Church History

In 1965, the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Churches in the Statesville area became interested in the possibility of developing a new church to meet spiritual needs of the people in a growing community on the eastern edge of the city. Members from several nearby churches provided the leadership; under the direction of Rev. Robert V. Luebke, Jr. who was at the time the assistant to Robert J. Marshbum, pastor of First ARP Church in Statesville.

The first formal worship service was held on September 12, 1965, with Mr. Luebke as minister. A Comissioning Service was held at First ARP, and the Congregation moved as a body to their "headquarters" at the "old green farmhouse". Forty- five members signed the charter at the time. The organizational service was held on October 17, 1965.

The former manse served as the church home from Thanksgiving of 1965 until the congregation moved into the present sanctuary on May 16,1971. The Church School met in the rooms of the upper level and the worship and fellowship were held in the beautiful sanctuary in the basement. Here there was a simple pulpit and communion table with a cross in the background.

Reverend Luebke served as minister until he entered the Chaplaincy on December 25,1966. The Reverend Frank Beard assumed leadership in August of 1967 until relocating to Atlanta, Georgia, as pastor of Highlands Church in May of 1973.

Covenant Child Care Center, Inc. was opened in August of 1973 as an outreach program of the church.

One of the joys of the Covenant Congreagation has been sending our young men to the Gospel Ministry. Frank D. Stewart was ordained on June 8, 1975 followed by John Max Blumenstein on June 5,1983. Ralph Edward Spencer was ordained on June 5, 1989.

The Reverend Charles L. Mitchell came to Covenant as Mission Developer On January 1, 1974 from Crowders Creek Church near Gastonia, North Carolina. He retired on June 30,1988 after serving Covenant for 14 1/2 years. He and Mary Alice were honored at a congregational dinner when gifts of love and appreciation were presented to them.

Covenant acquired and dedicated a new organ on September 7,1975 in memory of Mrs. Anice Lyon Beam who served as an active member in the formation of this congregation. Mrs. Lee Spencer became the first organist-choir director on January 1, 1975. She presented a recital to the memory of Mrs. Beam.

Covenant was to receive help from Synod through December 1978. However, due to God's blessings and the stewardship of the congregation Covenant was able to achieve their goal of independence six months earlier on June 30, 1978. Covenant was then able to call and install their first formal Pastor, Reverend Charles Mitchell on November 11, of the same year. Mr. Mittchell became the first" installed " Pastor of Covenant.

In 1982, a new story educational facility was added to the first unit. Mr. Sam Gaither was the contractor for this project.

In 1985, renovation of the Sanctuary became a realty with the installation of ten new pews, carpeting and relocation of the choir loft to the area behind the pulpit. A special project of the women of the church was furnishing and decorating a spacious parlor adjoinig the narthex.

A growing interest in Missions was in the hearts of the Congregation. In addition to Covenant's Voluntary commitment to Synod's causes, $1,000 was sent directly to missionary support. The church also sponsored work teams to the mission fields of Rio Verde, Mexico for construction of Camp Marantha in 1984,1986 and 1987.

Harry Barkley Day was observed on June 1, 1986 to express appreciation for the loyal dedication and and service to the Lord and the congregation of Covenant.

Hamilton McGill served as our summer youth director during 1987, providing a full summer of activites and Bible School program for the youth of Covenant. Covenant women were host for the First Presbyterial meeting and Workshop on October 24, 1987. On October 27, the First Presbytery Deacons enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by our women.

James Laugh ner served as our summer support during 1988. He graduated from Erskine Seminary in September of 1988 and currently serves the pulpit in South Carolina. Following the Women's Synodical Meeting in October at First ARP church, the women of Covenant hosted a dinner for the Synodical officers.

On March 12, 1989, Bea Barkley Day was observed. Bea was the wife of Harry Barkley and served as a charter member and pianist for ten years. Mrs. Barkley also served as a deacon, teacher, choir member and was very active in the Women's work at Covenant. Both Haryy and Bea retired to Spartanburg, SC one month later. Harry passed away on December 13,1994.

Reverend Jerry Wolfe served as Pastor of Covenat from August 27,1989 until June 1,1992.

In 1992, Tom Stephenson served as summer support while still at Erskine Seminary.

On February 7,1993, the congregation called Dr. Robert P. Brawley to become Pastor of Covenant. A reception and installation service were held in late spring.

June 25,1995 was declared Nancy Kimmons Day in honor of Nancy Kimmons for her years of devotion and service to the Congregation of Covenant. Nancy's husband John was also given tribute. Nancy and John were charter members of Covenant. Nancy currently resides in Greensboro.

The parking lot was enlarged and repaved during the same year. Covenant also participated in Community Crusades.

On August 6,1991, handbells were given in honor of Nancy Spencer and The first handbell choir was formed at Covenant. Nancy is the daughter Of Rachel and Lee Spencer and went home to the Lord August 4, 1986.

April 21, 1989, celebrated a special day honoring Sam and Mary Gaither for their undaunting support of Covenant and exceptional service and dedication to the Lord. Sam went home to the Lord August 13, 1996.

During 1996, a new lighting system and much needed church van were acquired. Our numbers and spiritual enrichment continued to grow under the guidance of Dr. Brawley.

Covenant's congregation participates annually in the Community Sunrise and Thanksgiving Services. "The Lord hath done great things for us whereof we are glad".

During 1997, local ARP churches sponsored a Missions conference in March (SAMS). Missionaries visiting Covenant that year were Jay Herring- Germany; Camille Jones- Pakistan, and Suzanne Brawley- Germany. Increased emphasis and support were also given to the local prison ministry and the work of the Christian Motorcyclists Association.

A new lighted church message sign facing the intersection was added in 1997. Bill and Pamela Fikes relocated to Statesville that summer with Bill serving as Youth Pastor. The First Presbytery Elders Association also held their annual meeting at Covenant that year.

During 1998, Covenant became even more active in community outreach and affairs. Realizing the need for a ministry for our area youth, THE UPPER ROOM went from a vision to a reality. Despite many trials, and with much support from the congregation, the facility now has a permanent home on Signal Hill Drive. The facility offers young people a "safe haven" to fellowship and enjoy christian based entertaiment and a chance to develop and strengthen their walk with the Lord. Mission trips were sponsored to Applachia and the Black Foot Indians. Ben Wall was retained to work with our Senior High youth. We also participated in projects for the area Prison Ministry, Yokefellow, New Life Pregnancy Center, and Fifth Street Ministries. Covenant also exceeded our goals for financial support to the development of new churches through the Outreach North America program. We celebrated the 50th Wedding Anniversary of our music director Rachel Spencer and her husband Lee. 1998 was a year filled with great blessings an exciting growth.