During the year 1815, a small group of people met to organize a church. They suggested that they would name their congregation Bethany U.A.M.E. Church. They had very little to start with financially, but they had a great deal of what was even more important -- faith and belief They began to have prayer meetings and services in their homes, until they were finally able to build a small church.A portion of the present church site was purchased ON March 28, 1818 from Alexander Duncan. A frame church was then built. More land was purchased on March 10, 1859. In 1863, a brick church was built. In 1869, the church was rebuilt with a gallery and more seating capacity. A stone wall was erected in front of the church at that time. Additional land was purchased on October 1, 1888. The church was rebuilt that year because of its growth.
In the year 1949, the building was remodeled, with a dining room, rest rooms, an addition on the rear of the church, and the purchase of new pews. This work was accomplished under the pastoral direction of Reverend Alfred E. Miller.
In 1966, th church parsonage was rebuilt, during the pastorate of Revered James S. Matthews.
Some of the pastors who have served Bethany Church are the Reverends Samuel Smith, W. H. Thompson, Albert Price, W. J. Ryder, William Guy, William Forward, J. J. Parker, John Anderson, Charles Bayard, J. C. Craig, Frank T. Henderson, Isaiah Jones, Alfred E. Miller, and James S. Matthews, and our present pastor.
Our current stewards are Mrs. Caroline Emory, Mrs. Delores Benson, and Mr. Oscar Speight. Trustees are Edward Brown, David Powell, and Francis Roy. Church treasurer is Mr. Edward. Brown.
Our auxiliaries and their presidents are Stewardess Board, Brs. Elanor Bratton, Senior Daughters of Conference, Mrs. Gladys Brooks, Mite Missionaries, Mrs. Althea Matthews, Senior Choir, Mrs. Gladys Brooks, Church School, Mr. Ernest Brown; Church School Aide, Mrs. Isabell Crawford, Pastor's Aid, Mrs Rachel Quails; Bethany Men, Mr. Oscar Speight; and Usher Board, Mr. Ether McLaurin. courtesy Edith Brown Mrs sylvester clark 10th street]] call in 2 weeks (from 22Oct) rev james matthews sr dunleith 447 carver drive 656 6297 ud? gathering info. 530 6570 edith brown
