Sunday, November 21, 2021 To God be the glory! We are celebrating a momentous occasion in the history of New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. As we celebrate this quasquicentennial celebration, we acknowledge that it is the Lord’s doing and it is marvelous in our eyes! It is by the favor and grace of God that we have come this far. We can’t help but look back and reflect upon all the good things God has done for us. We have a rich history and promising future as a congregation. I am personally thankful for all the pastors and leaders who have served New Bethel. We are standing on the shoulders of some great men and women. They labored in this vineyard and served with excellence to ensure that New Bethel would be a church on the move. They laid a solid foundation that we are yet standing and building upon as a ministry. I am thankful for their leadership and legacy. I want to acknowledge our current deacons, trustees, and leaders of this great church. I am thankful for your support and encouragement. To the members of New Bethel, I am grateful for your love and partnership. Without your support, none of what has been done would be possible. We have endured a difficult year of ministry with the pandemic, yet God has been faithful to us as much church family. We have seen growth spiritually, financially, and economically - all while in in the midst of a pandemic. We have conquered every opposition and obstacle that we faced with the help of God! I am looking forward to the next years of ministry, and I agree with the words of the Apostle Paul: “However, as it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has hear, and what no human mind has conceived,’ the things God has prepared for those who love him” (1st Corinthians 2:9 NIV). New Bethel, we must believe. “The Best is Yet to Come.” We have not seen all that God is going to do, as we continue to love Christ, lead change, and lift the community. It is my prayer that God will prepare, position, and propel us to be the church that will minister intergenerationally to this beautiful community of 38106 and abroad. Grace and Peace,
Marquis G. McPherson, Sr. Senior Pastor
907 South Parkway East s Memphis, Tennessee 38106 s (901) 942-3903
LOVE Christ. LEAD Change. LIFT the Community.
Church History
N
ew Bethel Missionary Baptist Church (NBMBC) was founded and established in 1896 by Reverend Sandy Matthews. The church was organized at 7th Street (now Florida Street). Four years later, the church burned. The members of NBMBC were determined to worship God together and a new edifice was erected at 1006 Eighth Street (now Texas Street). After Reverend Matthews’ health began to fail, he resigned from his position as Pastor.
Reverend J.W. Shaw was called as the next Pastor. Reverend Shaw served NBMBC for 12 years, and was succeeded by Reverend C.L. Goldsby. Under Rev. Goldsby’s leadership, NBMBC experienced tremendous growth. As a result, a new facility was needed. The membership worked to secure funds for this new building. The growth was so great that Reverend Goldsby envisioned a brick structure for the new sanctuary. Building fund clubs (Rose of Sharon, Rising Sun, Willing Workers, and Smart Set) were established to help bring the vision to pass. Reverend O.V. Garner was called to New Bethel in 1942. When he began serving, the church was heavily mortgaged. Reverend
Garner immediately began to work on a plan to aid in eliminating the indebtedness. With God’s hand in the affairs of the church and the membership’s faithfulness to stewardship, the debt was paid and the mortgage was burned. Reverend R.C. Gallion succeeded Reverend Garner in 1947. Reverend Gallion encouraged the members to continue working towards a building fund program. After eleven years of faithful service, Reverend Gallion resigned as pastor. In November of 1958, Reverend Dave Bond was called to NBMBC. Reverend Bond continued the idea of a building fund program with the faithful support of the membership. After four years of determination, NBMBC moved to our current location at 907 South Parkway East, Memphis, TN 38106. The church was purchased for $125,000. On Sunday, December 16, 1962, the members enjoyed the first service at the new campus. The new facility included additional classroom space, a fellowship hall, additional parking, and central air conditioning. Reverend Bond instituted a kindergarten.
