From Whence We Came…

• Rev. Dixon was call as the first pastor of the new church body. The New El Bethel members pressed forward until economic struggles began to affect their progress forcing them to vacate the basement and move to a hall on Anthony Street. Shortly after the move, Rev Dixon was relieved of his duties on earth and called home to be with God.

• Rev. B. B. Neal was called as pastor. There were several additions to the church. Rev. B. B. Neal along with his wife, Sister Elizabeth Neal remained as pastor and first lady of New El Bethel for eight years before Rev. Neal accepted a pastoral position in Sherman, Texas.

• Rev. Kilgore was called to pastor for a short period of time before he was called from his earthly tabernacle to be at rest with the Lord. In 1938.

• Rev. Haley James was called to Pastor for a short time for a larger congregation claimed his attention. The struggles were very hard for this small group of believer; but with great determination, made-up minds, and with God on their side they continued to press forward in the name of Jesus.

• Rev. M.C. Graves came to Pastor this small band of members. Blessed things began to happen. The membership grew and there were many substantial gains. Rev. Graves and this band of believers were able to purchase an actual church building on Sparks Street. Four years later New El Bethel was able to burn their church note. Rev. Graves resigned as Pastor.

• Rev. R. L. Johnson became Pastor. Very little is known about the church history during this period.

• Rev. B. B. Neal returned as Pastor In 1948. Reverend and Sister B.B. Neal worked diligently for the ongoing of God’s program and the New El Bethel Baptist Church. The membership began to grow by leaps and bounds, and the church revived spiritually. There were great times at the church. God’s presence was felt in all meetings. Our Motto was, “Welcome Where the Spirit Meets the Soul.’ With God’s watchful eye, Rev. Neal and this spiritually fed band of Christian followers began to plan for a new building. In the late fifties, property was purchased on Mouser Street for a new sanctuary. In 1960, the New El Bethel Baptist Church moved into its new edifice, located at 2023 Mouser Street. This was a glorious day in the Lord. The membership doubled at this time. Reverend & Sister Neal pastured for 21 years before God called him home from his labors in February 1969.

• Rev. V. L. Warren a New El Bethel Associate Minister was called to Pastor in 1969. The membership continued to grow and the church continued to prosper. In 1975, our church was struck by fire. By serving a gracious God, all repairs were completed with enough funds to complete additional needed renovations in and around the church. October 3rd, 1976 God blessed us to have another note burning celebration paying in full the church mortgage note. The church purchased church transportation (Van) for members who needed transportation to and from church. A portable building was purchased and set in place to serve as a Fellowship Hall and extended space. September 1995, property at 830 Bonnie View Road became available of which we purchased for future expansion. In 2002 our church became a 501 C 3 entity and was incorporated with the State of Texas. Bylaws were instituted and approved by the Internal Revenue Services. September 1995, property (818 Bonnie View Road) was purchased near our present site on Bonnie View Road while the Jeff Lot located in West Dallas deeded to the church as a gift of which we held for many years that posed no added value to the church was sold. February 1998, a groundbreaking ceremony was held preparing for the addition of a new educational wing / fellowship hall of which was completed August 9, 1998. June 2002, a young professional basketball player, Bro Jeryl Sasser, the grandson of one of our long time members Sister Ruby Campbell came forth and donated a sizable amount of money ($75.000) to our church, of which we paid our wing note in full July, 2002. To God we give the glory and a special thanks to Bro. Jeryl Sasser. The year 2003 New El Bethel launched its first WEB site. On December 12, 2003, Rev. V. L. Warren went home to be with the Lord.

• Rev. Fred Jackson, a native of New El Bethel was appointed by the Deacons and Trustees to take the rings of leadership of the church as interim Pastor December 2003; Pastor Jackson served New El Bethel for nine months. We thank and praise God for Reverend Jackson and his contributions to New El Bethel Baptist Church.