Celebrating Over 90 Years of Faith, Mission & Community

Established 1932

Our Beginning

In March 1932, the Helping Hand Society, a local prayer group, gathered in the home of Mrs. Mamie Varnadore to organize the New Bethel Baptist Church with 52 charter members. Rev. Robert Tate led the first worship services. Under the leadership of early pastors—Rev. H.H. Coleman, Rev. N.H. Armstrong, and Rev. William Ramsey—the church grew and prospered. Debts were eliminated, hundreds of families joined, and the church treasury increased to more than $29,000 which strengthen and expanded the ministry.

The Franklin Era – Growth & National Impact (1946-1982)

In May 1946, Rev. Clarence LaVaughn Franklin — preacher, singer, and humanitarian — became pastor and transformed New Bethel into a spiritual and cultural center:

1948–1951: Built a new sanctuary at 4210 Hastings Street and marched in triumphantly in October 1951.
1961–1963: After being displaced by the construction of I-75, the congregation moved to its current home at 8430 C.L. Franklin Blvd.
In 1963, New Bethel played a pivotal role in the Detroit Freedom Rally, helping to organize the historic Walk to Freedom down Woodward Avenue—the largest civil rights march in Michigan’s history - where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. first delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech.
In 1969, New Bethel Baptist Church was the site of a police raid during a convention that resulted in the wrongful arrest of more than 100 people. Although the church was not involved in the event, Rev. C. L. Franklin strongly condemned the mass arrests, advocating for the civil rights of those unjustly detained and demanding justice on their behalf.
In 1972, the Historic New Bethel Radio Chorus under the direction of Thomas H. Shelby, Jr. with Assistant Director, Emma Moody released the gospel album entitled “Only a Look”.
In 1979, the Detroit City Council honored Rev. C. L. Franklin’s legacy by renaming Linwood Street to Rev. C. L. Franklin Boulevard, recognizing his profound spiritual and civic leadership in the city.
Other milestones during this era included:
Supporting organizations such as the NAACP, SCLC, and March of Dimes.
Collecting weekly offerings for the needy.
Launching nationally broadcast Sunday evening radio service.

Historical black and white photo of a group of men, including Martin Luther King Jr., smiling and celebrating during a civil rights event.

A man in a suit speaking at a podium with microphones, in front of an audience in a large room or auditorium.

A man with gray hair and a beard wearing a black shirt and blazer, with a cross pendant around his neck, standing in a room with picture frames on the wall.

The Smith Era – Ministry Expansion & Global Mission (1982 - Present)

A New Season of Growth
After the passing of Rev. C. L. Franklin, New Bethel Baptist Church entered a new season of growth under the leadership of Rev. Robert Smith, Jr., who was appointed Co-Pastor in 1982 and became Pastor in 1984. His vision and leadership ushered in a period of spiritual renewal and community revitalization.

Local Ministry & Community Impact

Christian Education: Pastor Smith revived Bible classes, strengthened Sunday School, and established an annual Christian Education Seminar.
Emergency Relief Center: The church provided food and clothing to hundreds of Detroit residents in need.
Bank Day: Promoted financial empowerment and supported Black-owned businesses.
Property Development: New Bethel purchased and repurposed buildings in the Linwood community to serve as centers for outreach activities such as child care, food distribution, and AA/NA meetings.

Mentoring

Pastor Smith has faithfully served as a mentor to ministers across the United States, opening doors for men and women to teach, preach and lead. He has ordained more than 100 preachers in Detroit, many of whom now pastor congregations in Michigan and across the country. Today, we celebrate the many ministers who were nurtured at New Bethel Baptist Church and who now continue this legacy of service.

Global Outreach

Pastor Smith led 17 mission trips to Haiti, building classrooms, furnishing orphanages, delivering over 3,000 lbs. of food, and donating more than $35,000 to support Haitian children.

Broadcast & Youth Ministries

Expanded the church’s radio ministry into television with the Bridges of Faith telecast
Established online church and prayer services to reach communities nationwide.
Sponsored youth retreats, educational trips, homework centers and Angel Land Child Care and Parent Institute.
Sponsored vibrant programs such as the dance ministry, Vacation Bible School, and Sunday School.
Supported a variety of activities that nurture spiritual growth and fellowship among young people.

