New Bethel Baptist celebrates 100 years

New Bethel Baptist celebrates 100 years

New Bethel Baptist Church, Elkmont, celebrated its centennial anniversary Oct. 7.

During the Sunday morning service four former pastors and two former music leaders for the church were able to attend, said Mitch McCormick, pastor of New Bethel Baptist. The Hogan Family provided special music during the service.

Brent Hawkins, a former pastor of New Bethel and current pastor of First Union Baptist Church, Athens, shared the morning’s sermon. Alabama Baptist Historical Commission representative Nancy Beasley presented the Limestone Baptist Association church with a plaque.

After the service, the church held a special covered-dish celebration dinner.

“I was really pleased with all the people that came to that special service,” McCormick said. “We had one of the largest crowds we’ve ever had on that Sunday morning.”

Looking forward, McCormick said he hopes the church will remain faithful to sharing the gospel.

“All churches have to … stay focused on the gospel and to be open to new ways of sharing that in our changing society,” he said. Doing so is necessary for “reaching people for the Kingdom.”

New Bethel is currently reaching people very well, McCormick said; he expects they will continue to do so in the future.