Emphasis was also given to Christian Education through Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and Baptist Training Union. Reverend Bond would send representation from NBMBC to attend the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc, to train and equip the saints for the work of the ministry. NBMBC actively participated locally, regionally, and nationally through the National Baptist Convention. Four ministers (Reverend J.A. Sills, Reverend Roosevelt Chinn, Reverend Robert Bowen, and Reverend Clarence Williams) received their ordination under Reverend Bond. Once again, under Reverend Bond’s leadership, NBMBC experienced growth spiritually, numerically and financially. The Deacon and Trustee Boards greatly increased, and the church purchased a new Hammond organ. Reverend Bonds and the members started a benevolence fund to minister to the basic needs of individuals financially. Reverend Bond remained a good and faithful servant until his health began to fail. He was given the distinguished title of Pastor Emeritus until his death. In 1985, Reverend B.F. Abram was called to serve as Pastor. Reverend Abram inspired the membership to embrace God’s vision for the church, “To save one soul at a time.” To make the vision a reality, New Bethel embarked on a crusade to evangelize, educate, and empower. For many years, the ministers of New Bethel would share the Gospel with the residents of Poplar Point Health and Rehabilitation (now Majestic Gardens) each Friday. NBMBC participated annually in their Angel Tree program. Much was accomplished through Reverend Abram’s vision for NBMBC. The church purchased a fifteen-passenger van for outreach. The parking lot was paved. A heating element was installed on the baptism pool to heat the water. Upgrades were made to enhance the Audiovisual Ministry. Under Reverend Abram’s leadership, the church received new carpet, cushion was added to the pews, track lighting for the pulpit and choir stand, and light fixtures and ceiling fans were added in the sanctuary. NBMBC acquired property on Gaither Street. Three ministers (Reverend Carlos Avant, Reverend Billy Berry, and Reverend Shawn Abram) were ordained under Reverend Abram’s leadership. After thirty-four years of shepherding NBMBC, Reverend Abram retired. On Sunday, January 26, 2020, Reverend Marquis G. McPherson, Sr. was called to serve as the congregation’s eighth Pastor. Reverend McPherson’s mission for NBMBC is “Love Christ, Lead Change, and Lift the Community.” God revealed the vision for NBMBC in Bible study one Wednesday evening based on Isaiah 61. The vision is to Rebuild, Restore, Renew, and Rejoice within the church and the community of 38106. NBMBC is moving forward with integrating social media and technology into the church. Reverend McPherson introduced streaming the Sunday morning online worship experience, a growing Wednesday night Bible study with the members, and a new church logo was implemented in 2020. In June of 2020, two women made history and were elected to serve in the role of Trustee: Sister Jimmie Hollingshead and Sister Peggy Thornton. NBMBC is continuing to expand its outreach efforts to the community. We are looking forward to the great things God has prepared for us a church family. “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.”
IN HONOR OF DEACON EDDIE GAINES
Congratulations New Bethel M. B. Church for Celebrating 125 years of Kingdom Building; knowing it is good, getting better, and “The Best is Yet to Come”
The Light Remains There are some who bring a light so great to the world, that even after they have gone the light remains. (Author Unknown)
“THE LOVE IN OUR FAMILY FLOWS STRONG AND DEEP, LEAVING US MEMORIES TO TREASURE AND KEEP.”
FROM: BETTY, TERRY, ROSITA, JEAN, COURTENAY, ERIC, MARCUS, BRIAN, TERRY JR, AND DARRIUS
HAPPY AND BLESSED 125TH ANNIVERSARY
NEW BETHEL MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH HOME OF THE VERY BEST NEIGHBORS EVER EDWARD AND PEGGY THORNTON
Con gr a t ul a t i o ns M ar ie K i r k O w e ns
Happy Anniversary!
Congratulations to New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church on 125 Years of Ministry!
Y May God continue to bless us as we serve Him and His people! Blessings, Sister Carolyn Smith
To the New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church HAPPY
May the anniversary of your church be a sign of its continued good work and blessed ministry. Thank you for all you’ve done and will continue to do for the kingdom of God.
1656 Pendleton St Memphis, TN 38114 901-745-5287
Since 1924, St. John Missionary Baptist Church has been a beacon of hope in the Orange Mound community of Memphis, Tennessee. Today, with 13 active ministries, we remain committed to seeking sinners, teaching the saved and nurturing the saints.
Dr James E. Delaney, Pastor Sunday - Services 9:45am CST Tuesday – Weekly - Bible Study – 10:30am CST Thursday – Weekly – Sunday School Lesson – 10:30am CST LXXTW WXNSLRQFG SVERKIQSYRH SVK https://www.facebook.com/StJohnOrangeMound/ https://twitter.com/StJohnTheMound
CONGRATULATIONS New Bethel M.B.C on your 125th Anniversary From Rev. Earnest Parish Jr. and Joanne Wilkes Parish and Family
The Washington Family congratulates OUR New Bethel M. B. Church Family, brothers & sisters in Christ, for 125 years of ministry
In honor of our phenomenal mother, Sis. Stella Washington
Who has served as a devoted former President of the #2 Usher Board, Chairperson/Sponsor for Pastor & Wife Anniversary, Church Anniversary, Family & Friends Day, and Creator/Director/Producer of the spiritually uplifting Glory Train Musical.
