NEW BETHEL BAPTIST Congregation celebrates its history during service

The church has seen changes in location and preachers over the years.
YOUNGSTOWN -- More than 1,500 people attended services as New Bethel Baptist Church, 1507 Hillman St., observed its 80th anniversary last weekend.
Pre-anniversary music services Saturday included the church's music ministry featuring current and former choir members and musicians of the church. Dr. Frederick Stevens presented a "History of Music" of the church's music ministry.
The Rev. Lonnie K. A. Simon, pastor emeritus, spoke at the early Sunday service. The Rev. Kenneth L. Simon, the current pastor, led the 10:40 a.m. service. Bishop Norman L. Wagner of the Calvary Ministries International spoke at the evening service, and his congregation joined the service.
History
New Bethel was organized July 24, 1924. The church was first located at 125 Manning Ave. and then 209 Reserve St. before moving to its present site in 1964. Once it moved, the congregation paid off the $57,000, 10-year mortgage in two years and eight months.
In 1994, the congregation celebrated 30 years of being on the South Side. Its guests were members of Highway Tabernacle Assembly of God from whom New Bethel purchased the church in 1964.
The Rev. Lonnie K.A. Simon was called to be pastor in 1962 and served 33 years before retiring.
New Bethel's current pastor was called to the office Sept. 28, 1995. Under his leadership, the church broke ground for a new church Sept. 22, 2002. The $3.5 million project was dedicated Feb. 8, 2004.
The church has a membership of 1,400 and a 2004 budget of $849,000.