Bethel Way of the Cross Church

Tucked away in Huntingtown, Maryland, stands the Bethel Way of the Cross Church. It’s a place brimming with history, a testament to faith and community. Bethel Way of the Cross Church’s story begins in 1948. A small group, led by Wallace and Nellie Gibson, began worshipping together. They yearned for spiritual nourishment, seeking holiness and a deeper connection with God. They gathered in homes, sharing the word and their dreams. The group grew, welcoming families like the Harveys, Taylors, Dorseys, Grahams, Riggs, and Joneses. Soon, homes became too small. They needed a larger space. Alonzo and Mrs. Mackall, along with Charles Harvey, purchased the old Huntingtown Elementary School. This became their new meeting place, a community hall serving multiple purposes. They still lacked a formal leader. They sought guidance, prayerfully considering their options. Bishop Henry C. Brooks, pastor of the Way of the Cross Church in Washington, D.C., recognized their sincerity. He offered assistance, sending three ministers in rotation. Among them was Elder John Jacob Astor Green. In a moment of divine inspiration, Sister Lancaster dreamt the first three letters of the church’s future name: B-E-T. Elder Green received the rest: H-E-L. Bethel Way of the Cross Church was born. Under Elder Green’s leadership, starting February 11, 1953, Bethel Way of the Cross Church flourished. The congregation grew. New members like John Moore, Edmond Simmons, John Lane, James Dorsey, Wesley Jacks, John Taylor, Percy Spriggs, and Robert Watts joined. Their dream of a dedicated edifice became a reality. With help from Bishop Brooks and the Washington, D.C. Way of the Cross Church, and land donated by the Gibsons, the first Bethel Way of the Cross Church building was constructed. The members themselves built it, a small but comforting sanctuary. The church thrived under Elder Green’s guidance. In 1970, he was recognized for his dedication and named Bishop. The congregation continued to expand. By 1978, the need for a larger space was evident. The original building was demolished. A new one was erected on the same grounds. This “old” church, dedicated in September 1979, faced Cherry Hill Road. A decade later, the mortgage was burned, a testament to their dedication and God’s blessings. Between 1990 and 1991, Bethel Way of the Cross Church expanded further, adding parking facilities under Bishop Green’s leadership. The church became a pillar of the community, a place of worship and social connection. Initially, Bishop Green worked alone. Over time, ministers, deacons, and missionaries joined. Robert Watts, Allen Easton, Darnell L. Easton, Wilbert Jones, Carroll Spriggs, James Butler, and O’Brien Echols all became part of Bethel Way of the Cross Church’s growing ministry. Choirs were formed, auxiliaries established. A Junior Deacon’s Board trained future leaders. Bethel Way of the Cross Church continued its journey of growth and faith, led by dedicated individuals and sustained by a shared belief in God’s power. From its humble beginnings to its current home at 5450 Cherry Hill Road, Bethel Way of the Cross Church stands as a beacon of faith and community.