The New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church was founded in 1910 when some dedicated Christians held worship services in the Old Corner School, previously located on Carter Gin Road, in Harvest, Alabama.

In 1912, land was purchased from Ransom and Matilda Moore for a permanent site. In October of the same year, the first church building was constructed and was officially named New Jerusalem by Jim Park Townsend. Guided by the Holy Spirit, the church called Reverend Sam Gaines as its pastor. The first deacons of the church were: Jonas Maples, Will Edwards, Grant Parris, Sr., Ransom Moore, Robert Darwin, Sr., Will Grigsby, and Mack Robinson who served as Chairman of the Deacons Board. The first Mothers were: Mollie Robinson and Matilda Moore. The first Trustees as listed in property deed were: I.Z. Moore, Jonas Maples, Mollie Robinson, and Hattie Wood. The following people helped with the construction of the church building: carpenter, General Townsend and the above named deacons.

The mothers, along with other women of the church, helped by bringing food to the workers. The church struggled as most Blacks did during those hard times yet, the church continued to grow stronger in the Word of God and in its dedication to spreading the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

During those early years, many ministers played significant roles in shaping the future of New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church. Among those were Reverends Short Warsaw, Junior Blount, Henry Cable, George Owens, Newman Townsend and Hezekiah Lanier.

In 1936, the church building burned and was reconstructed under the pastorate of Reverend Ernest Burton who was called to pastor in 1937. Under the leadership of Reverend Burton, the church was strengthened by establishing the Young Adult Choir, Young People's Choir and the Senior Usher Board. It was in 1962 that the Senior Usher Board was organized. Sister Annie Burwell solicited Sister Elzina Davis to assist her with ushering each Sunday during the morning Worship Service. It was a duo Usher Board with Sister Burwell serving as the first President. After thirty-three years of service to New Jerusalem Church, Reverend Burton retired in 1970.

Upon Reverend Burton's retirement in 1970, Reverend John L. Clay, a native of Madison County and a man of God with a vision, was called to pastor. These visions were realized in a very short period of time. The church increased worship services from two Sundays to four Sundays per month. Sunday School classes increased from two to six. The following organizations were added: Sunday School Choir, Brotherhood Organization, Baptist Training Union, Matron's Circle, Junior Ushers and Vacation Bible School. Trustees in 1970 (under Pastor John L. Clay): Horton Boone, Robert Massey, and John T. Battle.

In 1975, the church sanctuary was partially damaged by fire and our worship services were held at Syler Tabernacle on Oakwood Avenue in Huntsville. Repairs were completed in 1976 and worship services resumed in Harvest.

In 1976, with God as our guide and Reverend Clay as our leader, our dreams became a reality; the Lord blessed us with a new church building, the facility which we now occupy. On November 7, 1976, the first worship and dedication service was held. Each year since that time, an annual Homecoming has been observed for New Jerusalem M. B. Church. Reverend Clay served as our pastor until 1978.

In 1978, the church called as its pastor the Reverend Leo Douglas of Huntsville, Alabama. During this brief pastorate, emphasis was placed on continued progress and spiritual growth of the church. During the interim period, Reverend John Clay served as pastor.

In April 1980, after a prayerful search, the church called as its pastor the Reverend Charles Orr of Huntsville, Alabama. In addition to the continuing leadership, a New Membership Class was added to the Sunday School, the Youth Program was strengthened tremendously, and Bible Study and Prayer Service were held every Wednesday night. Programs of recreational fellowship were established. The parking lot was paved, and the cornerstone was engraved. A mortgage burning ceremony was held in January 1981. Reverend Orr served as Pastor until September 1983. Listed as Trustees in the Homecoming Program were: John T. Battle (Chair), Horton Boone, Robert Massey, Oliver Baxter, Joe Nance, and Curtis Smith.

In February 1984, the church called as its Pastor the Reverend William King of Decatur, Alabama. Under Reverend King's pastorate, the church was blessed with new members, and the continuation of the church programs, including Wednesday night Bible Study and Prayer Service.