Women’s & Music Ministry Leadership

First Lady Cynthia Perkins Smith has served as President of the Michigan District Baptist Association Minister’s Wives and Widows, President of the Woman’s Auxiliary of the Michigan District Association, President of the B.M.&E State Convention, Woman’s Auxiliary, and President of the Woman’s Auxiliary, National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.
Gospel Legacy: New Bethel’s music ministry remains legendary, deeply tied to the life and legacy of Aretha Franklin, the “Queen of Soul.” In 1987, Ms. Franklin recorded her live gospel album One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism at New Bethel. Throughout the years, she frequently hosted and performed in gospel concerts at the church, welcoming icons such as The Clark Sisters, Shirley Caesar, Yolanda Adams, the Five Blind Boys of Alabama, and Dottie Peoples to bless the Detroit community. Ms. Franklin also employed several New Bethel members as her background singers, cooks, and security, making the church family an integral part of her ministry.
Pastor Robert Smith, Jr.—a gifted singer in his own right—has also contributed significantly to New Bethel’s musical legacy. He has written and released albums and CDs featuring songs such as Bow Down, I have a mind to live for Jesus, and He Saw Me. Under his leadership, the Franklin - Smith Youth Choir, the Senior Mass Choir, Heavenly Voices children’s choir, and the New Bethel Praise Team have uplifted the Detroit community with powerful worship and praise, carrying forward New Bethel’s rich tradition of gospel excellence.
Our Commitment Today
For over 90 years, New Bethel has remained steadfast in its mission of Faith, Mission, and Community. We continue to stand as a house of prayer — a place where lives are transformed, families are strengthened, and the gospel of Jesus Christ is proclaimed with power and love.

Celebrating Over 90 Years of Faith, Mission & Community

Established 1932

Our Beginning

The Franklin Era – Growth & National Impact (1946-1982)

In May 1946, Rev. Clarence LaVaughn Franklin — preacher, singer, and humanitarian — became pastor and transformed New Bethel into a spiritual and cultural center:

1948–1951: Built a new sanctuary at 4210 Hastings Street and marched in triumphantly in October 1951.

1961–1963: After being displaced by the construction of I-75, the congregation moved to its current home at 8430 C.L. Franklin Blvd.

In 1963, New Bethel played a pivotal role in the Detroit Freedom Rally, helping to organize the historic Walk to Freedom down Woodward Avenue—the largest civil rights march in Michigan’s history - where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. first delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech.

In 1972, the Historic New Bethel Radio Chorus under the direction of Thomas H. Shelby, Jr. with Assistant Director, Emma Moody released the gospel album entitled “Only a Look”.

In 1979, the Detroit City Council honored Rev. C. L. Franklin’s legacy by renaming Linwood Street to Rev. C. L. Franklin Boulevard, recognizing his profound spiritual and civic leadership in the city.

Other milestones during this era included:

Supporting organizations such as the NAACP, SCLC, and March of Dimes.

Collecting weekly offerings for the needy.

Launching nationally broadcast Sunday evening radio service.

The Smith Era – Ministry Expansion & Global Mission (1982 - Present)

Local Ministry & Community Impact

Christian Education: Pastor Smith revived Bible classes, strengthened Sunday School, and established an annual Christian Education Seminar.

Emergency Relief Center: The church provided food and clothing to hundreds of Detroit residents in need.

Bank Day: Promoted financial empowerment and supported Black-owned businesses.

Property Development: New Bethel purchased and repurposed buildings in the Linwood community to serve as centers for outreach activities such as child care, food distribution, and AA/NA meetings.

Mentoring

Global Outreach

Pastor Smith led 17 mission trips to Haiti, building classrooms, furnishing orphanages, delivering over 3,000 lbs. of food, and donating more than $35,000 to support Haitian children.

Broadcast & Youth Ministries

Expanded the church’s radio ministry into television with the Bridges of Faith telecast

Established online church and prayer services to reach communities nationwide.

Sponsored youth retreats, educational trips, homework centers and Angel Land Child Care and Parent Institute.

Sponsored vibrant programs such as the dance ministry, Vacation Bible School, and Sunday School.

Supported a variety of activities that nurture spiritual growth and fellowship among young people.

Women’s & Music Ministry Leadership

Our Commitment Today

For over 90 years, New Bethel has remained steadfast in its mission of Faith, Mission, and Community. We continue to stand as a house of prayer — a place where lives are transformed, families are strengthened, and the gospel of Jesus Christ is proclaimed with power and love.

To God be the Glory!