Founded in 1869 New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church stands before you. Its story begins not here in Minneapolis but in Germantown Tennessee. There a kind woman Mrs Florida Thompson gave land to enslaved people. They built a bush harbor a simple structure for worship and learning.
After emancipation this congregation continued to worship on that same land. Reverend Issac Cotten led them. He and others bought land from Mrs Eliza Cornelius for $200. This marked the official start of New Bethel. They built a church and a school a groundbreaking step for the African-American community.
Reverend Cotten’s vision extended beyond faith. He pushed for education. Trustees deeded land to the 11th School District establishing the Germantown School. Professor Napoleon Bradley became its first principal providing public education for the first time to Black people in that area.
The church grew. More land was bought. Another school was built. This became a church cemetery later. Reverend Jack Bradley followed Reverend Cotten. Then came Reverend Ben Nabors an honest strong leader. He urged Black men to be God-fearing.
Miss Mary A Bradford served as church clerk for many years. She also became the school principal in 1911. The school was renamed Neshoba School. It received support from the Rosenwald Fund.
Reverend D C Patterson succeeded Reverend Nabors. He was a well-educated leader. Professor Nicholas Giles Watkins Sr became principal. He worked closely with the church allowing students to attend revival services. He improved the school from elementary to junior high. He arranged for bus transportation something unheard of back then.
Tragedy struck in 1937. The church burned. Services moved to the Neshoba School auditorium. After several pastors New Bethel was rebuilt in 1939. The church continued to grow and change through the decades.
Reverend L J Peppers oversaw modernization. New Bethel added modern features. A cafeteria and baptistery were built. Reverend S L Wicks expanded the church adding a foyer and upgrading facilities. He even aimed to purchase the Neshoba School building after its closure. He succeeded in getting the land back.
Reverend Frank Itson was known as the cheerful giant. He initiated aggressive programs. He wanted stained glass windows a church van and a clear mortgage. His efforts helped secure these things for New Bethel.
Reverend Donald R Ester Sr followed. He restored outdoor baptisms. He added new ministries for children youth and adults. He established a summer camp. He also oversaw the construction of a new sanctuary. The Neshoba School building burned again but was rebuilt as the New Bethel-Neshoba Family Life Center.
New Bethel stands today a testament to faith perseverance and community. Its journey is remarkable a story of struggle growth and an unwavering spirit. This church’s legacy shows a commitment to both faith and education something that began in Tennessee and continues here in Minneapolis.