Church History

The New Covenant United Church of Christ was founded on September 20, 1974, with the merging of the former Lloyd’s Memorial Congregational Church and St. Peter’s United Church of Christ. Salem United Church of Christ became part of the congregation in 1976. Members of the Concordia Bethany United Church of Christ joined the congregation in 1988. Each of these churches had a long and distinguished history of dedicated Christian service in the Buffalo community.

The co-founders of New Covenant United Church of Christ, along with St. Peter’s, was Lloyd’s Memorial Incorporated (1914), which had its origins in a group that split from Bethel AME church because of a concern for moral reforms. In 1964, Lloyd’s constructed a building at 459 Clinton Street which eventually became the home of New Covenant United Church of Christ. 

New Covenant began under the dual pastorate of Reverend Jimmie L. Sawyer until 1975 and Reverend Philip Smith until 1978. The Reverend Will J. Brown Jr. was called to serve as interim Pastor in 1979. A few months later, he was called as Pastor, a position he held for 31 years. Under Pastor Brown’s leadership, the membership was spiritually uplifted through Bible class, Sunday school, worship service and the celebration of various liturgical events. Pastor Brown served until November 14, 2010 when he retired as Senior Pastor and was designated “senior pastor emeritus.”

Reverend Will J. Brown transitioned from his earthly home to live eternally with the Lord on July 13, 2011.

The Associate Pastor and wife of Reverend Will J. Brown, the Reverend Jacquelyn Ross Brown, assumed the Senior Pastorate on November 15, 2010. Pastor “Jackie” had an accomplished career in the city as a volunteer, educator, and mentor of young women. Under Pastor Jacquelyn Ross Brown’s leadership, the church continued to grow spiritually, financially and numerically.

After ten years, Pastor Jacquelyn Ross Brown retired from full-time ministry on November 15, 2020. Pastor Jackie Brown was also honored with the designation of “senior pastor emeritus”.

In January 2023, New Covenant called Elder Reginald Burt as Interim Pastor. Over the course of the year Pastor Burt oversaw the installation of a video system to live stream the worship services and began teaching comprehensive Bible classes including the Books of Galatians and 2nd Timothy. In November 2023, Pastor Burt was confirmed as the permanent Pastor of New Covenant United Church of Christ.