Acerca de

 The Bethel A.M.E. Church, as we know it today, was founded in the year of 1914 under the name, Flat Rock, which was a small wooden building.  In 1918, the wooden building was destroyed by a storm.  During the time the church was being rebuilt, services were being held in various places throughout the community. 

​

  In 1924, the building was replaced by a block building.  The officers at that time were W.H. Harper, L.W. Williams, Willie Gordon, and Walter Carnes; Rev. J. B. Johnson was the pastor.

In 1929, a parcel of land was issued to the Bethel A.M.E. Church for the sum of $10.00 from Frank J. Bickerstaff and R. H. Bickerstaff.  Some years after receiving a clear title deed to the church it was destroyed by fire.  Some services were held at our neighboring church, Mt. Olive Baptist Church, and some were held at the community school, Brickyard Elementary.

 

In 1954, under the leadership of Rev. William B. Davis, the present building was built by Rev. Walker,  with the men of the community and all employees of Bickerstaff Clay Products donating bricks.  Under the spiritual leadership of Rev. Z. D. Hardwick, there became a need for expansion.  During this time, the fellowship hall and the Sunday School assembly hall were built by the late Bro. Robert McAdoo.  As the years of growth and progression proceeded under the spiritual leadership and supervision of Rev. J. W. Ezekiel, the sanctuary was enlarged and the work of an overall renovation of the entire church had begun by Mr. Willie Russ.  A continuation of the renovations and purchasing of the land adjacent to our property was completed and finalized under the spiritual leadership of Rev. Johnnie Walton.  

In January of 1995, additional renovations began including another enlargement of the sanctuary and choir stand.  There was a facial uplift done to the front of the church, which consisted of the addition of two rooms and two bathrooms.

Upon completion in October, the church was favored by a new look which included a newly repaved parking lot, a dryvit finish, and a new roof.  After, the completion of these renovations there was a church dedication program held in February 1996. Finally, in November of 1999, new windows were purchased.

​

On February 24, 2002, at the 89th Church Anniversary, the mortgage burning ceremony was held for the renovations that occurred in 1995.  A cornerstone was laid for the annex in front of the church by Phenix Lodge #428, also on that date.

 

The new sanctuary was completed, and the first church service was held on May 21, 2006. The dedication service was held Sunday, September 3, 2006, with Bishop T Larry Kirkland, the presiding prelate of the 9th Episcopal District.

​

 The dedication ceremony for the first Children’s Church was held on January 31, 2011, under the leadership of Evangelist Amanda Grooms.
 
The Fellowship Hall was dedicated to Rev. Johnnie L Walton at the church anniversary held on February 24, 2013.

Past and Present Pastors:

Rev. Davis, Rev. Lewis Williams, Rev L.D. Hardwick, Rev. Johnnie L. Walton, Rev. Jessie L. Grooms and presently serving since October 2021, the Rev. Brandon L.  Thornton.

​

Under Pastor Thornton, the church has thrived. Attendance, as well as membership, has grown. The media room has had a new facelift.  There is a new sign in front of the church and the entire church building has been pressure washed and all of the facings around the side windows have been replaced.

​

About THE Ushers....

     The first Usher Board was organized in 1930 by the late Bro. Reese Fleming, who joined the church in 1918 at the age of 12.  Other presidents were: Rev. Henry Jackson, Willie Florence, Gladys Harper, Lugene Echols currently serving Vincent Jones.

​

About the Choirs...

 The senior choir was organized in 1942, with Mrs. Emma Spivey being the 1st president.  The membership began to increase therefore a junior choir was organized with Mr. Lucious Fleming as president.  The Male choir was formed under the leadership of Rev. Johnnie Walton; the late Charlie Alexander was the first president with Henry Goshay serving currently as president.  The inspirational choir was formed in 2007,  and in 2012 both the Senior & Inspirational Choirs were combined with Sis. Janis as President. 

​

 On February 24, 2002, at the 89th Church Anniversary, the mortgage burning ceremony was held for the renovations that occurred in 1995.  A cornerstone was laid for the annex in front of the church by Phenix Lodge #428 also on that date.

 The new sanctuary was completed, and the first church service was held on May 21, 2006. The dedication service was held Sunday, September 3, 2006, with Bishop T Larry Kirkland, Bishop of Alabama jurisdiction presiding.  

​

 The dedication ceremony for the first Children’s Church at Bethel was held on January 31, 2011, under the leadership of Evangelist Amanda Grooms.
 
The Fellowship Hall was dedicated to Rev. Johnnie L Walton at the church anniversary held on February 24, 2013.

Past and Present Pastors Rev. Davis, Rev. Lewis Williams, Rev L.D. Hardwick, Rev. Johnnie L. Walton, Rev. Jessie L. Grooms & Presently Rev. Brandon Thornton serving since October 2021.

​

Under Pastor Thorton, the church has thrived. Attendance, as well as membership, has grown. The media room has had a new facelift.  There is a new sign in front of the church and the entire church building has been pressure washed and all of the facings around the side windows have been replaced.