In January 1953, ten members of a local church in Homestead, Florida formed a prayer group. With continual guidance from God, the group grew to 35 members and was organized as Covenant Missionary Baptist church where we believe that with God all things are possible. The official organization of this body of Christ was let by Rev. King, Moderator of the South Florida Ministers and Deacons Union. The original organizers were: Deacon Rolley and Sister Ola Clark, Brother Leonard and Sister Mimi Deleveaux, Sister Edna Hicks, Deacon Isaiah and Sister Carrie Key, Mother Moyer, and Deacon Joe and Sister Margaret Scott.
The very first sermon of the newly organized church was given by Rev. Prince Ferguson as an inspiration to the church members Rev. P. J. Curry was called to become the church’s first pastor. The ordination of Rev. Alonzo Whipple was conducted to provide assistance to the pastor. As the church member ship grew there was a need for additional help. Deacons Isaiah Key, Joe Scott, D. Wooten, Rolley Clark, Ollie Days, Nathaniel Faison, R. Williams, Wallace Key and William Crigler were added to the administrative team. Choir’s # 1 and #2; Young Adults Usher Board was established. Rev. P. J. Curry served faithfully until his death in December 1968.
In June 1970, Rev. W. L. Strange was called to serve as pastor. The following ministries were added: Usher Board #2, Male Chorus, and Young Adult Choir. Deacon E. Ganzy became a part of the Deacon Ministry. Pastor Strange provided spiritual leadership until March 1985.
Covenant Missionary Baptist Church was blessed in November 1985, with a new pastor, Rev. D. H. Fischer.
Rev. Michael T. Symonette was called by God to pastor this congregation in December 1986. As the flock increased, it became necessary to ordain four men as deacons: Deacons Willie Beasley, Ernest Edwards, Bennie Lovett, and Clinton Terry. At a later date John Alexander and Ernest Sims were added to the Deacon’s Ministry. Pastor Symonette had a love for music; therefore, the Mass Choir was formed. He cared for the people until August 1993.
Rev. Dr. Joseph G. Sewell willingly accepted the call to pastor in April 1994. During this administration, Herman Clark and Willie Mahone were ordained, 15 mothers were added to the Mother’s Ministry, and early morning worship service was implemented and church activities were contributed to The Gospel Truth Newspaper. He served until January 1998. Rev. K. Williams was ordained and was installed as the interim pastoral. He continued to work with the Couples Ministry. The members proceeded to seek God’s will for his people.
In January 1999, Rev. Dr. Curtis T. Thomas began leadership at Covenant Missionary Baptist Church. The Soup Kitchen, Intercessory Prayer, Covenant Keepers Mentoring and Tutoring Program, Clothing Ministry and the Center for Virtual Advancement Computer Lab Ministries were initiated and instituted. Deacon John L. Alexander answered the call of God and became a licensed minister in July 2001. Brother Joe White was ordained as Deacon in 2001 and John T. Mitchell was added to the Deacon ministry in January 2003. Brother Willie C. Riley and Brother Arthur Hicks were ordained as Deacons on December 14, 2003. Deacon Avery Bell became a part of the Deacon Ministry later in the year. In the latter part of 2005, under Pastor Thomas’ leadership, the first female ministers were licensed: Minister Dr. Rosalyn Adams and Evangelist Elnora Clarke. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Pastor Thomas and the Covenant Missionary Baptist Church family dedicated the new edifice in April of 2005 which accommodates and seats more than 600 parishioners. As God continues to bless us, let us remember that “With God all things are possible.” Under Pastor Thomas leadership on August 31, 2008, Minister John Riley and Minister Michael Smith were licensed to spread the good news.
Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Pastor Thomas and the Covenant Missionary Baptist Church family dedicated the new edifice in April of 2005 which accommodates and seats more than 600 parishioners. As God continues to bless us, let us remember that “With God all things are possible.” Under Pastor Thomas leadership on August 31, 2008, Minister John Riley and Minister Michael Smith were licensed to spread the good news. On July 31, 2011 the ministerial staff was increased with the licensing of Minister Betty Bennett and Minister Milton E. Lindsey.
Mother Callie M. Birts was installed as the Mother of the Church on September 6, 2009. On January 10, 2010 Brother Ernest Greene, Brother Herbert Griffin, Brother Edward Woodberry and Brother Riley Ellison were ordained as Deacons.
Pastor Thomas continues to seek God’s guidance as he leads the people of God.
