New Bethel Holiness Methodist Church F A I R M O N T,

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1 New Bethel Holiness Methodist Church F A I R M O N T, N C 73

New Bethel 1952 AS A MEANS of understanding the success of New Bethel Holiness Methodist Church, one needs to look at where and what the people came through.

2 New Bethel 1952 AS A MEANS of understanding the success of New Bethel Holiness Methodist Church, one needs to look at where and what the people came through. From 1835 to 1885 there were no Indian schools for our people and the Methodist Episcopal Church split into two parts, North and South bodies over the slave issue. We were caught in the midst. The black people, by in large, formed their own churches, the African Methodist Episcopal Church, with aid from the Northern Methodist Church. During this period of time our people caught the vision- idea to have our own church for Indian People; the same could be said for our schools. New Bethel came into being for the purpose of better serving our people both Spiritually and Educationally. We were neglected and treated as second class people of color and citizenship as well. The goal/aim was to elevate all of these, and thus make a more 74

" the Raleigh Christian Advocate, October As we celebrate our 27, 1886, page 4 he Official Board centennial we wrote that, "... This church is separate and independent of all others, a congregational M.

3 complete people for age. He is 22 citizenship on earth, years old, son and better prepared of CaIvin Lowry, for heaven too! was educated at The Rev. Jonathan Greensboro, NC, Sanford was the belongs to the M.E. pastor in charge of Church, and is a the Robeson Circuit nephew of Henry in Recorded in Berry Lowry." the Raleigh Christian Advocate, October As we celebrate our 27, 1886, page 4 he Official Board centennial we wrote that, "... This church is separate and independent of all others, a congregational M.E. Church, served by the preacher in charge of the Robeson Circuit, in accordance with their own choice. The government and doctrines are the same as the M.E. South, except the Pastor is Bishop and Presiding Elder and has absolute control officially, as well in money matters, which is separate from his salary on the circuit... They have 115 communicants, and there is not a white person nor freedman among them... They have a good church almost finished, the middle pew reserved for white people who sometimes outnumber the Croatans... The protracted meeting this year was the very best in the history of their church and they will, I think, pay every dollar of their assessment, besides their gifts to our preacher. During the revival Rev. Henry Lowry was present part of the time and are thankful for our forefathers who were great men and women of courage who had a vision for the future. Our church has produced great leaders who served their communities well and who paved the way for us today. From a "Brush Arbor" has risen a beautiful structure, which has been instrumental in providing and practicing great practical truths. Sometime during the year 1900, members of several families met in a "brush arbor" on the present site and organized New Bethel Church. Among those making possible the organization of the church was; The Rev. Z.R. Jacobs family, the Jim Mitchell family, the P.M. Locklear family, the Lewis Hunt family, the Eli Chavis family, and the Anderson Oxendine family. These families and their descendants preached finely for his Officers and teachers have been 75

supplying the leadership that has kept the church united and growing since its organizing. For about three years thereafter, worship services were held in the bush arbor.

Hunt, Brotherhood and individuals, organization of study courses for Church Officers and teachers, meetings, revivals, and good attendance.

4 supplying the leadership that has kept the church united and growing since its organizing. For about three years thereafter, worship services were held in the bush arbor. Then these people, with the assistance of friends such as H.B. Hunt, Brotherhood and individuals, organization of study courses for Church Officers and teachers, meetings, revivals, and good attendance. Also, during the life of the church there was a school in front of New C.C. Lowry, John Will Hunt Sr. and many others began a church building. As they labored to erect their building they continued to hold services in the bush arbor and they decided to join the Lumber River Methodist Conference. In the fall of 1903 the church building was completed in time to hold the Annual Conference of the Lumbee River Methodist Conference. The first trustees of the New Bethel Church were Arlain Strickland, P.M. Locklear, and Angus Archie Oxendine. The first class leaders were Lewis Hunt, Noah Strickland, and Jim Mitchell. The first pastor was the Rev. P.M. Locklear. During the following years the young church grew and prospered through the mercies and good grace of God in the blessings of the wonderful cooperation of families, hard conscious work of its members and friends, visitations, inspiration from the Bethel Church for years. After the school merged with another, the property was used for New Bethel Baseball Team for many years, and parking lot for church use. As a result of this growth, there were numerous additions to the original church building. Then in 1948, while Rev. Isaiah Locklear served as pastor of the church, plans were made to construct a new building. At conference that fall, Rev. T.O. Chavis replaced him and building began. The construction of the new building began in 1949 and was completed in The first service in the newly constructed church held the first Sunday of October 1952 with the Rev. J.R. Lowry as pastor. Recognition of a few responsible for planning and construction of the new building go to: the building committee composed of W.O. Strickland, H.J. Scott, L.C. Oxendine, Alton B. various singing groups Ladies Club Hunt, T.H. Locklear, 76

and Harmon Hunt; two of which also served as trustees with M.T. Clark, George Hatcher, and the Rev. Ellis. Serving, as class leaders at this time were H.T. Scott, E.H. Hunt, T.H. Locklear, and Reedy Chavis.

