Bethlehem Church of God in Christ

In 1957, Elder Charles and Missionary Myrtis Mae Varnado laid the cornerstone for a dream. That dream was Bethlehem Church of God in Christ. Right here, at 163-17 107th Avenue, they envisioned a place where souls could find Christ. The church’s early days saw a small but devoted congregation. Names like Mother Blackmon, Mother Jones, and Sister Valencia echoed within these walls. They poured their faith into Bethlehem Church of God in Christ, nurturing its growth. Elder Varnado led with strength and unwavering devotion. He preached the word of God until his passing in 1979. Superintendent Robert Washington then stepped in, guiding the flock until Pastor Gene McGhee took the helm in 1980. Pastor McGhee, along with his wife, Lady Merland McGhee, continued the church’s mission. They didn’t just serve the spiritual needs of the congregation. They also reached out to the community. Pastor McGhee founded the Community Wellness Fair, a testament to his dedication. Under his leadership, Bethlehem Church of God in Christ underwent a transformation. The sanctuary expanded, a dining hall opened, and new offices were built. Even the parking lot we stand on today is a result of his vision. Pastor McGhee served with unwavering love and respect until his passing in 2007. Bishop Frank Otha White then shepherded the congregation until Pastor Willie James McGhee, son of Pastor Gene McGhee, was inducted in 2009. Pastor Willie McGhee, alongside his wife, Lady Jannie McGhee, carries the torch. He leads Bethlehem Church of God in Christ with a focus on both spiritual and numerical growth. His Marathon Services, filled with preaching and praise, are legendary. The church’s legacy continued under his guidance with the acquisition of the Reverend Gene McGhee Agape Center. Renovations continued, including a new bathroom and sanctuary chairs. Through the years, Bethlehem Church of God in Christ has remained a steadfast pillar of the community. It stands as a beacon of hope, guiding those seeking spiritual solace. It’s a testament to the vision of its founders and the dedication of its leaders.