New Bethel Baptist Church

New Bethel Baptist Church is a place of worship in Detroit, housed in a converted movie theater building on C.L. Franklin Boulevard. The large interior space seats 2,500 people and retains some architectural elements from the original theater.

The congregation moved into the former Oriole Theater in 1963, transforming the movie hall into a worship space. The relocation came during a time of major change in Detroit, when many congregations were seeking new spaces in the shifting city.

The father of the famous singer Aretha Franklin preached here for nearly three decades, while the congregation became a center for gospel music throughout the neighborhood. Visitors can still feel the influence of this musical tradition today when the choir sings during worship.

The building sits on a main road in the northwestern part of the city and is easy to reach by car. Parking is available near the entrance, and visitors should plan for Sunday morning services and Tuesday evening Bible study sessions.

Aretha Franklin recorded her gospel album here in 1987, singing with her father's choir in the same room where she grew up as a child. The recording later won a Grammy and brought the sound of the congregation to the world.