Destiny Christian Church: History

Our History

History gives us stories of struggles, perseverance and victories in the lives of people. The history of our church is very rich. Actually, it involves the history of 2 churches which became one in 1997.

1930:	Courtenay Christian Church was planted as a home bible study group in the homestead of Carmelo and Dominica Crisafulli, by the testimony of Brother Pasquale Policicchio.
1947:	Moved from a homestead meeting into a building on North Courtenay Parkway, about 10 miles north of this location. This 1^stmeeting place was called Chiesa Christiana. It was originally set up as an Italian service, English was instituted later.
1954:	Pastor Lou Montecalvo was installed as the pastor where he served for 33 years until 1987. The church was renamed Christian Church of Courtenay. The church went through some name changes; it became Full Gospel Christian Church of Courtenay followed by Courtenay Christian Fellowship (CCF).
1967:	Pastor Lou and CCF church planted a new “youth” church (located on 4^th Street S. in Cocoa Beach). That church was called: “Hippie Church” or “All Welcome Church” and later “4^th Street Church”. Robert Valenti was the first preacher/pastor (converted NY City actor).
1969 - 1970:	William Mikler replaced Robert Valenti and was assisted by two close college buddies, John Sias and Bain Culton. The church was named “Cocoa Beach Ministries” and grew into at least 3 groups in Cocoa Beach, Merritt Island and Cocoa.
1977:	The church was renamed Community of the King Christian Church in Merritt Island.
1981:	A new building was built at 700 South Courtenay Parkway in Merritt Island.
1984:	Dan Pritchett became the pastor of Community of the King.
1985:	Name of the church changed to Word of Life Christian Church during Pastor Dan’s ministry.
1987:	Pastor Gary Montecalco became the pastor of Christian Church of Courtenay upon his father’s retirement. The name of the church was changed to Courtenay Christian Fellowship, during his pastorate.
1993:	Pastor Nick Welch (from New York after being an associate pastor in Tennessee) was voted in as pastor of Word of Life, after pastor Dan left the church.
1997:	At the invitation of Nick Welch and the elders of Word of Life, Courtenay Christian Fellowship and Word of Life merged into one church. Nick Welch retained the senior position and Gary Montecalvo became his associate pastor. Nick Welch’s close friend Fred Reno joined both pastors to assist in the ministry when he was not traveling.
2001:	Pastor Nick went to be home with Jesus in April. The church went through a difficult time. Pastor Fred felt that he no longer could stay and resumed his full time job in the medical profession.
Fall of 2001:	Pastor Gary was installed as the Senior Pastor (Lead Pastor) by the elders and Bishop Drew Rousse with the approval of the Church Body.
November 2003:	The church changed names. “Destiny” was included in the new name of the church as the result of many prophecies stating that this local body has a special destiny. The official name was changed to Destiny Christian Church and International Ministries. This name change happened with the approval of Bishop Drew Rousse who was in attendance the day it was unveiled to the Body of Believers.
October 2007:	Destiny Christian Church, with all the above history celebrated 77 years of ministry on Merritt Island Florida. We will continue to fulfill God’s divine Destiny through the will and enabling Power of God!
Today:	The church is growing strong and continues to fulfill its “Destiny” within the community in which it is planted.