5. New Bethel AME Church

146 Ave. C

New Bethel AME Church

The church was organized in 1907 by L.H. Brown, and services were held in old frame house in the Stone Quarters. The first church was built in 1910, and Rev. L.R. Robinson walked from Apalachicola to Port St. Joe with a satchel on his back to hold services. In 1920 the church was destroyed by lightening and wind, and the Zion Fair Baptist Church opened its doors to the congregation until their new church rebuilding was completed in 1922.

In 1946 Damon Peters, Sr., laid the first tile for the second new church. On May 18, 1947, after Sunday School on the last day in the old church, the congregation sang “As the Saints go marching in” as they marched from the old to the new to the new church.

Entrance, New Bethel AME Church

The church continues to be an integral part of the North Port St. Joe community.

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