We don't "church." we do "community."
New Bethel's Founder
the reverend Doctor james franklin declue jr.
Pastor James Franklin DeClue, Jr. was born in St. Louis, Missouri July 24, 1927, the oldest child of Reverend Doctor James F. DeClue, Sr. and Ersphine Johnson who had both preceded him in death.
He was educated in the St. Louis public school system and attended Sumner High School. After completing his secondary education, he served in the United States Army during World War II and received an honorable discharge.
Pastor Declue married Lois G. Foxwell on October 9, 1951, and remained in the marriage until May 1974. To this union he gained a daughter Deborah, and three children were born, Brenda, Pamela and James III.
He received his call to ministry and was ordained a Baptist Minister at Christ Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church in 1958. In 1963, he was ordained an A.M.E. minister and served as Associate Minister at St. John A.M.E. Church. He pastored a total of five A.M.E. churches in the state of Missouri before returning to the Baptist ministry.
Reverend Declue returned to school to continue his education and graduated with honors from Lincoln University June 2, 1968 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. He began working at Emerson Electric in 1968 and later advanced to Corporate Manager of Equal Opportunity before retiring after 32 years.
He was pastor of Washington Tabernacle Baptist Church from 1980 through 1989. During this time, he organized a mission (Bethel) in 1986 which later became New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in 1991 where he served as pastor until becoming ill.
Pastor Declue was all about business, but he had a softer creative side. Many didn’t know that he painted well and loved to draw and write. He was very generous and enjoyed working with various charities and in his community. He received many commendations from city and state organizations. He served on boards and committees for the NAACP, Urban League, United Negro College Fund and United Way to name only a few. He also served as a chaplain for the St. Louis County Police Department.
https://laynemortuary.frontrunnerpro.com/book-of-memories/1831270/DeClue-Rev-James/obituary.php
https://www.stlamerican.com/religion/local-religion/rev-james-f-declue-passes-at-86/