Pastors of New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church
- Rev. J.J. McDonald 1901-1908
- Rev. Oliver Walkin 1908-1914
- Rev. Jim Smith 1914-1921
- Rev. A.A. Marsey 1921-1922
- Rev. P.A. Covington 1922-1925
- Rev. Walter Currie 1925-1926
- Rev. Lonnie Raeford 1926-1929
- Rev. Lacy Jones 1929-1950
- Rev. Ratcliff 1950-1951
- Rev. Lacy Jones 1951-1954
- Rev. Joseph Humphrey 1954-1955
- Rev. McNair 1955-1963
- Rev. S.J. McKinnon 1964-1967
- Rev. J.L. Williamson 1967-1978
- Rev. Ollie Miller 1979-1982
- Rev. Johnny Richards, Sr. 1983-1987
- Rev. Douglas Gilmore 1989-1996
- Rev. Harry J. Ghee 2000-2022
- Rev. Stephen Vinson 2022-
History Of New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church
Rev. J.J. McDonald founded New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church on the second Sunday in June 1901. The founding deacons were Bine McLean, William McEachern, Steve McLean, and Hamp McEachern. The church was named after a place in the bible called “Bethel”. Because it was a new church in the community, the founders added the word “New” and named it “New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church”.
The church was established in the Rex community because many of the people living in Rex were members of the St. John Missionary Baptist Church near Shannon, North Carolina. They attended Sunday School in Bright Hope Public Elementary School near Rex, North Carolina. This arrangement worked well for a while, but with the continued progress of the Sunday School, the community leaders saw the need to establish the new church.
Rev. J.J. McDonald became the first Pastor of New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. Deacon Hamp McEachern was the first church secretary, and Bine McLean was the first church treasurer. Some of the first members of the choir were: Martha Graham, Martha McDonald, and Will McKinnon. Annie Johnson McLean, Bessie McDonald, and Hanna McEachern Avant were some of the first members to be baptized.
New Bethel joined the Union Association in November of the same year, 1901.The Union at that time convened with the Flat Swamp Baptist Church near Fayetteville, North Carolina. Deacon Bine McLean was the first delegate to represent New Bethel at the Union. The church continued to grow under the leadership of Rev. McDonald from 1901-1908. Pastors succeeding him were Rev. Oliver Walkin, 1908-1914, and Rev. Jim Smith, 1914-1921.
- Under the leadership of Rev. Jim Smith, the members decided to construct a new building. The new church required careful planning and cooperation among leaders and church members. Construction began in 1917 and it took several years to complete.
- During the years that Rev. Lacy Jones was pastor, he continued to add new members and make progress. His deacons were: Mingle Deberry, John (Duck) Snow, Tydis Campbell, Will McKinnon, H.C. Johnson, and Sam Wilson. As time passed, death took most of the elder deacons. The following deacons were ordained: Walter McDonald, Tom McDonald, and C.H. Smith was reinstated as a deacon. Bro. James Taylor was accepted by transfer from Stoney Grove Baptist Church near Lumberton, NC. At this point in time, the enrollment had reached 89 for Sunday School and the church membership was over 100.
- Pastoral Sunday at that time was once a month on the second Sunday. Under Rev. Jones, it was suggested that Pastoral Sunday be held two times a month. This suggestion was implemented and every second and fourth Sunday was devoted to Pastoral Sunday.
- R.N. Johnson and A.G. Paige were ordained as ministers during Rev. Jones pastorship.
- Rev. Ratcliff served as pastor from 1950-1951. Three deacons were ordained: Clem McMillan, Wendell McEachern, and Alex McKinnon.
- Rev. Lacy Jones served as pastor for a second time from 1951-1954. All offices in the church remained held by the same people, except the position of church clerk. Dexter McLean was elected to that post in October 1953.
- Rev. Joseph Humphrey served as pastor from 1954-1955. His trial sermon was given in 1955 under J.P. McNair.
- Rev. McNair served as pastor from 1955-1963. Under his leadership two Sunday School classrooms were added to the church in 1960. We also began making contributions to Shaw University by quota.
