Reverend R.B. Blanks
Pastor · 1930–1936
Led the growing congregation as it received the name New Bethel and held its first revival and baptisms.
Our story
Est. 1929Pastoral Legacy & Church History
Honoring nearly 100 years of leadership, service, and community impact.
Founding & early history
Six members and a calling
Early Congregational Growth
After a 1935 hurricane destroyed the church building, members worshipped in a shelter they raised with tar-paper walls, a palmetto roof, and kerosene lanterns. Later pastors helped secure donated land, ordain the first deacon, build a permanent church, organize the first choir, establish leadership boards, and deepen Baptist association and convention ties.
Our story
Faithful through every season
A Sunday School becomes a church
Greater New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church began in the spring of 1929, when six faithful worshippers gathered in the home of Mrs. Maud E. Refoe. A small Sunday School led by Rev. Frank Thomas soon became a growing church family. Under Rev. R. B. Blanks, the congregation received the name New Bethel and held its first revival and baptisms.
Pressing toward the mark
From a home gathering in 1929 to a thriving ministry today, Greater New Bethel’s story is one of faith, resilience, service, and forward movement. We honor those who built the foundation and remain committed to shaping the next chapter for the glory of God.
Mid-century leadership
Building the church’s foundation
Reverend W.K. Smith
Pastor · 1947–1979
- Guided the church for multiple decades
- Built early operational infrastructure — Sunday School, Mission Circles, and Usher Boards
- Mentored future ministers, including Douglas Cook
- Strengthened multi-generational family ministries
A congregation that raised leaders
The Smith years gave Greater New Bethel its working structure — the boards, circles, and ministries that carried worship and service from week to week, and a pattern of raising up leaders from within the pews.
Modernization era
From congregation to community institution
Reverend Dr. G. David Horton
Pastor Emeritus · 1979–2017
- Modernized operations with full-time administrative staff
- Combined the Deaconess Boards
- Unified the choirs into the Greater New Bethel Voices
- Helped establish the North Dade Community Federal Credit Union
- Founded the Bethel Family Life Center and Bethel Child Care Center
Institutions that outlived a ministry
Under Dr. Horton, the church’s reach extended far beyond Sunday — into finance, family life, and child care for the whole neighborhood.
North Dade Community Federal Credit Union
A financial institution the church helped establish to serve its neighbors.
Bethel Family Life Center
A gathering place for fellowship, events, and family life.
Bethel Child Care Center
Caring for the youngest members of our community.
Current leadership
The modern era
Pastor Ronnie W. Wallace, Sr.
Senior Pastor · 2019–Present
- Leads a modern era blending scripture with community action
- Celebrated his 7th Pastoral Anniversary
- Hosts Human Trafficking Awareness forums
- Expands fellowship ministries and civic partnerships
Carrying the legacy forward
Pastor Wallace leads a congregation whose pulpit traces back to 1929 — joining the Word of God with hands-on service to Miami Gardens, and preparing the church for its centennial in 2029.
Timeline
From 1929 to the centennial
1929
Six worshippers gathered in Mrs. Maud E. Refoe’s home. A Sunday School led by Rev. Frank Thomas grew into the church named New Bethel under Rev. R. B. Blanks.
1935
After a hurricane destroyed the building, members raised a shelter with tar-paper walls, a palmetto roof, and kerosene lanterns.
1936–1947
Under Rev. G. O. Dove, Rev. Jake W. Williams, and Rev. C. H. Usher, the church secured land, ordained its first deacon, built a permanent home, organized its first choir, and expanded denominational involvement.
1947–1979
Rev. W. K. Smith led more than three decades of spiritual and financial growth. The church expanded several times and grew beyond 1,500 members.
1964
The congregation adopted the name Greater New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church.
1979
Rev. Dr. G. David Horton began a ministry emphasizing evangelism, missions, family, and community care.
June 24, 1984
The congregation entered a new $1.5 million worship facility dedicated to the glory of God.
September 11, 2018
A catastrophic fire severely damaged the sanctuary, and the congregation worshipped temporarily at North Dade School.
January 2019–Present
Rev. Ronnie W. Wallace, Sr. was called as pastor and guided reconstruction, pandemic ministry, virtual worship, prayer, giving, education, outreach, care, safety, and administrative support.
2029
Centennial — one hundred years of worship in Miami Gardens.
Pastoral succession
Pastors of Greater New Bethel
Rev. R. B. Blanks · 1930–1936
Rev. F. B. Black · 1936
Rev. G. O. Dove · 1936–1941
Rev. Jake W. Williams · 1942–1943
Rev. C. H. Usher · 1945–1947
Rev. W. K. Smith · 1947–1979
Rev. Dr. G. David Horton · 1979–2017
Rev. Ronnie Wallace, Sr. · 2019–Present
Community institutions
Institutions born of faith
Established under Dr. Horton’s leadership and still serving the community today.
North Dade Community Federal Credit Union
A financial institution the church helped establish to serve its neighbors.
Bethel Family Life Center
A gathering place for fellowship, events, and family life.
Bethel Child Care Center
Caring for the youngest members of our community.
Family & youth
Caring for every generation
Senior Enhancement Program
Fellowship, meals, and care for our elders.
After Care Program
A safe, structured afternoon home for students.
Summer Youth Program
Summers of learning, activity, and mentorship for young people.
Safety & social awareness
Protecting and educating our neighbors
Human Trafficking Awareness Workshops
Forums that educate and protect our community.
Community Education Forums
Open conversations on the issues facing Miami Gardens.
Fellowship ministries
Growing together in faith
Couples Ministry
Strengthening marriages and households.
Singles Ministry
Community and growth for single adults.
Missing Person’s Bureau
A ministry of care and advocacy established under Dr. Horton.
Greater New Bethel Voices
Our unified choir, lifting one voice in worship.
Come worship with us