Perhaps the Lord directed Pastor Cunningham in the vision. Here stands Bethesda New Life Gospel Church. It is located at 750 Kenilworth Avenue NE in Washington D.C. The church has a rich history. It began with humble roots and grew into a vibrant community.
Bethesda New Life Gospel Church’s story starts on September 2 1972. Frank R. Killingsworth invited a group to organize a church. He was the founder of the Kodesh Church of Immanuel. Seven charter members formed Bethesda. These members included Robert Farmer and James Long. Also included were Virgust Cunningham and Susie Doleman. Virginia Long Lillie Collins and Reverend Iola B. Cunningham also joined. Reverend Cunningham served as the first pastor.
The first service took place on November 5 1972. It was held in the home of Virgust and Iola Cunningham. Pastor Cunningham’s message came from St. Matthew 16:17-18. The theme was “Jesus Promises To Build HIS Church.”
In March 1973 Bethesda acquired a building at 331 15th Street NE. God blessed the church. Ministers were called and ordained. Many souls joined the church. After seven years Bethesda sought independence. In 1980 the Office of Recorder of Deeds granted independence. The church became Bethesda New Life Gospel Church.
Beginning in 1986 Bethesda birthed other churches. Mt. Carmel New Life Gospel in Bristol Tennessee was established. Elder Ann Johnson served as pastor. Praise The Lord New Life Gospel in Tarboro NC was created. Rev. Dorothy Purvis became the pastor. Blessed Hope New Life Gospel in Honeapath SC was founded. Elder Faye Terry served as pastor.
On December 4 1994 Bethesda closed its doors at the 15th Street location. A Sacrificial Praise and Thanksgiving Service marked the end. The church had been there for 21 years. The Lord promised Pastor Cunningham support. He said “as I was with Moses so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you.”
On December 11 1994 Bethesda began services at the Chancy Spruell Community Center. It was located at 3517 Jay Street NE. The center was in the heart of the community.
On Memorial Day in 1995 Bethesda held a Ground Breaking Service. It took place on property the church held for years. They laid a new cornerstone. In September 1995 God blessed Bethesda with a new ministry. Rev. James and Rev. Mamie Green led The Revealed Truth Ministry in Mineral Virginia.
A Ribbon-cutting Service opened the doors on December 16 1995. Bethesda’s current location at 750 Kenilworth Avenue NE opened.
In 1996 God established another New Life Gospel Church. Seed Time and Harvest New Life Gospel Church was organized in Blackshear Georgia. Rev. Eva Avant was named pastor.
In 1998 five ministers joined Bethesda. Rev. Mary Benbow and Minister Jeffery Hines joined. Evangelists Dennise Glover Pearl Miler and Wydenia Saunders also joined.
During the 18th Annual Holy Convocation in 2000 Pastor Cunningham ordained Evangelists Jeffery Hines and Wydenia Saunders. Deacon Jesse Richardson was licensed as an Evangelist in November 2000.
In 2001 Bro. Norman Lorick was ordained as a Deacon. In 2002 the New Members Processing Ministry was added. Bro. Alex Avant proposed it. This ministry welcomes new members.
In 2002 nine new Helpers joined the Helpers Ministry. In 2003 Evangelist Jesse Richardson Jr. was ordained. In December 2003 Deaconess Daffney Archer was licensed as an Evangelist.
In 2007 Pastor Cunningham ordained Evangelists Denise Glover and Daffney Archer. They became Rev. Denise Glover and Rev. Daffney Archer.
Since its opening Bethesda has seen many changes. Many souls have been saved. Whole families have joined the church. Bethesda New Life Gospel Church continues to live on.
Today Rev. Dr. Jesse L. Richardson Jr. is the Senior Pastor. He joined in 1997. He served in various roles. In 2006 he became Assistant to Bishop Cunningham. He was installed as Pastor in August 2012. Rev. DeJuana Grant serves as Assistant Pastor. Rev. Daffney Archer is the Executive Pastor. Rev. DeKisha Williams is the Youth Pastor. MIT Andrew Williams also serves as Youth Pastor. Bethesda New Life Gospel Church stands as a testament to faith. Its history reflects dedication and growth.