History of New Bethel Baptist Church
In 1863, following the Civil War, African Americans separated themselves in worship from Rolesville Baptist Church. The first attempt to organize an independent church was convened in what was then called "Temperance Hall", located in Rolesville, NC. Service was held on the 4th Sunday in April of 1867. Present at the first meeting of those withdrawing from Rolesville Baptist Church were:
Isaac Jeffreys, James Montague, Sarah Dunston, Mary Giles, Silas Perry, Peter Leigh, Arthur Alston, Gaston Hodge, Mary Jones, Terry Powell, George Leigh, Bolden Dunn, Peggy Freeman, Mariah Montague, James Freeman, Charles Montague, Daniel Freeman, Rhody Watkins, and Dicey Massey.
The first building was built on land donated by Isham Young in 1867. This building was located across the street from the present Sanctuary. The church was constructed of logs and assistance was provided by the Deacons of Rolesville Baptist Church. The name of the first church was Second Baptist or the Colored Baptist Church. The second Sanctuary was constructed of wood in 1887. In the 1920's the church moved from the early wooden structure to a framed structure. The church then became known as New Bethel.
Under the guidance of the current leader, Pastor Lenwood V. Long, Sr., the focus shall continue to be God centered with the spirit of service girded by the following words, "And whatever you do, do it heartily as to the Lord and not to men." Colossians 3:23 NKJ. New Bethel Baptist Church shall continue to be about the Father's business!
PASTORAL LEADERSHIP TIMELINE
1867 - Pastor Beverly Stanford & Pastor Alexander Ellis
1867 to 1868 - Pastor Beverly Stanford
1868 to 1872 - Pastor G. W. Harris, Moderator of Wake Association
1872 to 1900 - Pastor G. W. Perry
1900 to 1913 - Pastor J. J. Worlds
1915 to 1919 - Pastor D. S. Saulter
1920 to 1939 - Pastor J. W. Powell
1940 to 1963 - Pastor Cleveland H. Heath
1963 to 1985 - Pastor William A. Morgan
1985 to 1986 - Pastor Joseph Cleveland Lovelace
1987 to 1995 - Pastor Ronald Lowery, Sr.
1996 to Present - Pastor Lenwood V. Long, Sr.