New Covenant Church of Philadelphia began in November 1982, the result of a direct mandate from God to Dr. C, Milton Grannum, and his wife Hyacinth.  God promised to lead them by His Spirit to establish a new church in an old city – a city where they had pastored for almost 15 years.  The divine mandate clearly charged that this church was to be a prototype – an original, which would receive its blueprint or direction from God as He led them in a new way on a journey of faith.  As God outlined His purpose for a new church that would touch the entire city, the Grannums’ realized more than ever that they would have to step out in faith to see God’s will fulfilled.  To pursue the vision of “a new thing,” God would give them a new structure upon which to build, one which was to include Elders, those in the church family whom God would appoint.

November 21st

The spiritual and physical pilgrimage of New Covenant Church of Philadelphia began on November 21, 1982. Pastor C. Milton Grannum and Pastor Hyacinth Grannum, Founding Elders Rev. Abraham and Eve Fenton, Dr. Clarence and Ja’ola Walker, along with 60 worshipers gathered on a cold and rainy night in the chapel at the Manna Bible Institute on Church Lane in the Germantown section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was a cold, rainy evening when about 80 worshippers gathered in the chapel where a few kerosene heaters were placed in the aisles to heat up the room. Deaconess Dorothy Oliver and Rev. Kevin Lawrence began playing as Deaconess Louise Lockett led in singing the chorus, “He Is Lord.”  The chorus swelled in crescendo as more and more believers gathered in praise.  The room was electrified with the presence of the Lord.  Those who were there for the first service were called Pioneers. Rev. Abraham E. Fenton delivered the first message from Isaiah 43:18-20, “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth. . . .” The message was prophetic.  New Covenant Church was new.  However, Rev. Fenton emphasized that although God was beginning a new thing that did not mean he was rejecting the old. Rev. Dr. C. Milton Grannum shared His vision of a Network of Evangelistic Teams touching the DE Valley.  

November 28th

The Church family grew in numbers and passion at the Ivy Leaf Middle School at 6925 N. Broad Street.

Rev. Walter Anderson became New Covenant’s Assistant Pastor, and for over 20 years faithfully served members with visitation, prayer, and counseling.

In April, Dr. Grannum begun sharing “Wisdom from the Word” on WZZD through the efforts of NCCOP’s first volunteer, Multimedia Director, Asala Bobb, who later became an Associate Pastor.

In July the church held its First Vision Luncheon at Adam’s Mark Hotel where 950 persons pledge $80,000 for our own building.

June 26

Ardleigh Street facility purchased giving the church more space and time for ministry activity. New Covenant Church finally had a home of its own.

July 22

Ardleigh Street facility dedicated with a special Dedication Luncheon and a week of dedication services.

March

A rapidly growing New Covenant Church moves to holding two services, an early 7:30am service, and a 11:00am service.

April

Easter service is held at the Civic Center's Pennsylvania Hall. Many leaders are consecrated as Deacons, Ministers, and Pastors.

July

Vacation Bible School is held in homes of members throughout the city and ended with a parade.

November

New Covenant celebrates it Sixth Anniversary at Twelve Caesar's. The 30 year mortgage of the Ardleigh Street facility was burned, as it had been paid off in just four years.

May 18

Dr. C. Milton Grannum is consecrated as Bishop in charge of the Overseas Ministries of Covenant Ministries International. The Consecration Service was held at the Church of the Savior in West Philadelphia.

May 6

New Covenant Church of Philadelphia acquired the historic campus at 7500 Germantown Avenue, formerly the Spring Garden College. The late Victorian campus had previously been the home of the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf.

May 15

Project Quick Start, a volunteer based renovation and clean-up effort for the campus begins.

Oct 2

Smith Hall is dedicated in honor of Bishop Grannum's childhood Pastor the late Rev. Herman Smith and his wife Mrs. Lavera Smith.

June 2

Groundbreaking Ceremony Service for the New Sanctuary was held outside on the new campus.

July

Guyana Assembly appoints Bishop Grannum as Bishop of the Church of God in Guyana for a ten year term.

March

The final services are held at the Ardeligh Street Property and the building is sold.

March 23

Palm Sunday and Easter Services are held in the Gym of the new campus.

July

Services are held on the grounds of the new campus. God held back the rain for each service!

July 21

The first Sunday Morning service was held in the new sanctuary as construction continues on the building.

September 13

The newly completed sanctuary is dedicated to the glory of God with celebration concerts and services.

The New Covenant Church broke ground on Covenant Manor, a 56 unit affordable senior housing facility.

The very first Gospelfest was held in partnership with CLC, Praise 103.9, and Sunoco Welcome America. It would continue every year until 2009.

The Alpha course comes to New Covenant helping over 850 people fellowship and learn more about God.

The 30th Anniversary was celebrated with a special cruise and a Banquet Luncheon at the Hilton Philadelphia.

June 2

Pastor Bob Oliver was installed as New Covenant’s Executive Pastor: serving as both the Senior Pastor and Chief Executive Officer of New Covenant Church of Philadelphia and Campus.

Under his leadership, the Church has continued the emphasis:

• Community Ministries, which has led to a community ministry strategy and acts of mercy such as the 2 Fish 5 loaves initiative which is an effort to address Food insecurity in the city of Philadelphia
• Fostering unity in the body of Christ
• Addressing the issues of systemic injustices through informed conversations with faith and non-faith leaders. In all the Church seeks to remain obedient to the Word of God and to foster unity of the saints and the bond of peace