New Covenant Christian Church

New Covenant History

The historical story of New Covenant Christian Church, formerly named Gay-Lea Christian Church, dates back from pre-civil war period, the reconstruction era, and moves forward with eventful changes to the current period in the life of the church.

Before the Civil War, the Negro, free or slave, attended church along with the whites, communion services and baptismal services included both Negroes and Whites. The record shows that the Christian Church of any size was the one in Nashville. In 1849, the total membership of this church was five hundred and forty-six; approximately half were listed under “Colored.”

On one of Alexander Campbell’s visits to the “Colored Christian Sunday School” he wrote, “There is much more attention paid to the moral and spiritual culture to the Colored Brethren, than I have seen elsewhere.”

From this background, in 1859, one of the large Sunday Schools with about two hundred pupils, and under the leadership of Peter Lowery was constituted as a new Christian Church. The new church was located in West Nashville on land belonging to General William G. Harding, and called Grapevine Church. It was the first and probably the only Negro congregation of the Christian Church in Tennessee.

The congregation soon moved to Seventh Avenue South, and held services in an old brick house which belonged to Peter Lowery. The congregation moved again to the corner of Vine and Crawford Avenues, and became known as the Second Christian Church. The congregation eventually moved to Gay Street Christian Church and was blessed to have the most outstanding religious leaders in Nashville and probably in the south to serve as pastors and officers.

Elder Preston Taylor is symbolic of the early Black Disciple of Christ heroes. After serving Gay Street Christian Church from 1884-1888, he organized Lea Avenue Christian Church at 709 Lea Avenue in 1891. According to a 1903 Gospel Plea, “Elder Taylor is adding a fine auditorium to Lea Avenue Christian Church. When finished it will be the finest church in that part of the city.” During Elder Taylor’s pastorate of Lea Avenue Christian Church he received the idea of a national movement of the Colored brethren. He saw the need for developing churchmanship, leader training, employment of professional staff and interaction with other agencies of the church. On August 5-9, 1917, forty-one representatives from fourteen states assembled at Lea Avenue Christian Church in Nashville, Tennessee. The National Christian Missionary Convention was organized under the guiding genius of Preston Taylor. Elder Taylor was elected president of the National Convention at its’ first meeting and every year until his death in 1931.

Elder R.C. Maloy was ordained by Elder Preston Taylor on July 15, 1917. Elder Maloy was the first Christian minister that Elder Taylor ordained. He was called to fill the pulpit at Gay Street Christian Church where he pastured faithfully for 16 years.

During two decades the Gay Street and Lea Avenue Christian churches were merged, and moved forward under the leadership of several outstanding ministers.

Elder H.C. Poston, builder, led the congregation in the construction of the church sanctuary at its’ new site on Osage Street.

Elder Claude Walker introduced constructive Christian Education Youth Programs, and a sizable increase in membership was realized.

Elder Harry Gaylord, a young minister recently out of the seminary contributed to some of innovative programs.

Elder L.L. Dickerson was appointed by the National Convention Board to care and supervise Greenwood Cemetery, and later consented to act as part-time minister of Gay-Lea Christian Church. During his ministry an educational unit was built and furnished. He was a friendly leader, moving in the community and involving the neighbors in the programs of the church.

Elder William Dansby served as Pastor of the congregation for sixteen years. Under his leadership the mortgage on the L.L. Dickerson Educational Fellowship Hall was dedicated and paid off.

Elder Charles A. Black served as the sixth Pastor of Gay-Lea Christian church. During his brief administration he worked to organize and reorganize auxiliaries.

Elder Thomas L. Murray served as the seventh Pastor of Gay-Lea Christian Church. He came to Gay-Lea in December 1987, after having served as Associate Pastor of Mississippi Boulevard Church in Memphis, Tennessee. During his pastorate it was the vision of the Church through his leadership to experience a spiritual awakening.

Elder Perry Wiggins, III served as the eighth Pastor of Gay-Lea Christian Church. He came to Gay-Lea in November 1990, after having served as pastor of Bentley Christian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Elder William E. Crowder, Jr. came to Gay-Lea in September 1995 as the ninth Pastor, after having served as Youth Pastor of Mississippi Boulevard Church in Memphis, Tennessee. Under the leadership of Reverend Dr. William E. Crowder, Jr., using spiritual wisdom, in 2002 the church decided to rename itself New Covenant Christian Church. In addition, the congregation received a $3.4 million HUD grant to build a 52-unit housing complex for the elderly, Disciples Village.

In 1999, the church was renovated and classrooms were added. In December of 2006, the debt was retired.

There is so much more to tell of our history but we are joyful and ecstatic in this 151st year to not only celebrate our anniversary but to welcome our new Pastor, the Reverend Dr. Judy D. Cummings. Dr. Cummings stepped into her new position of Shepherdess here at The Covenant on September 1, 2010. We give thanks to Almighty God as we celebrate 151 years of Christian follow-ship, friendship and fellowship. Many have served long and well, and the spirituality within this congregation is rich. New Covenant Christian Church is place where God is glorified and people are edified.

disciples@newcovenantnashville.org