- Rev. S.J. McKinnon served as pastor from 1964 to July 1967. Under his leadership the church grew in membership and spirit. Several building improvements were also made during these years. In 1964 the church’s roofing was repaired and the church was painted. A new piano was purchased, and a cement walk was constructed in front of the church. Bathrooms were built, and running water was installed in the church in 1967. During this administration two deacons were ordained in August 1964: Douglas Johnson and Dexter McLean,
- Rev. McKinnon was Conference Moderator on July 7, 1967, and he delivered his last sermon at New Bethel on July 9, 1967. Sudden death came upon him in an automobile accident that same month. Deacon C.H. Smith, chairman of the Board of Deacons at that same time, was faithful and did all he could to keep the church together while searching for another pastor. The Union Association convened with New Bethel in October of that year. Through prayer and meditation, the Association was carried out in order (without a pastor) by the officials, Rev. R.N. Johnson, and members.
- On December 10, 1967, Rev. J.L. Williamson was voted in as pastor of New Bethel. Rev. Williamson served as pastor from December 1967 to October 1978. He conducted his first conference in January 1968. Rev. Williamson believed in putting the church to work. He made the following recommendations at that conference meeting, and they were accepted: (1) Selected ward leaders; (2) Utilize young people in the church programs; (3) Select a church budget committee, which consisted of Deacon Dexter McLean, Chairman; Deacon Douglas Johnson, and Frederick McKinnon.
- A Young Men’s Club was organized that same year. The officers were: Frederick McKinnon, President; Hector McNatt, Vice President; Marvin Monroe, Secretary; and Jasper Mc Allister, Treasurer.
- In 1969, Rev. J.L. Williamson’s first Anniversary Program was held on the fourth Sunday in April at 4PM. The first church calendar was made and approved on April 11, 1969.
- The church members “pounded” (each member gave a pound of food) Rev. A.G. Paige on the second Sunday of October 1969.
- In 1970, the following treasuries were unified: Sunday School, BTU (Baptist Training Union), Missionary Circle, and Building Treasury.
- The First Recognition Day was observed on November 14, 1971. Members were recognized for over 50 years of membership.
- In 1972, monthly conferences were changed to quarterly conferences. The first homecoming was observed on the second Sunday in July 1972. Rev. lacy Jones delivered the Homecoming message.
- The first Pastor’s Aid Club was organized on January 7, 1972.
- More improvements to the church building in 1974 included, carpet was installed, the interior and exterior were painted, front doors and door locks were replaced, gutters were installed over doors, and glass and paneling were installed in two openings in the rear of the church.
- Rev. J.L. Williamson continued to lead the church in a very positive. Young people were given more active roles in church services.
- Continued growth created the need for the church to set forth certain policies and procedures in order to have better communication and control within the church body. In 1978, the church selected the first policy committee.
- Plans were made to complete renovate the church’s structure, but after accepting bids, for the work, the cost was more than expected. The members decided that in the long run, it would be more economical to build a new church.
- In April of 1978, two choirs were organized: an All Male Choir and a Junior Choir.
- During Rev. Williamson’s administration two deacons were ordained: Deacon Allen Monroe and Deacon James S. Floyd. One deacon was reinstated, Deacon James Taylor.
- Rev. Ollie Miller served as pastor from 1979-1982. During his administration the church grew in membership. He implemented into the church program a Laymen League, Music Director, Church Program Committee, and a Bible Study course.
- During the year of 1983 New Bethel Church leaders were in search of a new pastor. Through prayer, faith, and hard work, the church called a minister. The church voted for Rev. Johnny Richards, Sr., to assume the pastoral duties in November 1983. Rev. Richards was officially installed as pastor on Sunday, April 8, 1984.
- The first service was conducted in the new sanctuary the fourth Sunday in July 1985, Homecoming Day. The first funeral was Brother Lyman Johnson, August 11; the first wedding, Sister Hattie Johnson McBryde, November 30.
- Pastor Richards was a faithful and dutiful pastor. His sincerity led us through a building program physically, financially, and spiritually. Reverend Johnnie W. Richards pastorate expired the second Sunday in April 1987.
