HURRICANE DESTROYS CHURCH STEEPLE!

Historic New Bethel A.M.E. Church is one of the oldest churches in Volusia County, FL. It was organized in 1885, President Grover Cleveland’s first term in office.  A small group of Christians in Ormond Beach, FL, decided to pool every extract penny they had to purchase property to build the first A.M.E. Church in the city. The cement blocks  used to build the  church were made by the young school boys of the church under the leadership of Rev. A. J. Bennett.

On October 7, 2016, Hurricane Matthew's path brought it  to Ormond Beach.  The intense wind velocity of the storm ripped the 25-foot towering steeple off the church. The roof suffered damage as the steeple bounced around before landing on the side of the sanctuary.

Three building (the original church, the present sanctuary, and the parsonage) roofs were completed destroyed by the hurricane. There is also interior damage.  This GO-FUND ME Account will be used to repair the two Historic Buildings on the property, and the parsonage. The insurance company stated there is no coverage for hurricane damage and has refused to pay.  Repairs need to start right away to prevent further damage to the interior of the buildings.

This church is at the center of the lives of not only its members; but also, the community.  The pastor and members will be so very thankful for any assistance received from the community. We are in need of your HELP!!!  This information is being supplied by Rev. Phyllis Brown, the pastor of Historic New Bethel. I was assigned on September 29, 2016, one week before the Hurricane Matthew damaged the property.  This information is being provided by Rev. Phyllis Brown, the current pastor. All funds raised from the "GO FUND ME ACCOUNT" will be used toward the Hurricane Matthew damage.  Thank you for your support.

An article on the damage was in the DAYTONA BEACH JOURNAL Newspaper on Sunday October 23, 2016.
A second article was published in the DAYTONA BEACH JOURNAL NEWSPAPER ON CHRISTMAS DAY 2016. 

Channel 13 News ran a news segment on December 25, 2016.  We are so grateful for such a caring community. "The Doors of the Church" will always be opened to the Volusia County Community!


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