New Sanctuary for Mt. Carmel Church

By Chuck Stewart, Jr.

(Town of Newburgh) - The members of Mount Carmel Church of Christ Disciples of Christ added a new chapter to their history book last Sunday as they officially opened the doors to their new church. It was a short walk across the parking lot to a new church home, but it took the congregation a long time to get there.

The original church home was on Colden Street in the City of Newburgh. Elder Johnson, who had been sent to preach at the Star of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Beacon, New York by Bishop W.E. Gilliam, found and rented a little store front at 62 Colden Street and called this mission, Mt. Carmel. His purpose in mind was to turn Newburgh upside down by making Disciples of Christ. That was August, 1956. It wouldn’t be long before the church would be on the move, growing in strength and numbers. In November of 1962 Bishop Johnson and the Mt. Carmel congregation marched from Colden Street to 13-15 Johnston Street, led by the late Bishop Gilliam and the congregation of the Shiloh Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ from New York, New York. In 1983 a fire destroyed the Mt. Carmel edifice on Johnston Street. They would regroup and, on the second Sunday in November of 1984 march from Johnston Street to their new home at 1528 Route 300 in the Town of Newburgh.

Their latest move wasn’t quite as far, just next door - literally, but it was done “purposefully.” They lined up in front of the old church edifice at four o’clock to begin their “spiritual march” to 1524 Route 300.

Bishop Emeritus George W. Johnson had a vision for a new church and it was no coincidence that Elder Herring, the current pastor, was named his successor - therefore charged with the responsibility to carry out his vision for a new church. Sister Wanda Boyd said, “Today we realize a vision that has come to pass. But even more so, today we realize that we must always depend on God. On this occasion, we are here to rejoice, celebrate and give thanks.”

In a celebratory ceremony fitting to mark the occasion of the dedication of the new Mount Carmel edifice, the congregation and invited guests rejoiced in the word of God, celebrated by “making a joyful noise unto the Lord” and gave thanks to those with the vision to see what could be achieved through the grace of God.

The Mount Carmel Church of Christ Disciples of Christ opened the doors to their new church this past Sunday. Inset photo: The founder of Mount Carmel Church Bishop Emeritus George W. Johnson addresses the congregation during the dedication ceremony, as Mother Johnson looks on.

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