New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church
About Us
Thank you for visiting our website. We know that finding the right church can be a very difficult endeavor. Here at New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, we are committed to the Christian ministry of teaching and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and believe that there is only one true God.
1 Corinthians 8:6
“But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.”
1 Corinthians 8:6
“But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.”
Meet the Pastor
Rev. Dr. Harvey L. Bigelow
Meet the Pastor
Rev. Dr. Harvey L. Bigelow
The ministry of New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church is charged with leading the church and community in understanding and embracing God's holy word in order to have a more fulfilled christian experience. Teaching of the saints is derived from the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments as the Holy Spirit gives direction.
We welcome you to visit New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church during any of our scheduled services.
Since April 2001
Since April 2001
Church History
Church History
New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church was organized in the year 1872 in Mt. Carmel District of Halifax County, Virginia, near the Wilkins estates. Rev. Jim Hunt served as the first pastor.
The first building was torn down in 1909 and moved to the present site of the True Friend Aid Society Lodge Hall. At this time, there were 309 on roll. The deacons were Cosby Scott, John Chambers, Sr., and Tom Powell. The late Rev. Hayward Wilson served as pastor from October 1911 - April 1919. From May 1919 - February 1920, the Church was without a pastor. From March 5, 1920 - 1925, the late Rev. J.F. Haraway served as pastor. The Missionary Society was organized during Rev. Haraway's pastorate. From 1925 - January 31, 1931, Rev. P.L. Harvey served as pastor.
The present building was erected and dedicated in 1928. The late Rev. Eli B. Thompson served as pastor from November 31, 1931 - December 1939.
Although these years were during the "depression," the church continued to stand the tests of time, make progress and fulfill the purpose of winning souls for Christ.
Mrs. Thelma Foster was elected and served as Clerk from 1933 - 1938; and again from 1942 - 1956 with a break in service during the years that Sis. Violet Wade was clerk.
The First Ministers and Deacons Union was organized on the fifth Saturday in October 1937 at New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church by the late Rev. Grant Adams. The First Homecoming Day was observed by the Church in August 1939 with the sermon by the late Rev. T.B. Wilson. The late Rev. E.G. Williams served as Pastor from 1940 - 1948. The Church continued to grow both spiritually and financially during his pastorate.
In 1940, the late William Barksdale, Artis Scott and Royal Brandon were ordained as deacons.
The First Rally was begun on First Sunday in November 1942.
A Senior Choir was organized in 1948 with Mrs. Phyllis C. Jones serving as director and pianist. In 1945, the late Isaac Carter and the late Keister Oliver were ordained as deacons. Rev. Nathaniel Baldwin served as pastor from 1949 - January 1970. The church continued to make progress in all areas. A Junior Choir was organized in 1956.
In 1957, the late Elisha Richardson and Otto Coleman were ordained as deacons. Mrs Mabel Coleman was elected as clerk in 1957 and served until 1980. She was re-elected in April 1983.
In 1958, central heat was installed. In 1962, pews were purchased and installed. On April 4, 1964, Aaron Pointer and John Chambers were ordained as deacons. In 1966, the present building was bricked.
In 1958, central heat was installed. In 1962, pews were purchased and installed. On April 4, 1964, Aaron Pointer and John Chambers were ordained as deacons. In 1966, the present building was bricked.
On July 31, 1970, Rev. Nathaniel Jones was called and accepted the call as Pastor of the Church. The Church grew spiritually, financially, and physically; unparalled by any period in history. The church program was broadened under his leadership. In June 1970, Circle 1 of Sr. Missionary Society was organized. In September 1970, a Jr. Missionary Society was organized. Running water with a cooling system was installed in 1970 also.
In 1971, Joseph Thorpe and Ollie Turbeville were ordained as deacons. In 1971, a Jr. Church Service was instituted. A Gospel Chorus and "The Tender Voices" were organized. Also in 1971, the interior of the Church was completely renovated and carpet installed.
In 1972, Prayer Service and Bible Study Classes were initiated. On July 29, 1973, the annex was dedicated. The Church was now complete with classrooms, bathrooms, a pastor's study, and fellowship hall.
On January 1, 1978, Jerry Carter and William Coleman were ordained as deacons. In 1980, the basement floor was tiled. In 1981, new windows and air conditioning were installed. Mrs. Shirley Carrington served as Clerk from 1980 - April 30, 1983. In July 1982, Alfred Garland and Mason Coleman were ordained as deacons.
April 30, 1983, Rev. Nathaniel Jones pastorate was terminated. Since then, the
following ministries have served as pastor: Rev. James Traynam, Rev. Michael Nelson, and Rev. Wallace Allen. Under the leadership of these ministers, the Church continued to grow.
In April 2001, Rev. Harvey L. Bigelow was elected as Pastor. The Church has grown spiritually and physically since that time. Under his leadership many, many souls have come to Christ through Christian experience, and baptism.
A ministry sign has been added, an office computer. In addition to the cemetery expansion and transportation ministry, a bathroom and shower was installed in the Pastor's study. A marquee was installed in front of the church in July 2001. Also the pulpit was renovated, carpeting laid on the floor and the seats cushioned.
In April 2004, a steeple was constructed on the top, added were new stained-glass windows for the sanctuary, new lighting fixtures and the ceiling was lowered. A new handicap ramp was provided, as well as a new window at the rear of the choir stand. A new stained-glass window was installed in the back of the baptizing pool. In 2004, two glass doors were added to front of the church and a New Bethel bus was added.
Submitted by:
Edith M. Hamlett, June 2016
Having been led as we believe, by the spirit of God