In 1985, a Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Mother Gladys Parris to aid young people in educational endeavors. The first scholarships were awarded in August of 1985 and continue annually. New Jerusalem M. B. Church also provides financial assistance to ministerial students in their educational pursuits.

In July 1986, the members of New Jerusalem Church obeyed the will of God and called our present pastor, Brother Ricky Sykes to pastorate. Pastor Sykes has led the church to new horizons. Increased emphasis has been placed on Christian Education, Christian Stewardship, Spirituality, and Outreach. Several ministries have been added to the church’s program or strengthened in recent years; they include Outreach Ministries, Food and Clothes Closet Ministry, Children’s Church, Children’s Story Hour, New Members Counseling, Tape Ministry, Home and Global Missions, Missionary Auxiliary, Young Men of Christian Action, Young Women of Christian Action, Cub and Boy Scouts of America, Aziza Girl Scouts, Marching Drill Team, Nursery Ministry, Single’s Ministry, and Marriage and Family Ministry.

1986-1990 (Pastor Ricky L. Sykes lists the Trustees as: Joe Nance (Chair), James Burks, John T. Battle, William D. Burwell, Lawrence Burton, Carby Burwell, and Bobbie Hyder.

In March 1987, the church was severely damaged by fire and most of its furnishings destroyed. During this time, Worship Services were held at Syler Tabernacle. This was a devastating experience but this tragedy was used as a springboard. With the help of God and the untiring efforts of our members, the building was restored and dedicatorial services of the restored sanctuary were held on August 9, 1987.

Additions and expansions to church facilities have been necessary as the congregation continues to grow. In May of 1989, the Fellowship Hall expansion was completed and was dedicated in honor of the late Reverend Ernest Burton.

In 1990, Pastor Ricky L. Sykes became the first full-time pastor of New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church.

During 1991, the church prospered in many ways as in previous years. The Nurses’ Guild was developed to assist members as well as visitors during worship services and other events of the church. The Intermediate Usher Board was established and the Male Chorus was added to the music ministry. Other advancements included the library which was assembled as an aid to further promote Christian Education and activities for the Wednesday night youth groups and provide structured material to teach Christian principles and character building. Also, another significant change was that New Jerusalem became incorporated in October 1991 as a means of protecting our church members from liability.

Taken from First Church Directory, September, 1991-1995 (Trustees were: Lawrence Burton (Chair), John T. Battle, Hosie Seal, Charles Hyder, Callie Ayers, and Ceola Steele.

As the Lord kept blessing us, we had to expand our facilities and our horizon: In 1992, the Lord blessed us to reach another milestone by employing our first office secretary on a part-time basis. In January 1993, the completion of the new educational wing was dedicated. In June 1994, additional property was purchased for the expansion of the parking lot which was completed in October 1994. It was in 1995, that the first female ministers were licensed by this congregation in the persons of: Mary Jackson Prater, Patti Chunn, and Cassandra Leslie.

In November 1996, the expansion and renovation of the Sanctuary to accommodate our growing attendance was dedicated.

In August 1998, New Jerusalem changed its denominational affiliation. After having been a part of the National Baptist Convention of America, Inc. for a number of years, the church aligned itself with the Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc. New Jerusalem shares the Progressive National Baptist Convention’s ideas concerning integrity of leadership, tenure in office, women in ministry, social justice, and missions.

In September 1998, more property was purchased across the street from our main building which included an annex building and room for additional parking. In January 2000, our part-time secretary, Lena Vance-Brandon was converted to full time employment. In January 2002, the 8:00 a.m. worship service on second and fifth Sundays was implemented to edify the church body and with it was initiated our Praise Team, which was led by Minister Dianne Bryant until 2011. We now have an Adult Praise Team and a Youth Praise Team. Additionally in 2002, there was 19.2 acres of property that was purchased for a future building site on Kelly Cemetery Road from Mr. Butch White.

Taken from Second Church Directory, our Trustees were listed as: Michael Freeman (Chair), Joe Nance, Nathaniel Johnson, Callie Ayers, and Charles Hyder.

