The work of the Church of God in New Castle had a humble beginning.  In 1912, three families met together, first in homes and then in a rented hall.  Bro. Elijah Van Hoose came to serve as the first Pastor of the new congregation.  Growth continued, with meetings held in the Court House and then at 18th and Walnut where a new building was dedicated in 1922, under the pastorate of Bro. Frank Steimla. 

Roy W. Potter and F. Stanley Smith followed as pastors, prior to the coming of Herman Ast in September, 1926.  After 38 years of ministry in New Castle, Rev. Ast retired on September 1, 1964.  H. Lee Murrell then served as pastor for two years, followed by Melvin Miller who unexpectedly passed away after less than a year in the pastorate.  D. C. Stafford came later in that year, serving until 1973.  In August, 1973, Harold Goodpastor came as pastor, and served  until the end of 1979.  During his ministry, the present facilities on South Memorial Drive were built.  In April, 1980, Larry Buford was called as Senior Pastor and served until the Spring of 1990.  In December, 1983, Glenn Peterson was called to serve as Associate Pastor.  Rev. Peterson served until May, 1987. 
 
In July, 1988, Bob R. Cole was called to serve as Associate Pastor.  In 1990 Jody Hill was called as the Senior Pastor, and served in that capacity until 1993.  Tom Pickens served as Interim Pastor during 1993-94.  In January of 1995, Mark A. Martin was called as Senior Pastor, and Jason A. Clark was added to the staff as Youth Pastor in September of 1995.  In the fall of 1997 Tami L. Byrd was called as Associate Pastor of Youth, and Curtis L. Ferrell was added to the staff as Pastor of Music and Worship in February of 1998.

Pastor Mark announced his resignation on August 10th, 2006 and left South Memorial Drive Church of God on December 31st. Pastor Arlo Newell has assumed Interim Pastor duties.

In October, 2007 we Pastor Chris Gammello and his family began their pastorate in New Castle.

The history of the Church of God in New Castle has been a vital and significant one.  Although we honor our past, we do not worship it.  Our best days lie before us, because God has given us --a mission-- and vision to accomplish that mission.  The future will be full of hope and promise, if we faithfully carry out Christ's mission and follow God's vision for our congregation.
   
The challenge of history is not to emulate it, but to learn from it.  After learning its lessons, we move beyond our past into the present and future that God has laid before us.  We seize this moment in time to move forward with mission and purpose,  as the Spirit-filled and united body of Christ we have been called to be.