A West Palm Beach Church Since 1928
New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church has stood at 911 Ninth Street in West Palm Beach since the cornerstone was set in 1931. The story began three years earlier, on December 16, 1928, when a small but faithful group of believers came together with one vision: to worship God and establish a church home rooted in faith. Reverend Jacob C. Fennell answered the call as the church's first pastor, joined by devoted charter members including Sister Daisy Gilbert, Sister Hattie Rivers, Sister Lottie Atkins, Deacon Will West, and Ulysses Mosley.
By 1931, the foundation had been laid and the cornerstone set at 911 Ninth Street - the very ground where New Bethel still stands today. Under Pastor Fennell's leadership, the church organized a Deacon Board, a Trustee Board, a Sunday School, a Mothers Board, and a Women's Mission Society, laying the structural skeleton of a congregation that would outlast generations.
The years that followed brought both hardship and growth. After Pastor Fennell's passing in 1934, Reverend R. B. Black took the pulpit during the Great Depression, restored financial stability in just two years, and added a second choir. In the mid-1940s, Reverend E. G. Guilford - a visionary whose influence extended beyond the pulpit - led a bold building effort that raised more than $10,000, an extraordinary sum for the era. His service ended with his sudden passing in 1947. Later that year, Reverend D. N. Conner was called, and together with his wife, Sister Laura Bell Conner, he served for decades. A new sanctuary was dedicated in 1951 and the mortgage paid off by 1956, leaving a legacy of spiritual and financial stewardship that still shapes the church today. The years that followed brought pastoral transitions through Reverend Russell Odom and Reverend James Lofton, Jr., each shepherding the church through seasons of growth, healing, and revival.
Pastor Philpart and a Spirit of Excellence
In 2012, God called a servant with renewed vision: Reverend Toby T. Philpart, installed as Senior Pastor alongside First Lady Sandra Philpart. The church describes that moment as "more than a ceremony - a celebration of restoration, purpose, and power." His guiding vision is captured in a single phrase: "Operating in a spirit of excellence to fulfill the Great Commission."
Pastor Philpart is an alumnus of Moody Bible Institute (now Moody College) in Chicago, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies, and holds a Master of Science in Philanthropy and Non-Profit Management from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale. He is also an Air Force veteran and has been active in preaching and teaching God's Word for 37 years. Ordained as a Gospel Minister in 1988, he pastored New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Pierce for 20 years before coming to New Bethel.
Beyond the church, Pastor Philpart serves as Moderator of the Florida East Coast Baptist Association and as President of the Congress of Christian Education for the Florida General Baptist Convention, Inc. His community work spans more than two decades, including past service as a Fort Pierce Police Chaplain, a state board member of One Church One Child, a graduate of the St. Lucie County Leadership Class, and past membership with the NAACP. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi, Kappa Upsilon Chapter, West Palm Beach. He and First Lady Sonjia Lynn Kennedy-Philpart have been married for 40 years and are the parents of two daughters, Valencia and Amber, and grandparents to Autumn and Avery. His heartfelt verse is 1 Corinthians 2:9: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard... the things which God has prepared for them that love Him."
Under Pastor Philpart's leadership, New Bethel has experienced a revival of the Youth Department and the Praise Dancers, the return of Early Morning Evangelism, monthly Leadership Training, successful capital renovations, the relaunch of Bible Study, and a renewed church identity built around the slogan "Welcome to New Bethel - the greatest church on this side of heaven."
Sunday at New Bethel
The Sunday rhythm at New Bethel begins with Christian Education at 8:45 a.m. The Disciples Path Curriculum, taught by Pastor Philpart, is offered both onsite and online via Zoom (Meeting ID: 794 741 976) and is built around the idea that "becoming a member is just the beginning - true transformation happens when we become disciples." The class invites participants to move "from attendance to assignment, from sitting to serving, and from membership to discipleship."
Sunday Worship begins at 10:15 a.m. and is the centerpiece of the week. The Music Ministry, led by Minister Craig Walden, leads the congregation in heartfelt praise, while the AudioVisual/IT Ministry, led by Deacon Michael Matthew, manages sound, video, and lighting and handles the church's online broadcast. Ushers, Greeters, and the Hospitality team make sure every person who walks through the door is welcomed with warmth and attentiveness, and the Security/Safety team ensures a peaceful environment for all.
Sunday evenings are given to MyNewBethel Community Bible Study, taught by Rev. Allen and streamed live at 6:00 p.m. on Facebook and YouTube. The study is in-depth and practical, encouraging participants to use a Bible concordance, the KJV, and the NIV, along with materials recommended by Pastor Philpart and Rev. Allen. Community Bible Study is one of the key ways New Bethel continues the journey from membership to discipleship.