Taken from our Third Church Directory the Trustees were: Michael Freeman, Carver Williams (Chair), James Gibson (Vice), Marvin Carroll, Eathel Leslie, and Millie Seal.

In January 2003, a sixteen-hour prayer program was initiated. In October 2003, New Jerusalem’s men and women assisted in building a Habitat for Humanity’s home. In June 2004, 21.76 acres of property was purchased from Mrs. Lucille Garner adjoining the 19.2 acres on Kelly Cemetery Road, giving the church 40 acres of property to accommodate future expansion. In 2004, the Praise Dance Ministry was added to the church’s ministries with the Karah, God’s Precious Gifts, and Hallelujah Praise Dancers. Extended mission support was also added, Global Mission, Burruss Foundation, and Hurricane Katrina Evacuees.

On December 18, 2005, the first property loan was paid off and the Marriage and Family Enrichment and the Mime Dance Ministries were added.

We were blessed in 2006 to purchase a well-equipped van that assists the seniors of the church tremendously. In August 2006, the 8:00 a.m. worship services were extended to every Sunday to edify the church body and our worship services were held at the Indian Creek Tabernacle on Pulaski Pike, while renovation of the roof and replacement of trusses took place. Our worship services resumed at New Jerusalem on October 22, 2006. The old house across the street was demolished and additional lights were added in the parking lot.

Deacons, Trustees, and Mothers have always played a viable role in the advancement of New Jerusalem M. B. Church. Deacons who have served diligently during the early era of our church were: Jonas Maples, Will Edwards, Grant Parris, Sr., Ransom Moore, Robert Darwin, Sr., Will Grigsby, Mack Robinson, Robert Johnson, Grant Parris, Jr., Earl Cosey, Will Campbell, Guss Moore, Moses Lumpkin, Hammond Vance, Sr., Oscar Drake, Sidney Darwin, John T. Battle, Bernies Burnett, Horton Boone, James Burks, Robert Massey, Hosie Seal, Stanley Torain, Hildred Burwell, Joe Moody, Robert Kelly, and Thomas Walker. Current Deacons: James Burks, Stanley Carter, Michael Freeman, Griffin McLaurin, Carver Williams, Lawrence Burton, Leslie Carter, Willie Crutcher, Nathaniel Johnson, Howard Radford and Wallace Turman.

Trustees who have served in the life of New Jerusalem were: I.Z. Moore, Jonas Maples, Mollie Robinson, Hattie Wood, Horton Boone, Robert Massey, John T. Battle, Oliver Baxter, Joe Nance, Curtis Smith, James Burks, William Burwell, Lawrence Burton, Carby Burwell, Bobbie Hyder, Hosie Seal, Charles Hyder, Callie Ayers, Ceola Steele, Michael Freeman, Nathaniel Johnson, James Gibson, Marvin Carroll, Millie Seals, Randall Bunley, Leon Cunningham, Gregory Hearn, Anthony Brown, Carver Williams, Carl Washington, Eathel Leslie, Dennis Radford, Leon Cunningham, Virgil Wiley, Thomas Brooks, Shirley Cromartie, and La’Verne Thompson. Current Trustees: Carver Williams (Chair), Carl Washington (Vice), Willie Crutcher, Terrence Frazier, Sr., Eathel Leslie, Dennis Radford, Virgil Wiley, Thomas Brooks, Shirley Cromartie, and La’Verne Thompson.

Mothers who have served: Ollie Power, Gladys Parris, Charity Campbell, Eliza Bransford, Sadie Fitcherd, Betty Massey, Alma Darwin, Mary Gurley, Odell McCrary, Mary Sales, Velma Battle, Cassie Garner, Lillie Walker, Louise Vance, and Catherine Burnett.

Currently, our mothers and deaconesses are: Cassie Garner, Lillie Walker, Stephanie Burton, Alesia Carter, Sylvia Carter, Lena Johnson, Millie Seal, Jeanette Radford, Betty Cook, Jacqueline Turman, Dinah Price, and Glenda McLaurin.

Ministers who have united with this Fellowship are: Mattie Williams, Johnnie Cook, William Garth, Patricia Strong, Frances Chunn, Michael Ward, Troy Garner, James Savage and Joseph Price.

