Once upon a time some women in Brooklyn felt a need. These women wanted a congregation. It would serve Ghanaian Presbyterians. Let’s explore the story of Bethel Presbyterian Reformed Church.
Bethel Presbyterian Reformed Church began as a vision. This vision came from three women. Adelaide Agyemang. Elizabeth Andoh. Grace Ocansey. They saw a need. Many Ghanaian Presbyterians lived in Brooklyn. The women desired a place of worship. It would celebrate their culture. They wanted a full Ghanaian expression in America.
In January 1991 the women discussed their idea. They met in Nana Yaw Boakye’s home. He was the First Secretary at the Ghana Embassy. Nana Boakye and his wife Bernice supported them. They opened their home for meetings. Ebenezer Obiri Addo. Ofori Mankata. Ben Djoleto. Rev. Andrew Aboagye also joined. They formed the nucleus of the church.
Their objectives were clear. They wanted to nurture members. They sought to keep Presbyterian traditions alive. They aimed to attend to welfare needs. This was for members and immigrants.
Migration from Ghana to the US increased in the 1970s. Ghanaian immigrants brought their Christianity. They wanted to practice it here. In the early 1980s Ghanaian Presbyterians formed a prayer fellowship. This was a response to mysterious deaths. It later led to the first Ghanaian Presbyterian Church in New York. It was established in 1985. This congregation nurtured people. These people later formed other congregations.
Consultations with the Presbytery of New York City and Brooklyn Classis followed. These consultations determined the church’s affiliation. In March 1991 Rev. Daniel Ramm offered their chapel. It was for monthly worship services. August 18, 1991 marked their first public service. Rev. E. Obiri Addo and Mr. Ofori Mankata led it. Eighty adults attended.
Negotiations began in January 1992 to create a union church. A task force was formed. Rev. Helena Opoku-Sarkodie served as a temporary pastor in 1993. Rev. Felix Busby provided pastoral oversight from 1994-1995. In 1995 Rev Samuel Manukure Atiemo was contacted to lead. He assumed full responsibility in 1998.
Rev. Atiemo led for fifteen years. The church was chartered. It became a congregation of the Presbyterian Church of USA. In 2006 the congregation changed its name. It became Bethel Presbyterian Reformed Church. This was to attract a broader membership. In 2010 Bethel moved to Bay Ridge. They renovated the building of the defunct Fort Hamilton Presbyterian Church.
In December 2013 Rev. Dr. Moses O. Biney became Interim Pastor. He was installed as Pastor in July 2014.
Bethel Presbyterian Reformed Church stands as a testament. It shows the power of faith. It highlights community. It reflects the dreams of three women. They created a spiritual home. It embraces Ghanaian culture. It welcomes all. Bethel’s story is one of perseverance. It is a story of unity. It is a story of unwavering devotion.
Bethel is more than a church. It is a family. It is a beacon. It embodies the spirit of its founders. It lives out its mission every day. Remember Bethel Presbyterian Reformed Church. It is where faith meets culture. It welcomes all. God is always with us.