The historical background of New Bethel A.M.E. Zion Church was established August 17, 1888 in the Seventy-First Township of Cumberland County. Duncan Shaw, a land owner, deeded a tract of land at a cost of thirteen dollars ($13.00) to Edmund Graham, Kenneth Bethune, and John McGill on August 17, 1888. With deed and land, the congregation proceeded to erect a meeting house. These men, along with Rev. J.T. Kendall, their pastor, cleared the land and hewed the logs into sills, to build the first sanctuary. They chose to name this meeting house, Bethell (spelled with two l's). The first Sunday of worship in the new church was a glorious one with the congregation spending the day, and into the night, rejoicing and giving thanks to God for the blessings bestowed upon them. Edmund Graham, Kenneth Bethune, John McGill, Peter Owens, Hector McLean, Duncan McNeill, Lucatian King, and Edward McNeill were elected as the first Trustees. The first Deaconesses consecrated by Presiding Elder C.P.S. Harrison were Sallie McNeill and Ida McNeill. The first Stewardesses elected were Mary McGill, Louvenia Chavis, Mattie Farmer, Ida McNeill & Sallie Harris. The Church continued to grow and prosper as more people moved to the area due to the logging business establishment of the (C.C.C.) Civilian Conservation Corps, and due to Camp Bragg (now known as Fort Bragg). Bethell was circuited with Beaver Creek A.M.E. Zion Church (now Simon Temple A.M.E. Zion Church) and Savannah A.M.E. Zion Church. As a result, Bethell became the third church in the Circuit until Savanna closed its doors. The few remaining members of Savannah made their way to Beaver Creek and Bethel. In 1923, Rev. E.J. McKay and the members of Bethell elected to erect a more adequate structure, which was renamed "New Bethell". Eventually, the spelling was changed to 'New Bethel'. Flashing forward 97 years to 2020, God sent Rev. Darin Coleman to New Bethel. We pray we will continue to be a light in the community.