Growing as Disciples Throughout the Week
Discipleship at New Bethel extends well beyond Sunday morning. The Membership Orientation Course meets on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom (Meeting ID: 794-741-976). It is a five-lesson virtual class designed to help both newcomers and long-time members understand the foundation, mission, and ministry of the church.
Every weekday at 7:00 a.m., Monday through Friday, the Spending Time with Jesus phone call brings together believers of all ages for a 15-minute devotional led by Pastor Philpart. Each call draws from the Disciples Path Curriculum by Lifeway and aims to ground the day in Scripture before the day begins, with special encouragement for youth.
The church's overall mission is grounded in Matthew 28:18-20: to be "an empowered church, operating in the spirit of excellence to fulfill the Great Commission." The Plan, the Purpose, and the Program of this body of believers is to meet the mandate and commission of God the Father as outlined in the Word of God and inspired by the Holy Spirit. The church envisions a spiritually healthy body with the "3 A's": a Desire to Teach, a Continuing preparation to teach, and an Audience who wants to be taught - giving equal importance to five New Testament categories: Evangelism, Worship, Christian Education, Discipleship, and Mission.
For those who cannot attend in person, the Virtual Church Ministry, led by Sis. Christine Thompson, extends the worship experience through live streaming, online engagement, and digital fellowship, ensuring that members and visitors near and far can stay connected to the life of the church.
Ministries for Every Age and Season
Fresh Church, the youth ministry for ages 5 to 18, is led by Sis. Stacey Hunt-Wesley. Through faith-based activities, mentorship, and fellowship, the ministry encourages young people to build strong foundations in Christ and live out their faith with confidence. Under Pastor Philpart's leadership, the Youth Department and the Praise Dancers have been revived as part of a broader renewal.
The Young Adult Ministry reaches adults in two distinct seasons of life. The Bridges serves ages 18 to 30, and Thrive serves ages 31 to 50. Led by Deacon Elridge Jones, the ministry creates a supportive space for adults navigating education, careers, relationships, family, and purpose through fellowship, biblical teaching, and meaningful conversation.
The Couples Ministry, led by Bro. and Sis. Arthur and Julia Bullard, encourages love, communication, and spiritual growth in marriage. The Men's Ministry, shepherded by Pastor Philpart himself, builds faith-filled men through fellowship, discipleship, and accountability. The Deacon Ministry, led by Deacon Sammie Cooper, serves with humility and faithfulness in supporting the pastor and caring for the spiritual and practical needs of the congregation. The Deaconess Ministry, led by Sis. Denise Thornton Cooper, supports the pastor and assists in spiritual care and hospitality. The Trustee Ministry, led by Sis. Sandra Mapp, oversees the church's property and facilities. The Beautification Ministry, led by Sis. Ann Jones and Sis. Rosa Murray, keeps the worship spaces and grounds warm and inviting, and the Social Media and Marketing Ministry, led by Sis. Monique Myrick, handles infomercials, flyers, photography, videography, and digital storytelling across platforms. The Pastor's Care Ministry supports and uplifts the pastor and his family through prayer, encouragement, and acts of appreciation.
Serving West Palm Beach and Beyond
The mission of New Bethel extends well past its walls. The Outreach and Food Pantry Ministry, led by Sis. Marion Cooper and Sis. Gloria Pugh, provides food and resources to families in need, helping to meet both spiritual and practical needs with dignity. The Prison Ministry shares the hope and redemption found in Jesus Christ with those who are incarcerated through prayer, encouragement, and the teaching of God's Word. The Home Mission Ministry, led by Sis. Janice Griggs, focuses on the local community through outreach and practical support. The Social Justice Ministry, led by Deacon Ronald Davis, advocates for fairness, dignity, and equality in alignment with biblical principles through education, outreach, and community engagement.
The Health and Wellness Ministry, led by Bro. Wayne Mingo and Sis. Shay Gibson, cares for the whole person - mind, body, and spirit - through education, wellness initiatives, health screenings, and community outreach. A monthly Stitch and Learn crochet class, hosted by Chelsea Hickman, offers a creative and welcoming gathering open to everyone; supplies are provided and beginners are especially welcome.
Music, Media, and Giving
Music has always been central at New Bethel - going back to the founding era when Pastor Black added a second choir. Today, Minister Craig Walden leads a Music Ministry devoted to heartfelt praise, unity, and excellence, working closely with the Tech Support team to create an atmosphere that is engaging and uplifting both in person and online. The AudioVisual and IT Ministry also manages online broadcasting, extending worship to those who cannot attend.
Giving is offered in three ways: by mail to the church address, online through Givelify, PushPay, or PayPal, and in person at the church Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or during Sunday worship at 10:15 a.m. Visitors who want to stop by will find the office open Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at 911 9th Street in West Palm Beach. First-time guests are warmly welcomed, and the church's online sign-up forms make it easy to request prayer, join the church, check in as a visitor, or sign up for a ministry.