- The church continued to grow and stay together while still seeking a pastor. The church invited Reverend Douglas Gilmore, Jr. to render worship service December 1988 to March 1989. The congregation learned to love Reverend Gilmore through his spiritually inspired messages. On the second Sunday in March the church voted and gave approval for Reverend Gilmore to become our pastor. Rev. Douglas Gilmore, Jr.’s pastoral began on the fourth Sunday in March 1989. He was officially installed April 9, 1989. Under his administration, new deacons were added to the Deacon Board: James Fred McLean, Lacy Charles Shaw, and Frederick McKinnon. They were ordained on December 9, 1990.
- 1992, historical events began with “Watch Service” on New Year’s Eve, along with Passion Week observed with the following churches and pastors participating: Oak Ridge MBC, Cedar Grove Baptist Church, Spring Hill MBC, and First Baptist MBC, Parkton, NC. Women’s Missionary Circle took upon themselves a great community task, “ADOPT-A-Highway” trash pick-up on New Bethel Church Road (SR 1745). Plans were made to construct a Fellowship Hall and church office. A Building Committee was formed. After all the details and plans were completed, construction began October 1992, and the project was completed in February 1993.
- The Lord blessed the church to have the note stamped “PAID IN full” ON March 1, 1994.
- The first Recognition Day Banquet was held in December 1994
- In July 1996, the parking lot was paved, and other improvements were made in 1997.
- On Sunday, February 27, 2000, we had an installation service for our new pastor, Dr. Harry James Ghee. Under his leadership, New Bethel has added the third Sunday to our worship services. In 2000, the church replaced the copier, and added to its inventory: a security system, television and VCR, a marquee, a new public address system, two new computers, an ice maker, and a utility building. Also, during this year, the New Bethel Library was begun through church purchases and donations by many members.
- In 2001, in addition to painting and giving the church a “face lift”, we purchased a laminating machine, and a binding machine. The Sunday School celebrated the end of Vacation Bible School by traveling to Falls Lake Recreation Area in Wake Forest, NC, for a day of sun, swimming, food, fellowshipping, and fun.
- On Friday and Saturday, July 29 and 30, 2005, New Bethel hosted its first Union Baptist Association meeting since June 28 and 29, 1986.
- In 2007 The church added the first Youth Revival to our annual programs.
- On April 20, 2008, we welcomed Rev. Dr. James A. Raye as guest speaker at the first Annual Deacons and Trustees Program.
- Outreach ministries include youth in conjunction with the AWANA program services to provide Christian Education for local youth; the Food Bank, servicing over 150 families once per month, and an “as needed” basis; and twice monthly visitations to two nursing homes facilities.
- Two more firsts… On Thursday and Friday, October 22 and 23, the Pastor’s Aid Ministry celebrated the Lord with a two-day conference, and the church followed that up on Saturday, October 24 with our First Annual Women’s Conference.
- A great change for ours and many churches occurred in the world with the onset of the Coronavirus disease December 2019 (COVID-19). New Bethel conducted services only via phone during this time. We added services via Facebook live on January 24, 2021. Only Dr. Ghee and the audio visual ministry were allowed in the sanctuary during this time for broadcasting. Being cautious of the health of the church body, we reentered the church facility June 7, 2021.
- Pastor Ghee, who experienced challenging health circumstances during this time decided to submit his letter of resignation effective August 14, 2021. Reverends Stephen Vinson and Flora Stephens, New Bethel Associate Ministers, carried on services faithfully. During the pastoral search we also heard the word from many guest speakers and applicants until conference voted Reverend Stephen Vinson in as our next pastor October 29, 2022.
- On Sunday, December 11, 2022, New Bethel recognized Reverend Dr. Harry James Ghee for more than 22 years of faithful service as pastor, with a program whose theme was “Honoring A Mighty Servant of God.
- Reverend Stephen L. Vinson was installed as Pastor of New Bethel Missionary Church, Sunday, January 8, 2023, at 3pm.