1963-2001

There has been continued growth and flourishing progress while Pastor Berry was our spiritual leader.  Many physical improvements came about to the old structure.   Even with all the physical improvements, none were as great as the blessing of souls coming to Christ.  The New Mount Carmel family continued to grow.  In this growth it became very evident through the years that the old structure, even with all its improvements, was bursting at its seams.  A new sanctuary was needed. 

Many possibilities were discussed and rediscussed.  Other possible locations were considered.  In the end, we decided to build a new structure where the church was already standing.  Many years passed where there was prayer, preparation and fundraising, then more prayer, preparation and fundraising before the dreams and visions of Pastor Berry and the church membership could become realities.  But it happened!

On a warm and wonderful Sunday afternoon, Rev. E. Stanley Branch was there with Pastor Berry and the New Mount Carmel Church Family to turn the first spade of dirt.  This church was blessed to have one of its own, Dea. J. E. Middleton, as general contractor for the construction of the new edifice.  Members watched with new vigor when the foundation was laid.  There was much joy when the structural beams went up.  Excitement was in everyone when the bricks and mortar began to stair-step around the foundation perimeter and the roof was completed.  But there was still the need for the interior to be finished.  New furniture and equipment to be purchased.  New carpets needed to be laid. 

We continued to crowd into the old building now made smaller by construction of the new one.  Our family kept increasing and our seams kept stretching.  New Mount Carmel knew that something was bound to happen if the church prayed.  So, the church prayed, and prayed, and p[rayed some more.  The Lord soon answered those singular and collective prayers.  The things we needed had been purchased and installed.  Then we were ready!

Expectancy was in air that Sunday morning in May, 1990.  Members had been at New Mount Carmel throughout the week working to get everything ready.  Late into Saturday night the finishing touches were completed.  When Sunday morning dawned, we all knew that something glorious would happen.  It was very warm and there were no ominous clouds in the sky.  It was a day the Lord had made, and we knew we were going to rejoice and be glad in it. 

On the first Sunday morning in May, 1990, that we had Sunday School in our new sanctuary for the very first time, that our ushers directed members and visitors down the new carpeted aisles to sit upon the new pews for the first; that our choirs sang from the new choir loft using the new public address system of microphones for the first time; that our pastor, Rev. C. A. Berry, preached in our brand new sanctuary from a brand new pulpit surrounded by brand new pulpit furniture for the first time.   As he preached, he could look out into a congregation sitting below him on the ground floor and high into the balcony above.  Our hearts were swelling with joy.   The evening of the same day, we partook of the Lord's Supper for the first time in our new sanctuary.  There was so much excitement in everyone that even after the blessing of the benediction there were those who could not seem to go home.  We just continued to sing and praise the Lord, and thank Him for allowing us this great blessing.   We were truly grateful.  And all this was to the glory of God.  What a fitting and proper way to end the day.  Every person present knew that it was a day that would live in each heart forever.

Since that day, New Mount Carmel has continued to grow and prosper and increase the family of God.  God has blessed us with new souls with many for baptism.  It is a fact that God is still in the blessing business.  New Mount Carmel has approximately 1,600 members on the church roll.  There are 20 deacons, 16 auxiliaries, a very active Sunday School, and a very active and traveling Music Department that is more than 200 voices strong.  The church has 28 sons in the Gospel Ministry.   Five of those ministers now pastor churches of their own.  There are two who are new ministers since 1997.  Yes, God is still in the blessing business.

Throughout the years, New Mount Carmel has suffered its share of troubles and losses.  There are many of the members who have indeed gone to glory.   There are also those who have been here laboring and striving almost since the birth of this great church in 1948.  These Christian founders and soldiers have watched us go from a one room building that does not exist anymore to a structure that is valued at more than one million dollars.  They have been there to see this family continue to acquire new equipment and properties.  They have seen us become a church where sometimes as many as five generations of families worship together here each Sunday year after year.  They have been there working along with each new generation throughout the entire time.