Religious Faith in Wolverhampton

New Testament Church of God

The New Testament Church of God is the largest and oldest established black church in England and Wales. The Church is now part of the international 'Church of God' with its headquarters in Cleveland, Tennessee, USA.

The Church of God is a fundamental Pentecostal church that believes in the literal translation of the Bible. Admission to membership of the church follows public declaration of faith and baptism by immersion in water.

The New Testament Church of God began life in Wolverhampton in September 1952 when seven brethren got together and hired the YMCA hall in Stafford Street. As the black population of Wolverhampton grew throughout the 1950s and 1960s membership of the church expanded. The need for larger premises led to the erection of purpose-built premises in Nursery Street.

On 27th January 1962 the church was officially opened:

Express & Star, 29th January 1962

In a speech given by the Chief Constable later that evening he informed the Church as to the reasons why Wolverhampton Council and the police had blocked the initial request for permission to build the church. He claimed that they could see no reason why black immigrants wanted to set up their own church, when there were white churches around. They thought it was a sign of segregation. The Chief Constable was amazed to see the mixed congregation, however, and wished the church all the best for the future.

By 1972 the church was again in need of larger premises as the congregation had risen to an average of 160, and so a church in Wednesfield Road, Heath Town was opened.

Other New Testament Church of God churches in the City are:

New Testament Church of God, Wellington Road Bilston

New Testament Church of God, Dovecotes Community Centre Pendeford

New Testament Church of God, Low Hill Community Centre Kempthorne Avenue