Imagine being transported back to 1839. Fewer than 500 people of color resided in Detroit then. Yet, a seed was planted. This seed grew into the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Bethel A.M.E. Church stands as a beacon in Detroit. It holds a rich history. Fifty Black Detroit citizens formed “The Colored Methodist Society.” They nurtured this seed. The Detroit Common Council encouraged religious worship. It donated a site on Congress Street near Woodward Avenue for the Society to meet. Weeks later, a second building on Hastings and Coghan was donated.
The Colored Methodists Society chose African Methodist Episcopal principles. On May 10, 1841, they became Bethel A.M.E. Church’s founding members. Later, the congregation moved to Fort Street near Beaubien. It occupied a building formerly known as Military Hall.
In 1847, the growing congregation built a new edifice. It stood on Lafayette and Fort Streets costing $2,300. In 1889, they constructed a new house of worship. This was on Napoleon and Hastings Streets for $24,500. The Colored Methodist Society became part of the Underground Railroad over time. In 1871, Ebenezer A.M.E. Church emerged from Bethel. It became the second A.M.E. Church in Detroit.
By the early 1920s, Bethel’s membership flourished. It grew to over 2,000. Bethel’s influence within Detroit grew. Bethel offered its facility for worship. It also served as a forum for prominent speakers and advocates. It was a concert hall for entertainers. It was a meeting place for community groups. Bethel purchased property for $40,000. It was on the corners of Frederick and St. Antoine Streets. They erected a spacious new edifice with an adjacent parsonage. The $250,000 structure was dedicated on June 7, 1925.
In 1930, under Rev. William H. Peck, the Booker T. Washington Trade Association was founded. It dedicated itself to supporting African American businesses. The Fannie B. Peck Credit Union was also founded. It was the first Black state-chartered credit union in the United States. It served Bethel’s members for 79 years.
In the early 1970s, Detroit city planners constructed a boulevard. It cut through Bethel’s Frederick and St. Antoine property. Rev. Maurice Higginbotham led the congregation. They secured a more visible site. It was bordered by East Warren Avenue, I-75, and St. Antoine. In December 1974, Bethel’s current structure was dedicated. It cost $1.5 million. Renowned Black architect Nathan Johnson designed it.
Bethel A.M.E. Church remains a beacon in Detroit’s history. It participates in community outreach. This includes the Wilberforce Club and the Interfaith Youth Dialogue project. It includes the Bethel Enrichment Summer Team. It also includes the BAMEC Square Dancers and Nurses Guild.
With over 182 years of existence, Bethel A.M.E. Church has a rich history. It produced one Bishop and three Presiding Elders. It has nurtured many into the ministry.
Under Rev. David R. Jarrett, Sr., Bethel A.M.E. Church serves its community with love. They look forward to growth. They extend hearts and hands to those who come. They anticipate what God has in store for Bethel. Remember Bethel A.M.E. Church. It stands as a testament to faith, resilience, and community. Its story echoes through Detroit’s streets. It inspires all who pass by.