An early account of the origin of the New Bethel Church Choir was provided by Addie Mae Locklear and is also given to others responsible for the growth of the church Ladies Chows dates back to the

5 and Harmon Hunt; two of which also served as trustees with M.T. Clark, George Hatcher, and the Rev. Ellis. Serving, as class leaders at this time were H.T. Scott, E.H. Hunt, T.H. Locklear, and Reedy Chavis. Recognition Church music has been and still is a great part of church life. An early account of the origin of the New Bethel Church Choir was provided by Addie Mae Locklear and is also given to others responsible for the growth of the church Ladies Chows dates back to the year of 1928, approximately. Musical instruction was that served in the capacity of pastor, Church School Superintendent, or other responsible positions. Pastors who have served New Bethel include: Reverends P.M. Locklear, H.H. Lowry, Z.R. Jacobs, S.A. Hammonds, C.C. Lowry, Tommy Swett, Isaiah Locklear, T.O. Chavis, J.R. Lowry, J.E. Oxendine, Belton Bullard, M.L. Lowry, J. Ransom, Monroe Woods, J. Warford Maynor, Ward Clark, Jr., Alonzo Oxendine, and James H. Woods who continues to serve at this time. Among those who served earlier as Sunday School Superintendents include: Lewis Hunt, W.M. Rogers, E.H. Hunt, W.O. Strickland, James Freeman, Marvin Hammonds, Elton Hunt, R.C. Swett, James H. Oxendine, Roy Spaulding, Marion Oxendine, Kenny Mitchell, Terry L. Hunt, who is currently serving. New pews were installed while Rev. M.L. Lowry given by Issac Hunt and Will Taylor. These men gave lessons to the members on the reading of the musical notes. The chorister at this time was James Curtis Locklear and his assistant was Arbor Oxendine. Mr Locklear served for several years until his illness with asthma forced him to give up his work with the choir. Arbor Oxendine took over the duties of directing the choir and served until Mrs Clover Lee Hunt assumed the leadership of the choir. She served in this capacity until recent years. Under Sis. Clover Lee Hunt, the choir was expanded, and enriched, with other singing groups.early members of the choir were Manteo Clark, Willie Freeman, Lucy Freeman, Allie Byrd Rogers, Addie Mae Locklear, Reva Freeman and her mother, Retha Hunt, Edgar Hunt, and James Freeman. The Church was pastor. Quartet was Youth Choir established in The 77

Ladies Chorus in 1964. The Young Peoples group in 1965. The Bethelettes and Youth Group were also established in the 60's. Vacation Bible School had an earlier entrance in Church Life.

Bathrooms were added to the church in 1965, and an Educational Fellowship Hall was completed in 1968. In 1973, land was bought for a new cemetery, beside lona Church Road, and later completed. Rev. J.

6 Ladies Chorus in The Young Peoples group in The Bethelettes and Youth Group were also established in the 60's. Vacation Bible School had an earlier entrance in Church Life. Youth for Christ entered in Now we look at new additions and accomplishments in the life of New Bethel Church. Bathrooms were added to the church in 1965, and an Educational Fellowship Hall was completed in In 1973, land was bought for a new cemetery, beside lona Church Road, and later completed. Rev. J. Warford Maynor began his ministry at New Bethel in 1964, and served until He had a very fruitful ministry! Including the first to serve on a full- time basis. And still later, more building was done to the Church: Major renovations, bricking of the church. New front porch, stain glass windows, Sanctuary and Educational buildings were joined together. Rev. Ward Clark, Jr. was a builder too! This work was done in The following work was done, rebuilding the Pulpit, wall to wall carpet, Ladies Volleyball Team and coaches new lights in the Sanctuary. New land was given to the church that greatly expanded the boundaries of both church ground and the old cemetery, and required chain fencing to be installed. (Approx. 1983) Also, 1981 during this time a brotherhood was established and remains active. The church's greatest revivals were held in 1959 during the pastoral work of Rev. Martin L. Lowry with Rev. Tommy M. Swett as speaker. There were approximately 45 conversions during this revival, and in 1973 under the pastoral work of Rev. J. Warford Maynor with Rev. Charles W. Maynor as speaker. There were approximately 77 conversions during that conference year. Now during the present ministry of the church an organ has been given in Memory of Bro. Nick Young Adults Choir 78 Hunt, an altar ware set was given in memory of Bro. Glen Freeman, and a piano was restored in honor of Sister Rosa Wood's music ministry. Other church projects: sound system, padded pews,

new chairs for two classrooms, security system, the Sanctuary walls and ceiling was sheet rocked, ceilings in back classrooms were redone, new wiring and electrical outlets installed, four new air

7 new chairs for two classrooms, security system, the Sanctuary walls and ceiling was sheet rocked, ceilings in back classrooms were redone, new wiring and electrical outlets installed, four new air conditioning units for church building, hall carpet replaced, and the nursery reworked. Our future plans call for a New Multi-Purpose educational building, and in 1994 a building fund was started for this purpose. Currently we are still in the planning stage. Our current pastor, Rev. James H. Woods, first served as pastor from He was called again in 1985 and continues to serve. Let us go forward continuing to be a mighty voice in Gods army so that this present generation may be a blessing to our future posterity. The historical information contained herein was researched, edited, and condensed by Jimmy D. Sanderson, Willie Jacobs, Jr., and James H. Woods. Our Charter Member - Miss Charity Jacobs 79

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HISTORY OF ENGLAND CHAPEL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 1981

HISTORY OF ENGLAND CHAPEL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 1981 ORIGINAL HISTORY - 1968 by MISS MARY FLETCHER ~981 UPDATE by GENEVA FLETCHER UMW HISTORY OF ENGLAND CHAPEL METHODIST CHURCH 1981 The church, known