Historical Summary: Establishment of the Church Community
In July 1991, Sister Edna Graham and Pastor Winford Graham relocated from Bronx, New York, to Palm Bay, Florida. Initially, their intention was to refrain from active involvement in church work, seeking respite after dedicating over fifteen years to service in Mount Vernon, NY. However, circumstances led them to explore local congregations.
They briefly attended a church in Melbourne but encountered an unwelcoming atmosphere. Subsequently, they moved to a church in Cocoa, where they were initially received with open arms. Unfortunately, tensions arose as the minister controlled testimonies, and disputes emerged between the Melbourne and Cocoa pastors regarding their affiliation.
During this time, they continued to engage with young individuals who accompanied them to Sunday services. One pivotal Sunday, they opted to stay home and pray instead of attending church. However, a phone call from one of the young attendees prompted a change of plans. Acting on divine guidance, they organized Sunday school sessions on their porch, attracting others to join them.
Despite challenges, they persevered. Seeking peace, they aligned with a concerned group that had separated from the Church of God of Prophecy. Initially renting a hall off Babcock and Malabar Rd, they eventually settled at 906 Elmont Street. Ultimately, after much prayer and reflection, they decided to return to the Church of God of Prophecy, conveying their decision through a formal letter.
In response to the call for ministry, a letter was sent to the General Overseer, Bishop Murray, detailing the desire to establish a church community. Bishop Lanter, the newly appointed State Overseer, personally acknowledged this mission. In March 1996, the church was formally organized with 14 members, led by Pastor Winford Graham, Sandra Grant as church clerk, and Rosetta Passley as treasurer.
The journey unfolded with divine guidance. In March 1998, the congregation acquired 1.40 acres of land at 215 Emerson Dr NW in Palm Bay. To facilitate the purchase, the name “Overcomer Church of God of Prophecy” was adopted, and the entity was incorporated to secure a loan from the selling company.
The Lord’s blessings continued to flow. By 2002, the church had fully paid off the land. As the congregation grew, plans for a dedicated building emerged. However, Hurricane damage in 2004 disrupted progress. Grateful for the generosity of the United Methodist Church, Pastor and members allowed Overcomer Church to share their premises after their services.
Historical Summary: The Journey to a Dedicated Place of Worship
The unwavering commitment of the local congregation sustained the vision, and Overcomer Church of God of Prophecy continued its journey toward a permanent home.
In response to growing concerns among the congregation about the existing place of worship, the church embarked on a search for a new location—one where they could freely worship and resume nightly services. Despite their efforts, finding a suitable space remained elusive.
One day while driving along Minton Rd, Pastor Winford Graham noticed a house for sale. Hopeful that it could be transformed into a place of worship, he inquired with the salesperson. However, upon learning of their intention to use it as a church, they were informed that the house was unsuitable for that purpose.
Undeterred, the salesperson shared information about a church building also available for sale. Armed with the agent’s contact details, Pastor Graham arranged to view the property. The news of this development excited the congregation, and anticipation grew as they prepared to see the building. However, when they learned of the sellers’ asking price, their enthusiasm waned—it exceeded their means.
Undaunted, they sought advice from the State Overseer and his team. Their assessment indicated that the building was not worth the asking price, but they encouraged the church to proceed with an offer. The initial offer was rejected, but they persisted in prayer.
As Pastor, Winford Graham continued to encourage the brethren, believing that if it was God’s will, this building at 4350 Aurora Rd in Melbourne would become theirs. Six months passed without progress. Then, in November 2007, after a morning of prayer, an email arrived from the seller’s agent. The sellers were now willing to accept an offer and consider a mortgage—a significant shift from their previous stance.
Gathering the congregation, Pastor Graham shared this pivotal development. The journey had been long, but the promise of acquiring this building filled their hearts with hope and determination.
The Overcomer Church of God of Prophecy held its first service in this building the first Sunday of January 2008. It was a very special service with forty in attendance, both members and visitors, and the church was blessed with the presence of Lord.