New Bethel Church of God in Christ traces its humble beginnings back to the 1970s, when the church was established as a house church known as New Bethel House of Prayer. Worship services were first held in the home of Alexander Dean, Sr. and Ollie Mae Dean, where prayer, faith, and community laid the foundation for what would become a lasting ministry.

With the assistance and support of Pastor Silas Rupert, the congregation later acquired a small church building in Brickeys, Arkansas, located in the Cody area off the St. Francis River. This move marked the church’s first physical place of worship outside the home and represented an important step of faith and growth.

In 1983, New Bethel House of Prayer asked Pastor Alexander Dean, Jr. to serve as pastor, and he accepted the call. Under his leadership, the church became part of the Church of God in Christ, officially establishing New Bethel Church of God in Christ within the denomination.

Guided by prayer and vision, Pastor Alexander Dean, Jr. and Missionary Fannie Dean faithfully led New Bethel through seasons of relocation, expansion, and growth.

In 1989, New Bethel COGIC obtained a loan and purchased the former Brickeys Baptist Church in Brickeys, Arkansas, along with a parcel of land in Hughes, Arkansas. In a remarkable act of unity and determination, the congregation had the church building relocated from Brickeys to its new site at 500 Blackwood Street in Hughes, Arkansas.

That same year, the church experienced a great loss with the passing of Deacon Harry Lee Smith. During that time, lending institutions often required credit life insurance policies when loans were secured. Due to a policy placed on Deacon Smith by the bank, the church received a payout following his passing, which enabled New Bethel to pay off the loan. Though born from sorrow, this provision became a powerful testimony of God’s sustaining grace during a difficult season.

In 1999, through extraordinary sacrifice and unwavering faith, New Bethel was able to build a new church building. Members later testified that they put up collateral, went without meals, and gave sacrificially of all they had to see the vision fulfilled. Their dedication stands as a powerful testament to obedience, perseverance, and trust in God.

In January 2016, New Bethel COGIC experienced the profound loss of Pastor Alexander Dean, Jr., who unexpectedly transitioned from this life. He left behind a powerful legacy of leadership, faith, and service.

In February 2017, Pastor Reggie Davis, the son of Pastor Dean, was installed as pastor, continuing the legacy of leadership and faithfully shepherding the congregation into a new season.

In 2018, New Bethel sold its facility in Hughes, Arkansas, and relocated full-time to West Memphis, Arkansas, where the church continues to serve and minister today.

From humble beginnings to generations of faithful service, New Bethel Church of God in Christ stands as a testimony that God honors prayer, sacrifice, and obedience. Through every season—growth, loss, transition, and expansion—the Lord has faithfully built this house. As we continue forward, we remain committed to His will, His Word, and His work.

“Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it.”
— Psalm 127:1 (KJV)