As a result of series of special meetings held in the Oakwood community of Middletown, Ohio on the evening of December 1, 1921, the NEW ERA BAPTIST CHURCH was organized. The first chartered members were Tobe Deyzer, Davie Clover, George Maddox, Arthur Johnson, Archie Lock, Garfield White, Allen Christian, Julius Rome, William Woods, B.G. Williams, M.E. Johnson, James Bradford, Mary Bradford, Maggie Townsend, Isabell Bryant, Lugene Scott, Bessie Glover, Sarah Cooper and Mary Johnson. Rev.C.C.Cephers served as moderator and B.A. Mitchell served as clerk at the first meeting.

The first officers were deacons: B.F. Williams, George Maddox and Tobe Deyzer as treasurer. Incorporation papers were issued on the 17th day of November 1923. H.L. dell, attorney at law, drew up the legal document and Rev. Ernest Jones gave the charge to the Church.

The first worship service was held in a building in the 1600 block of Garfield Street. The Congregation moved to a location on Heffner Avenue, then 1502 Baltimore Street. On May 6, 1925, the New Era Baptist Church bought and made improvements to the building at 1220 Young Street. The church annex was erected in 1950 and the baptism pool was installed; before this, candidates for baptism were baptized in the Miami River. Upon the recommendation of the church, Trustees Daniel J. Whitner, Sr., Lee Pearson, Clarence Henderson and Harold Henderson were authorized to purchase a new church site at 1120 Yankee Road on October 7, 1963. October 5, 1967 (later additional property adjacent to 1120 Yankee Road was purchased). God laid His hands on Nehemiah and said, "Let us rise up their hands for the good work". Nehemiah 2:18.

Pastor Cousin and members heeded Nehemiah's words on June 2, 1968, and groundbreaking ceremonies were held at the new site; The New Era Baptist Church at 1120 Yankee Road was completed February 1969. The building was officially dedicated on March 2, 1969; highlighted by a symbolic march by members of New Era singing all the way from the Young Street location to the new location on Yankee road.

Over the years the following clergymen have served this congregation: Rev. John Williams (1921-1922), Rev. Robinson, Rev. George Sims (1922­1923),Rev. Paul Brey (1923- 1924) Rev. J.H. Price (1924-1948), Rev. Joseph Pate (1948-1959), Rev. F. H. Alexander (1960-1961), Rev. S.S.Cousin (1961-1983), Rev. Walter Piper (1983-1986), Rev. Joseph F. Young (1987-1988), Rev. Dr. Gregory B. Ballard (1990-1999) and Rev. Eric L. Donalson (2001-2005).

The Deacon Board has had active chairman and one honorary chairman. They were George Maddox, Mr Murphy, Horace Gilmore, Sr., J.Hudson, Stokes McGuire, R.A. Moon, James Bryant, Jr., Trollie Culbreath, Sr., Daniel Mack, Oliver Smith, Percy Jefferson, Gene Snow and A.C.Mitchell. 

Many associate Ministers have served through the years. Two have assisted the Deacons in maintaining the church in the absence of a Senior Pastor. In 1971 Rev. Virgil Sutton came to New Era, when S.S. Cousin retired. Rev. Sutton assisted the Deacon until Rev. Piper was installed in 1983. Rev. Carolyn Hickman came to New Era in 1991 and assisted the Deacons in that same capacity from Sept. 2005 until December 2006, when Pastor Jamey Colts, Sr. was called to serve as Pastor of New Era Baptist Church.