In the life of New Jerusalem, the following men and women have answered the call to the preaching ministry: Hosie Seal, Stan Torain, Mary Jackson Prater, Robert Rogers, Jr., Larry Battle, Ceola Steele, Cleveland Robinson, Robert Rogers, Sr., Arthur Gardner, Robert Edwards, Willie Wright, Eddie Potlow, Tammie Burnett, Douglas Burnett, Bryan Burnett, Larry Nickerson, Donald Sankey, Blitha Yvette Hewlett, Patti Chunn, Clara Denise West, Betty Walker, Gary Clemons, Cassandra Leslie, Reginald Griffin, Ebony Vance Robinson, Sherry Rogers, Timothy Jamar, Anice Price, Jackie Burnett Jordan, Dianne Bryant, Amber Burnett, Kerry Gravitt, Jr., Christopher Rogers, Jr., Audrey Burnett, Neda Haule, London Burnett, Callie Ayers, and Derek Leslie

Our current Associate Ministers: Callie Ayers, Larry Battle, Dianne Bryant, Amber Burnett, Audrey Burnett, Johnnie Cook, William Garth, Kerry Gravitt, Jr., Cassandra Leslie, Derek Leslie, Anice Price, Joseph Price, Sherry Rogers, Hosie Seal, Ceola Steele, Patricia Strong, and Mattie Williams

Persons who have served this congregation as the Minister of Music are: Brothers Sean, Lloyd Rogers, Jr., Laurent-Daniel Vergnac, Minister Justin White, and currently Brother Roberto Burton

The year of 2010 was a magnificent time of celebrating 100 years of service for New Jerusalem. It culminated with many activities and programs fitting for a 100 year church celebration. It was a grand celebration which included a banquet, a new pictorial directory, and awesome praise and worship experiences were held throughout the year.

In 2011 we celebrated with Pastor Ricky L. Sykes and 25 years of faithful service to this congregation. Pastor Sykes is a man with a big heart, and a deep abiding compassion for all people. He is swift to help and slow to criticize. He has dedicated his life to the Gospel Ministry, ministering to the needs of the total man. He is most content when he is motivating people and ministering to their needs through the Word of God. Jesus once told his disciples, "...he that is greatest among you, let him be your servant..." Based on this scripture alone, Pastor Sykes' greatness stands out when measured by his service. There is nothing more prominent than a man with a vision. There is nothing any greater than a visionary that allows himself to be led by God. New Jerusalem is a church with a God fearing leader. Dedicated to excellence, Pastor Sykes’ passion to serve goes way beyond traditional and usual protocol. He demonstrates the character of Christ in his everyday living and service. He exemplifies the true meaning of being a “faithful” servant of God. We are truly blessed to have him as our Pastor.

In the year 2012 we were blessed to reach yet another milestone by employing Minister Jacqueline Jordan as our very first staff minister for this fellowship. Minister Jordan was selected as Youth Minister and we were blessed to have her on a part-time basis. During her time as Youth Minister there was an impact that is still felt with our youth. We also celebrated with Sister Lena Brandon in her milestone of 20 years of employment with this church. Our current Interim Youth Minister is Minister Joseph Price who is doing a great job working with our young people.

Since our last celebration: the lights were upgraded in the sanctuary, windows in the rear of the church sanctuary were replaced, all windows in the church received sun block, kitchen floor was replaced with brick, restrooms in the main area of our building has been upgraded and with much prayer and persistence a flashing light was installed on the corners of Bob Wade Lane and Nick Fitcheard Road. In 2013, the Media Ministry replaced the microphones and we rejoice that our exterior walls were given a much needed facelift. What a difference a coat of paint makes.

After 104 years of service, the New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church of Harvest, Alabama, remains a strong, positive, spiritual and influential voice in the community in which God has placed it. With God's guidance, with visionary leadership, and with progressive, committed, unified, and cooperative members, the New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church will continue to make an impact on north Alabama for years to come. To God be the glory; great things He has done.