🌱
Early 1950s
The Seed is Planted
New Bethel Fellowship Church of God in Christ is a vibrant, multigenerational ministry with deep roots in the city of Gary, Indiana. Our story began in the early 1950s when two faithful women, Odessa Williams and Mamie Williams, gathered for prayer in a home with a simple desire to seek more of the Lord. What started as a small prayer meeting soon blossomed into a growing fellowship where many experienced the power and presence of God.
⛪
1955
A Church is Born
From those humble beginnings, the ministry grew steadily—moving from house meetings to storefronts, and eventually into dedicated church buildings. Under the leadership of Bishop William D.C. Williams, the church was officially incorporated in 1955 as Bethel Temple Church of God in Christ. Over the decades, God raised up strong leaders—Pastors Theodis W. Rumph Sr., Theodis W. Rumph Jr., Chester Bell, Ralph Fields, and others—each building upon the spiritual foundation laid by those before them. Through their leadership, the church expanded its outreach with ministries such as food pantries, prison ministry, youth programs, Christian education, radio and television broadcasts, and community partnerships.
🙌
2014 — 2016
A New Chapter Begins
In 2014, Superintendent Kevin Warren was appointed pastor. Through the merging of Bethel Temple and New Beginnings Fellowship, a new chapter was birthed. In 2016, the church was renamed New Bethel Fellowship Church of God in Christ, reflecting both its rich legacy and its forward vision.
✨
Today
Our Vision Forward
Today, our motto, “Developing the Believer’s Faith to Produce the Pleasure of God” (Hebrews 11:6), guides everything we do. We are committed to worship, discipleship, outreach, and community impact. New Bethel Fellowship continues to be a place where lives are transformed, families are strengthened, and believers are equipped to live out their faith.
