This small church at 1507 South Sprigg Street has served many denominations over the years. Currently it is the Joyful Noise C.O.G.I.C.
New Bethel Baptist Church
The 1968 City Directory and Missourian Church Directories as late as 1986 listed it as either New Bethel Church or New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. I think it may have been a Catholic Church at some point, but I could be thinking of another building.
Could it have been a Pentecostal church? My dad attended the First Pentecostal Church in Smelterville when he was a teenager.
Yes–this use to be a Pentecostal Church with Brother Johnson as the Pastor for many years.
Norma, are you Everett and Freda’s daughter?
You are wrong about this church,This is not the original church,The original church did not have a basement
Gabe, was your dad, Jack Ford?
No sir, but he is kin. I believe he was my grandpa’s 2nd cousin. My grandpa was Amos Ford. My dad’s name is Michael Ford.
Gabe Ford,Amos Ford is my brother Michael is my nephew
Here is the story of Smelterville with a Frony aerial photo.
http://www.semissourian.com/blogs/flynch/entry/46844
I am addicted to this site. Reading stories, recognizing names & families & places from my childhood. I am definately planning a road trip to Cape this summer. Any particular events I may want to take in this summer?
Ken,
This was my home church when I lived in Cape Girardeau. It was then New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church and many a Central High Student attended.
Revella
Ken,
How is your book on Smelterville coming? Will it be available soon?
I was hoping to have it done by this summer for the reunions, but other projects got in the way. I’d rather do this one right rather than fast, so I’ll use this summer to collect more stories.
The more I learn about Smelterville, the more intrigued I become.
I’m shooting for Summer 2014, and am planning an exhibit of photographs at a Main Street art gallery at that time.
How exciting that you are planning an exhibit of your work in Cape!!! I am already looking forward to it!
I have had so much enjoyment from your photographs and the information that you share with us. You are so often rekindling memories from my childhood, and I truly thank you for that.
This was not my dad’s church as the address of his church was 2012 S. Sprigg. This church many years ago was on the west side of Sprigg and at that time was the Catholic Church for African Americans. My dad’s church was demolished years ago and the last time I drove thru there it was bare.
If I remember, the name of the church at that time was Holy Family Catholic Church.
I went to this church in 1950 when I was 10 years old..it was a pentecost church .
my great uncle Willard moore lived right behind it in the earlys 50s
I grew up in this church, New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. MANY MANY memories!!