LOVE Christ. LEAD Change. LIFT the Community.
Happy Anniversary Congratulations to New Bethel M.B. Church on celebrating 125 years of ministry. May God continue to bless Pastor McPherson and the members of NBMBC. Be blessed, Earmond L. Booth
Congratulations New Bethel M. B. Church for 125 years of working in the vineyard of the LORD.
In Loving Memory of Maggie Eldridge, who asked for so little but gave so very much. Love You Forever and Miss you Moma, Tommie(RIP), Dannie, and Jean
IN LOVING MEMORY FATHER~GRANDPARENTS~AUNT~SISTER
JOHNNY F. MALONE JAMES SR. AND CLARA B. DABNEY JOHNELLA MALONE MARY F. MALONE STEPHANIE RENITA DYER JOHNNY L. MALONE AND FAMILY
In Loving Memory of: Deacon Willie N. Robinson, Sr. Fannie M. Robinson Antrenta R. Banks-Weston Melvin Banks, Jr. "Gone but Not Forgotten"
From Sandra R. Ramsey, Sheron R. Mayes, Mae R. Holst, Willie Robinson, Jr., and The Robinson Family FROM: SANDRA R. RAMSEY SHERON R. MAYES MAE R. HOLST WILLIE ROBINSON, JR. THE ROBINSON FAMILY
IN MEMORY OF: EMMITT TAYLOR WILKES FAMILY LEWIS FAMILY
Congratulations New Bethel M.B. Church on 125 Years of Ministry Shirley Wilkes
Congratulations on 125 Years of Ministry!
! s n o i t a l u t a r g n Co With Love, Candace Jones Braylon Jones & Brenton Jones
HAPPY 125th CHURCH ANNIVERSARY!
"THE BEST IS YET TO COME" 1ST CORINTHIANS 2:9
Congratulations
125 Years of Ministry
New Bethel M.B. Church Everett and Chandra Thornton
Congratulations to my friends
EDWARD & PEGGY THORNTON
For My Children Thinking of you with love and affection.
and the New Bethel Church Family on your 125th Church Anniversary! CONGRATULATIONS TO NBMBC FOR 125 YEARS OF FAITHFUL MINISTRY!
n To God be the glory! ~Lois Floyd~
~ Your Mom, Mae Holst~
Happy Anniversary to Pastor McPherson and New Bethel M. B. Church ~ I Corinthians 2:9 ~ From Pastor Anthony Sledge & St. Paul M. B. Church (Millington, TN)
Congratulations on 125 Years of Ministry!
BEST WISHES TO PASTOR MCPHERSON & THE NBMBC FAMILY! Continue to do the work of the Lord and be a light in a dark world! With Love, the Ruckers!
NOW HIRING FOR ALL POSITIONS! Starting pay $15 - $20 per hour! 8295 Tournament Drive Memphis, TN 38125 (901) 969-4639 www.distinguishedstaffing.com ___ A Full-Service Staffing Agency ___
N We pray God’s continued blessings upon your ministry, and proudly salute you for 125 Years of Kingdom Building!
Special Thanks Pastor McPherson and the New Bethel Church family would like to express our sincere gratitude to the following patrons for their financial support of this historic occasion: Mr. and Mrs. James Dickerson
Edward Thornton
Jackie Anderson
Lisa Stinnett
Gwendolyn Chandler Nevels
Bevely Lamon
Nikita Griffin
Jennie Alexander
Geneva Smith Patterson
Nikki King
Ruby Bryant
Pastor R. Troy Wilkins
Sheila Stevenson Atkins
Anita Larkin
Lottie Starks
That Crafty Chic Designs
Marquis G. McPherson, Jr.
Ciara Hutchison
Billie Jones
Thomas and Willie Mae Bell
Dorothy Anthony
Lenette Henderson
Francis Mason
Officer Marcus Kirkwood (MPD)
Emma Ellis
Pastor Ashton and Mrs. Tiara Alexander
Dominique Hollingshead
Yielded Transformation Ministries
Deljuan Hollingshead
Roy and Twana Whitlock
Christina Hollingshead
Touch of Elegance
Kenneth Hollingshead
Joeanna Levy
Jimmy Hollingshead
Terica Powell
Steven Hollingshead Leslie Hollingshead Kamari Oliver Sylvia E. Rayford Peggy Thornton