SPCC
CHURCH HISTORY
On August 6, 1936, the late Rev. Wyman Chester Kinard (W.C.) and eighteen people were called together and they organized St. Philip’s Christian Church. They held their first meeting in a small storefront located at 365 South Fifth Street in Williamsburg Brooklyn, New York.
In 1950, Rev. W.C. Kinard suffered a severe stroke which left him completely paralyzed on his right side. He never recovered from this illness and went to his reward in 1955. During the year of Rev. W.C Kinard’s illness, St. Philip’s Christian Church became disorganized. During this period a majority of St. Philip’s members joined other existing Disciples of Christ churches.
In 1950, Reverend W.C. Kinard suffered a severe stroke that left him paralyzed on his right side. He never fully recovered and went home to be with the Lord in 1955. During his illness, St. Philip's experienced a period of uncertainty, and many members joined other Disciples of Christ congregations.
On Sunday, September 27, 1953, St. Philip's Christian Church was reorganized at a small storefront located at 561 Greene Avenue in Brooklyn, New York. Reverend David L. Kinard Sr., son of Reverend W.C. Kinard, assumed leadership as pastor. The church was reestablished with six adult members: Sister Mary Kinard, Sister Ruth Kinard, Sister Edith McMillan, Sister Clara Miley, Brother Wyman Chester Stevens, and Sister Josephine Steven Mason.
On March 14, 1963, St. Philip's purchased its first property at 345 Throop Avenue in Brooklyn, where the congregation worshiped for 34 years. During this period, seven ministers, two elders, twelve deacons, and fifteen deaconesses were ordained into Christian service.
In the early 1980s, Reverend James Dickerson served as Assistant Pastor. In the summer of 1980, Reverend David L. Kinard Sr. announced his retirement as pastor and continued serving as Pastor Emeritus until his homegoing in September 1981.
On June 28, 1981, Reverend Magdalen Shelton, daughter of Reverend David L. Kinard Sr., was installed as pastor. Under her leadership, St. Philip's continued to grow spiritually and expand its ministries, creating opportunities to serve both the congregation and the surrounding community.
On February 15, 1998, the congregation celebrated a significant milestone as it moved into a new church edifice at 765 Lafayette Avenue in Brooklyn, New York. The Lord also blessed St. Philip's with a Multi-Purpose Center, known as The Inner Court/Stuy Dome, providing additional opportunities for fellowship, outreach, and ministry.
After 25 years of dedicated and exemplary service, Reverend Dr. Magdalen Shelton announced her retirement in 2006. St. Philip's subsequently called Reverend Solomon Kinard to serve as Interim Pastor. In July 2007, Reverend Leslie G. Christie was installed as pastor and served until December 2008.
During 2009, pastoral responsibilities were shared by a ministry team consisting of Reverend Solomon Kinard, Reverend Dr. Lonnie Oates, Reverend Pamela Vance, Reverend David L. Kinard Jr., and Minister Claudette Brown.
In June 2010, St. Philip's called Elder NaRon Tillman to serve as Interim Pastor. On October 23, 2011, Elder Tillman was installed as pastor and continued serving the congregation until his departure in 2018.
Following his departure, Reverend Claudette Brown assumed leadership as Interim Pastor, faithfully shepherding the congregation from 2018 until 2024. Throughout her years of dedicated service, Reverend Brown provided spiritual guidance, stability, and steadfast leadership during a season of significant change and transition.
One of the most defining periods of her leadership came during the COVID-19 pandemic, when churches across the world faced unprecedented challenges. Under Reverend Brown's guidance, St. Philip's embraced new opportunities to worship, fellowship, and remain connected despite the physical separation of the congregation.
Through the development and expansion of its digital ministry, including weekly online worship services and livestreaming, St. Philip's continued to proclaim the Gospel beyond the walls of the sanctuary. What began as a necessary response to the pandemic became an opportunity to extend the church's reach, allowing individuals and families across the nation and around the world to participate in worship and experience the ministry of St. Philip's Christian Church.
Reverend Brown's faithful service, perseverance, and commitment to the congregation helped sustain the church through uncertain times while laying the groundwork for continued growth and new opportunities in ministry.
In 2024, St. Philip's Christian Church called Reverend Stephen E. Epps to serve as pastor, ushering in a new chapter in the church's rich history. Building upon the spiritual foundation established by generations of faithful leaders and members, Reverend Epps continues the church's mission of sharing the Gospel, strengthening the congregation, serving the community, and preparing St. Philip's for the work God has called it to do.
From eighteen faithful individuals gathered in a small Brooklyn storefront in 1936 to the congregation we are today, the history of St. Philip's Christian Church is a testimony to God's faithfulness through every generation.
As we honor the vision of our founders, the dedication of our pastors, and the sacrifices of countless members who have helped shape this ministry, we remain committed to carrying forward the legacy entrusted to us.
With gratitude for our past, faith for our present, and hope for our future, we continue to trust God as He leads St. Philip's Christian Church into its next chapter.