New Shelby M. B. Church History
New Shelby Missionary Baptist Church
In 1871, William Marshall, Edwin Fortson , Dan Scott, Anthony Moore, and George Posey had a dream of establishing a house of worship. This was a true hardship because Blacks as a race were just emerging from slavery and not allowed to worship or serve God freely. However, God manifested a pain, with the founding of the New Shelby Colored Church.
The New Shelby Colored Church started as a bush arbor. Having no pews, lights, heat or air conditioning, no floors (only dirt ones), they were unquestionably rained upon and plagued by insects. Enduring the tremendously cold winter weather, they survived steadfastly to their faith in God’s unchanging hand. The New Shelby Colored Church changed its name and laid the cornerstone on October 22, 1899 to become New Shelby Missionary Baptist Church which it remains today. The building committee was Lewis P. Wade, W.T. Reidick, and W.R Reidick.
Throughout the 150 years of our existence, the New Shelby Missionary Baptist Church has had many leaders: Rev. Jim Williams, Rev. Patsy Brown, Rev. Jack Bradley, Rev. I. McCotton, Rev. A.Y. Crutcher who pastored for 31 years, Rev. Warren, Rev. Blind Jenkins, Rev. Gregg, Rev. Matthews, Rev. Greenwood, Rev. Wind, Rev. Jamerson, Rev. V. Moss, who pastored for 15 years, Rev. J.R. Chistopher, who pastored for 15 years, Rev, Joe. N. Wiley pastored for 29 and one half years and Rev. Brandon D. Walker pastored for 10 years. On November 6, 2022, Pastor Austin D. Hill, Sr. was installed as the pastor of New Shelby Missionary Baptist Church.
During his tenure as pastor, Rev. V. Moss was instrumental in remodeling the church from a frame structure to one of brick. Following his improvements, Rev. J.R. Christopher’s additions and renovations included bathrooms, a fiance room, central air and heat, a paved driveway, a parking area, carpeting, pews, door awnings, an organ, a baptismal pool, and stained-glass windows
Unfortunately, years of natural deterioration damaged this structure beyond the ability to remodel and renovate. The church commissioned Mr. Louis Padgett to videotape the existing structure to evaluate the extent of the damage. Consequently, the damage was severe enough to justify the need to build a new church. The groundbreaking ceremonies took place on July 26, 1992, under the leadership of Rev. Joe N. Wiley. The demolition of the New Shelby Missionary Baptist Church with its state of disrepair took place in November 1992. The erection of a new church is in the same historical spot where the original building once stood. The dedication ceremony was July 20, 1993.
Seven years later, on October 22, 2000, Senior Deacon, R. D. Brown conducted the ceremonial burning of the church’s mortgage. Today, this sanctuary stands as a testament of the fortitude and strength of a people dedicated to witness and work for the Kingdom of God.
With continued growth and expansion, the need arose to build a larger facility. On April 18, 2003, under the leadership of Rev. Joe N. Wiley, the New Shelby Missionary Baptist Church purchased a 17,000 square foot worship facility and a 2000 square foot house sitting on 8+ acres of land at the corner of Holmes and Riverdale Road in Memphis, TN. There was continued growth under the leadership of Pastor Brandon Walker including a new roof, new carpet in the entire church, monitors in the sanctuary and fellowship hall, and a repaved parking lot.
New Shelby Missionary Baptist Church today stands proudly as a place reflective with historical significance, manifested dreams, and spiritual foundations. God gets all the glory!