New Bethel Baptist Church

In 1905, two farmers, G.E. Autrey and J.W. Cooper, followed the Lord’s leading to create a place to worship for their community. Mr. Cooper gave the land to build a brush arbor near a grove of old oak trees. The members of the new church chose the name “Bethel,” meaning “house of God.” They soon built a one-room church to house the growing congregation. A decade later, the church was reorganized and became New Bethel in 1915. This is the New Bethel Baptist Church. New Bethel joined the Colquitt County Baptist Association in 1921. The church grounds incorporated a school in the early years, and a cemetery was created. Throughout the years, pastors have included farmers, school teachers, and seminary students. James C. Moore, one of the pastors, wrote the popular hymn “Where We’ll Never Grow Old.” Additions and renovations were made to the church building over the years, and by 1954 the Sunday school/social hall annex was complete. The church celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2005 under the pastoral leadership of Bro. Dion Brown. Today, New Bethel continues to serve the Lord by focusing on gospel preaching, Bible study, and missions. The church’s Vacation Bible School is one of its main outreach ministries.