Perhaps you’ve passed by Bethlehem Tabernacle Church of God in Christ without realizing its deep roots in Detroit’s spiritual history. This church embodies a story of faith perseverance and community. Let’s explore the journey of Bethlehem Tabernacle Church of God in Christ.
In the spring of 1919 Brother W.M. Gray started tent services. Elder J.W. Childs joined him. Together they spread the apostolic faith. They shared the good news of Jesus Christ.
By June 12 1919 Elder Childs rented a room. Around July 1 the church moved to a storefront on Lafayette Street. The ministry began to grow. That August they moved to 1716 St. Aubin Street. Elder Childs affiliated with the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World. Mother Brewer Mother Porter Mother Campbell and Sister White also joined.
In July 1920 the congregation rented a living room. It was in the home of Sister Bryant on Lafayette Street. They worshiped despite many obstacles. After two months they bought a tent. They pitched it on Clinton and Rivard Streets in September 1920. This was a historical move. Elder Carson joined the saints. Conditions were tough leading to a separation. Some moved to Duboise and Lafayette Streets. Others stayed in the tent.
By November 1920 the assembly reunited. They gathered in a storefront at 1466 Monroe Street under Elder Carson. In the spring of 1921 Elder Childs left for Springfield Ohio. Many souls were saved there.
In June 1921 the union broke again. A group regrouped at the home of Brother and Sister Harry Miller in July and August 1921. They desired a pastor to unite them. After weeks of prayer Elder Samuel Nathan Hancock was contacted. He was the Assistant Pastor to Bishop Garfield T. Haywood in Indianapolis.
On December 16 1921 Elder Hancock took over the service. He became pastor of Bethlehem Temple Church that night. The first Bethlehem Temple Church was organized. Elder Hancock promised to do a great thing in Detroit.
He moved the church to St. Antoine and Montcalm Streets. The church’s only possession was twenty-five to thirty chairs. In February 1922 Elder Carson relinquished his church to Elder Hancock. The saints reunited at 1466 Monroe Street. From that day Bethlehem Temple Church was on the move.
In 1923 Elder Hancock bought two cottages at 2238 Clinton Street. One became a church seating 159. The other was a parsonage. In September 1923 they moved to Clinton Street.
In 1926 the parsonage was added to the church. This increased seating to 400. In 1928 plans were made to expand. In 1929 a new church was built at 2254 Clinton. It was made of yellow brick and seated 1200. Bishop Hancock designed it. The brethren dug the basement laid the foundation and built the church.
In 1962 Bishop Hancock bought the Jewish synagogue Sharey Zedek. It is located at 2900 W. Chicago Boulevard. It seats 1800 in the main auditorium. On April 5 1962 a deposit was placed. The balance was paid when legal matters were completed.
On March 10 1963 the congregation moved to the new location. On August 18 1963 Bishop S.N. Hancock passed away.
Bethlehem Tabernacle Church of God in Christ stands as a testament. It shows the enduring power of faith. Its history reflects the spirit of Detroit. The church has overcome challenges and grown. It continues to serve the community. The story of Bethlehem Tabernacle is a story of hope. It shows resilience and unwavering commitment to God.