In the fall of 2006, Bishop Sedgwick Daniels chose Elder Samuel Newton to be the supply pastor for Saints Cathedral COGIC in Rockford, Illinois. With his wife, Melissa, and three daughters, the family embarked upon a journey of leadership and development in the downtown Rockford area. The church, located in the Wisconsin First Jurisdiction west-end headquarters, flourished under Pastor Newton’s leadership.

In the fall of 2007, Elder William McCoy heeded to the voice of God and started Holy Covenant COGIC with 5 members. The small congregation originally held 8:30am services at Saints Cathedral, and after 6 months was able to move into its own building on the west side of Rockford. The congregation eventually grew to approximately 40 individuals with God’s anointing foremost in the ministry.

Both congregations, led by men of God that were also good friends, frequently worshipped together in support of each other’s ministry. When together, the congregants of both churches lovingly referred to themselves as “Holy Ghost Central” because of the freedom of the Holy Ghost in the services. Over the course of several years and due to unforeseen circumstances, the churches had to unite for several months at a time to overcome temporary location challenges. In short, the Lord was beginning His work of uniting the two congregations permanently.

In September 2010, the two pastors sat down to discuss a possible merger after it became apparent that God desired the unification of the two congregations. After prayerful consideration and many lengthy planning sessions, the two pastors met with both their Superintendent, Pastor Willie Collins, and Bishop Daniels to discuss the merger and receive the official blessing from their leaders. It was the desire of the men to become co-pastors of one church, but Bishop Daniels informed them that the national church only recognizes one leader in a church, so it was mutually agreed that Elder Samuel Newton would step forth as the pastor of record. So was birthed the Greater New Unity COGIC.

God has continued to bless the church in great and mighty ways. Pastor McCoy successfully serves as Jurisdictional Sunday School Superintendent and works with the national church Sunday School literature as a commentator. Pastor Newton serves as the Wonder District YPWW President. The church is located in a beautiful building on the east side of downtown Rockford and plans to complete the purchase of their building by June 2018 are set. To God be the glory!