled a change in the landscape of the church as well.
2004-2005 Dr. Dickerson appointed Elder Holden, Jr. as Associate Pastor
2008 Due to failing health Pastor Dickerson passed the mantel to Elder Holden and admonished the church "Not to let the banner of the Gospel Jesus Christ Be Dragged In The Mud". In August 2008 the members elected Elder Holden to serve as Pastor. Elder Alice martin was appointed Dean of the United Christian College.
2010 Elder Holden was officially appointed pastor and Lady Rhonda Holden is new pent 1st First lady.
A Time of Gathering and Rebuilding
New Pentecostal came to know that this time of New leadership also required increased accountability and responsibility for many. It was impossible to fill the shoes of the giants who had served ahead of us. Times had changed and the church could no longer boast a thriving membership. Transition demanded that the church come together. The 2 or 3 dozen that remained active at New Pentecostal began to organize by holding annual planning sessions so as to understand the times and what resources w had available. In addition 2 of the elders, Danny Franklin and Alice Martin worked along with the pastor to minister to and encourage the congregation each Sunday. As this manner proceeded successfully, many positive building blocks came to fruition. A newly established Deacon's ministry and trustee ministry were examples. Elder Frances Lewis became the president of the Ministerial Fellowship and served well in gathering the ministers support for the churches work. As the membership took on the challenge to reorganize and grow we could sense a greater love and unity among us and the mighty hand of the Lord's provision for us
2011 Minister Erick Brice was appointed as Youth Pastor
2012-2013 New Pentecostal moved services to the Dickenson Education center while renovating
2012 Our beloved Pastor Dickerson was called home to be rewarded !!!!
2013_ year of jubilee New Pentecostal celebrates 50 years.
More Recently, since the jubilee the final surviving members of the 10 pioneers have all "gone home" from their labor. While we are on the path to validating our strong foundation and rich heritage. New pent is striving to hold up the "bloodstained banner of the Lord." We are thankful for the faith fullness of our Lord. 54 years and through it all we are learning how to trust in the lord with all of our heart and lean not to our own understanding .
Additional notables :
church bank account was opened at farmers bank with $22.
A finance committee was organized . Reverend George Cuthberson, sister Oney Hairston and Sister Elizabeth Stockton
Delaware Extension of the United Christian College was established by Reverend Dr. Louvenia Dickerson wit the mandate from the Lord to "teach My People"
1970-1979 several families took up membership
1975 Assistant Pastor, Elder George Cuthberson was called to Pastor New Hope UHC in Hartley, Delaware. Elder Elizabeth Stockton was appointed new Assistant Pastor and served faithfully till her call home
1982 major expansion of the church which included addition to upstairs space and bathroom areas with restrooms
church bank account was opened at farmers bank with $22.
A finance committee was organized . Reverend George Cuthberson, sister Oney Hairston and Sister Elizabeth Stockton
Delaware Extension of the United Christian College was established by Reverend Dr. Louvenia Dickerson wit the mandate from the Lord to "teach My People"
1970-1979 several families took up membership
1975 Assistant Pastor, Elder George Cuthberson was called to Pastor New Hope UHC in Hartley, Delaware. Elder Elizabeth Stockton was appointed new Assistant Pastor and served faithfully till her call home
1982 major expansion of the church which included addition to upstairs space and bathroom areas with restrooms