This historic Black congregation was originally known as Bethel, but at some point became New Bethel.

As with many rural churches, a good estimation of the age of the congregation can be connected to early burials in the cemetery. The earliest I could find, members of the Bailey family, date to 1909.

The Bailey family are well represented here and were probably among the earliest members of the congregation.

The two Bailey headstones pictured are excellent examples of early vernacular memorials.

This headstone is the work of the prolific self-taught artist Eldren Bailey. His headstones can be found from the mountains to the coast and he worked extensively with the Haugabrooks Funeral Home in Atlanta. [I don’t believe Eldren Bailey is related to the Bailey family of New Bethel; the names connection is simply coincidental].

This burial was marked by a large piece of clay pipe. Durable objects are often used to mark graves when a headstone is not an option and this practice was once common in rural cemeteries.