New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church is one of the oldest 

Black Baptist Churches in Perquimans County.

    According to available records, a group of Blacks met (at the present site of this

church) under a Bush Shelter in 1866 and organized a church. It is believed this group

was called the African Baptist Church. On November 27, 1867, a committee of the

African Baptist Church (James Dail, Daniel Sutton, Elley Ellison, Thomas Williams and Henry Simpson) purchased from James Gatling a parcel of land (one acre) for the sum of twelve dollars to be used for a church, school and other purchases.

    Prior to 1866, Blacks of the community worshipped and held membership at Bethel 

Baptist Church.  When this church was built, the founders named is New Bethel 

Missionary Baptist Church.

  The first Shepherd to head this flock organized and laid the foundation of Christian leadership and dedication.  To assist the Pastor, the following were chosen as 

Deacons:  Levy Thompson, Horace Blanchard, and Ed Bonner.  All of who have 

gone to their eternal resting place.

   Through God's grace, the New Bethel has continued to grow in Christianity, 

Structure, Membership, and in Fellowship.  As the church began to expand, 

new officials were elected.  The first Missionary Circle was organized in 1910.  

The first choir was formed in 1911.  Also in 1911, the church was rebuilt.  The 

debt was paid and thee church's mortgage was burned in 1914

   From early 1866 until 1976, worship services were held only on the fourth 

Sunday of each month.  From April 1976 until March of 1988, worship services 

were held on the second and fourth Sundays of each month.  With the exception 

of fifth Sundays, worship services have been held every Sunday since 

March 20, 1988.

   For many years, Sunday School has been held for Sundays a month.  Holy 

Communion is administered every fourth Sunday.  Intercessory Prayer, Prayer 

Service and Bible Study is held weekly on Wednesday nights.  Our Annual 

Revival Services are held the last week in the month of September.

   From 1940-1998, extensive interior and exterior renovations have been 

made to our church.  Between 1989-1990 a Fellowship Annex was built 

containing the following Pastor's Study, restrooms, a conference room, Sunday 

School Class divisions, a kitchen and a dining area.  In 1993, new flooring and 

a Baptistery were placed in our church and in 1994 four new entrance doors 

replaced the original doors of our church.

  In January of 1995, Pastor William M. Sawyer and his wife, Dr. Martha B. Sawyer organized a Christian training ministry for the youth of the church, the YES program, 

(Youth for Education and Service) meeting on the first Saturdays of each month.  In 

March of 1996, New Bethel had another face-lift: new stained glass windows,

  additional pews, new flooring covering and additional Sanctuary improvements

  were purchased.  The church provided a Transportation Ministry (Bus & Van) to 

assist the members when they want to attend various church functions.

    In 1997, a recreation area was developed and equipped for the youth of our church. 

  A new Yong Chang Sanctuary Piano was purchased.  In 1998, a new Hammond-926 

Organ was purchased for the enhancement of our worship services.

    Through the years, New Bethel has licensed many sons of the ministry.  Also, 

to strengthen our church in Christian love, many auxiliaries have been formed.

   From 1866-1986, the following deceased pastors led the New Bethel congregation 

through many deep valleys and dark shadows.  Reverends L. W. Boone, T. H. Berry, Rev. Fleming, Rev. Garrett, Dr. W. D. Norman, W. A. Taylor, Andrew Moore, A. B. Askew, W. F. Brinkley, A.D. Privott, and S. L. Lawrence each, in their own way, challenged us to Holy Living.

   From March 23, 1986 through February 27, 1987, New Bethel was without a pastor. 

  On February 28, 1987 our present pastor, Reverend William March Sawyer was

  elected and on March 8, 1987, he began his ministry here.