The History of New Life Christian Center

In 1967, Elder James Harris was moved by God to start a church.  Being obedient to God’s will, Elder Harris became founding father of First Church of Christ Holiness U.S.A. on West 8th Street, Wilmington, Delaware, under the leadership of Bishop David P. McPherson and New York City Superintendent Elder W. L. Jerome.  Elder James Harris pastored First Church of Christ Holiness U.S.A. at that location for five years, until the Wilmington Housing Authority purchased the entire block on which the church resided.

With his faith unyielding, Elder Harris did not allow this setback to discourage him.  Under the leadership of Bishop Eugene Brown and Eastern Diocese Superintendent Elder Samuel Kendrick, Elder Harris re-established First Church of Christ Holiness U.S.A. in 1974 at 234 North Clayton Street, Wilmington, Delaware.  Although there were only a few members, Elder Harris knew that the Lord said, "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." Matt. 18:20 (KJV)

Elder James Harris served as Pastor for ten years before retiring from First Church of Christ Holiness U.S.A. in 1984, as well as leaving the Chrysler Corporation after 31 years of dedicated service.  The Lord then sent Elder Carey Brown Sr. as successor, who served as Pastor for 14 years.

It was in 1998 when Elder Carey Brown Sr. and members decided to change the name of First Church of Christ Holiness U.S.A. to New Life Christian Center (COCH).  The "COCH" acronym stands for Church of Christ Holiness.  The following February in 1999, Elder Carey Brown Sr. was called to pastor St. Timothy church located in Newport News, Virginia.

The bible states "... I will give you (a pastor) according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding." Jer. 3:15 (KJV) So in June 1999, under the leadership of Eastern Diocese Bishop Lindsay Jones and Eastern Diocese Superintendent Elder Samuel Kendrick, Elder Calvin Maurice Brown was nominated to sheppard New Life Christian Center (COCH) where he continues to pastor today.

Blessed be the Lord, for we have come this far by faith!