ABOUT US

Mount Bethel Baptist Church was organized in 1910 under the leadership of Pastor, Rev. Sandy Wade. The original church was a small wooden cabin off Mountain Road located on Mrs. Lucy Mitchell’s land in Roxboro, North Carolina. Shortly after the church was organized, Rev. Wade passed away and Rev. Walter Blackwell was called to pastor the church.

Mount Bethel was relocated to a structure located on Sugar Hill on land donated by Mrs. Fannie Perry, who was known and respected by many in the community as “Aunt Fannie.” Rev. Blackwell was preceded by Rev. Bud Bradsher, Rev. T.B. Wilson and Rev. Charlie Harris whom all served wonderfully for several years.

 

At this time Rev. King Solomon Coles was elected as pastor.​ Under Rev. Coles leadership Mount Bethel was rebuilt in 1947 and built on what is today known as 333 Broad Road.​​ ​Rev. Coles pastored the church for 18 years until he was called home to be with the Lord. The assistant pastor, Rev. Frank Womack took over the pastorage for several years. He was then followed by Rev. W.E. Mills and Rev. C.H. Kimbrelliu; both served faithfully.

 

During this transition we were fortunate to secure Dr. Harold J. Cobb (Armadia) of Durham, NC as pastor in 1961. There was a tremendous growth in membership and thus the need for a larger church. Under Dr. Cobb's leadership in March 1973, we purchased eight acres of land from Carl C. Winstead (Emma Dean R.) located at 418 Burch Avenue one mile from the Broad Road site.  In July 1973 we broke ground and the church was rebuilt. Construction was completed in July 1976. To mark this milestone in July 1976 church members marched from the old church off Broad Road to the new church location. The congregation united in song, joyfully singing the beloved hymn, “We Are Marching Up to Zion.” From 1961 through 1994, Sunday worship services were held at 1:30 p.m. Dr. Cobb served wonderfully at Mount Bethel for 33 years. In 1994, Dr. Cobb departed from Durham to answer a higher calling, continuing his faithful journey of service and commitment to God’s purpose.

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During this time Rev. Kenneth Brown of Durham, NC was elected pastor. Rev. Brown served for one year, 1994 - 1995 until he resigned to relocate to Florida.  

From January 1995 to July 1995, we were blessed to have Rev. James Patrick Clay of Durham, NC as our interim pastor. During this phase a committee was formed to search for a new Pastor who will help guide Mount Bethel into the 21st century.

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In late 1995, we elected our thirteenth pastor, Rev. Johnny Wilson, Sr. (Mary) of Durham, NC. Under pastor Wilson leadership, the cornerstone was laid on February 24, 1996, and burning of the mortgage took place on February 27, 1996. Membership grew and several new organizations were formed such as a Spiritual Choir, Youth Choir, Youth Department, Male Chorus, a Recreational Department, Scholarship Fund and a Building Fund.  Minor repairs were done and upkeep of the church grounds were established. Due to growth in the church Pastor Wilson sought out the need of an assistant to help minister God's word to the growing congregation.

In 2001, Rev. Wilson appointed Rev. Ben W. Green (Gloria) of Creedmoor, NC the Associate Minister. Thereafter, midweek Bible study began with Rev. Green as director. In 2003, 418 Burch Avenue was renamed 418 Mt. Bethel Church Street. In 2004 and June 2006 upgrades to the church sanctuary were completed.

 

In January 2009, Mount Bethel expanded its worship schedule by introducing a First Sunday Worship Service. Prior to this addition, worship services were held only on the Second, Third, and Fourth Sundays of each month.

In October 2012, Pastor Wilson named Rev. Ben Green as the Assistant Pastor. In November 2012 a new roof was installed.

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On January 28, 2013, Mount Bethel mourned the passing of our beloved Pastor, Rev. Johnny Wilson, Sr., who faithfully served as Pastor for 18 remarkable years. Following his transition, the Assistant Pastor, Rev. Ben Green, provided spiritual guidance to the grieving congregation while inspiring the church family to remain steadfast and continue moving forward in faith.

On February 23, 2013, church members voted to elect Rev. Ben Green pastor. On April 14, 2013, Rev. Ben W. Green was installed as the fourteenth pastor. After 12 years of ministry, Rev. Green concluded his pastoral tenure and retired on December 31, 2025.

 

On August 1, 2026, Rev. Diondre D. McBride of Durham, NC was elected as the fifteenth pastor of Mount Bethel.

Mount Bethel is a member of the Cedar Grove Baptist Association, Inc. of Yanceyville, NC.

There are several upcoming projects in the works at Mount Bethel. We are continually improving the House of the Lord. Mount Bethel seeks to bring the love of Christ first to our community, then to our nation and then to the world. We believe this is most effectively accomplished, by training and equipping laborers to do the work of the Gospel. God has truly blessed the Mount Bethel Church family over the years and he’s continuing to do so.​​​​​