Our History

the ame faith

History of bethel

The history of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church is a rich and picturesque one that may be viewed through several lenses: historic building, civic meeting place, training ground for the ministry and charge for outstanding ministers, or as a fountain of religious and spiritual renewal.

The first 100 years were punctuated by the building of three churches on the historic site, and by the ministerial leadership of twenty-four Pastors. The church has borne witness to revolutionary change in America, and has stood as a fortress of religion and faith.

In its growth and development, there is much about Bethel A.M.E. Church that can be paralleled with St. Petersburg, its Mother City. In 1892, only two years before Bethel was organized, St. Petersburg threw off its swaddling clothes and held its first election. The founder of the Sunshine City was General John C. Williams, one time mayor of Detroit, Michigan, and it was named by one of his associates after St. Petersburg, Russia. Williams discovered the community in 1875 while in search of a spot to regain his health. He was instrumental in helping to get the Grange Belt Railroad to come here in 1888. It was also he who plotted over 100 foot wide streets for St. Petersburg and after whom       Williams Park is named. The legal description of the church bears the name of this founder.

Two years after the city’s incorporation, Bethel, the oldest black church in St. Petersburg, was established by the Rev. J. S. Braswell in November of 1894.  Two  of Rev. Braswell’s young, faithful brothers, C.R. Hargray and L.H. Wideman, signed for the lumber needed to construct the new church. Brother Hargray was appointed Sunday School Superintendent, Class Leader, and Trustee, while Brother Wideman was appointed Class Leader and Trustee.  The founder and the early fathers and members gave the church a good solid foundation which prevails even today after 120 years and 30 capable ministers.

By 1905, the Bishop appointed Reverend S.J. Johnson, the second pastor to minister to the flock. The congregation had outgrown the wooden structure. Therefore, with the leadership of Reverend Johnson, a very competent builder as well as minister, the masonry church was begun and subsequently completed by the third minister, Reverend J.H. Dorsett. The finishing of this structure brought about the popular name of “The Stone Church,” and the naming of the section of the city surrounding it as “Methodist Town.” Trustees serving during those formative years were: Brothers E.D. Bailey, A. L. Jackson, J. W. Deple, A.A. Spendel, G. W. Gill, S. D. Williams, A. Wideman, and C. R. Hargray. Samuel C. “Mack” McCoy and his wife, Ophelia Mariah McCoy were both members of the first structure. Mr. McCoy, a builder and architect, assisted in the building of the subsequent brick structure.

The pastors who have followed the first three have also endeared themselves to the members and have moreover, offered a type of leadership that the members look forward to and respect in their ministers. Several of them, beginning with Reverend G. W. Jenkins have had large families and although lacking much of the world’s material goods, they have been able to set desirable examples for families of Bethel. They have offered tools of love, joy, communication, and conduct that have endeared them to the community for spiritual guidance and Christian Fellowship.

Following the Reverend Jenkins as Pastor was the Reverend P.R. Roberts, who was known not only in the 11th Episcopal District, but throughout the connection for his success in bringing souls to Christ through his singing and spiritual fervor. His sons have continued his service to the A.M.E. Church long after his demise.  His son James is a graduate of Wilberforce University and an outstanding minister of the state, and P. R., Florida’s gift in music to the connection, has served at   several colleges and leading churches, Philadelphia especially, and in other areas  as  composer and Minister of Music.

Reverend R.B. Brookins, Pastor number six, was the father of lovely, talented Mrs. Maude Grant, the wife of Bishop R. A. Grant, and according to his nephew, the  Reverend H. McNeal Harris, “Reverend Brookins and his attractive, dignified wife spent two happy; peaceful years here at Bethel.”  His background included the pastoring of small churches in Alabama and a sojourn in Nashville, Tennessee, where he attended school and completed his education. After serving Bethel, he administered to the needs of several of the other largest churches and districts as a Presiding Elder.

Reverend Rudolphus Dean McLin, a native of Buena Vista, Georgia, and a   graduate of Clark College, Atlanta, Georgia, came to Punta Gorda, Florida to  begin a teaching career. He met and married Miss Regina Cooper, who was teaching in Fort Myers. Although he was able to motivate many students, he was constantly aware of his call to the ministry. Therefore, in several places and towns, he taught and pastored the church– Brooksville, Tarpon Springs, Gainesville — until he was appointed Presiding Elder to the Leesburg District. It was then he decided to give his all to the ministry.

After serving the district for several years, he was appointed to Bethel, where he moved with his wife and five children -Eugene, Harry, Olive B., James, and Emma. Reverend McLin was blessed with maturity, love and respect for human dignity that helped him to reach out in his church and the community to help people with their problems, or to encourage them to succeed in finding and developing their best. He was able to add many members to the church, and through his leadership, the church was able to pay off the mortgages and to purchase the property in the back of the church.                                                                                         

In the community, Reverend McLin led a group to organize the ‘Stock Company,’ an independent dry goods store for the community. He encouraged black people to vote and to hold their property and sell for a fair price as the ‘ great Florida Boom was beginning.  At Reverend McLin’s death in 1922, a community group of young people assumed the financing of his vault.  

Upon the untimely death of Reverend R. D. McLin, Bethel was indeed fortunate to have one of Florida’s strongest ministers and church builders assigned here, the Reverend S. A. Williams and his wife, Mrs. Mattie Brumick Williams.  With Reverend Williams having directed the building of such edifices as St. Paul, Tampa; Mt. Zion, Jacksonville; Mt. Olive, Orlando; and also with Bethel being free from debt, members  eagerly accepted his plans to change the “Stone Church” of 1908 into the modern tan brick structure of beauty that it is today.                                                                                                                                                                

Two of Reverend Williams’ most ardent followers were his son, Dr. C. R. Williams and his wife, Mrs. Bessie L. Williams. “Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole!,” was the favorite plea of Reverend Williams as he ardently urged sinners to Christ and manned the business of the church. Trustees serving under this stalwart of faith were: R. Blue, J. Riley, R. Green, A. Debose, W. Roberts, N.J. Williams, and A.J. McLaughlin.

Reverend H. B. Barkley and his wife Blanche served Bethel for two brief years. They were blessed with one daughter, Rosebud. The congregation will long remember Reverend Barkley for his charming, princely manners and his creative approaches for solving problems of members who desired his help. The church  cornerstone was laid during his ministry, on November 24, 1928, with the help of most of the same trustees who had served Reverend S. A. Williams.                                                                                                                      

Reverend Julius J. Heath was the tenth minister of Bethel. This man of rare personality arrived here in the year 1928, accompanied by his wife Mrs. Annie E. Heath, their daughter Ruby, niece Jeanetta, and Rev. Heath’s mother. His past experience had included small churches- such as Weldon, and large ones- such as Allen Temple in Tampa.  Bethel, which was practically new from Reverend Williams’ re-building, was indeed honored to have a leader with Reverend Heath’s financing capabilities, because it was only natural for the beautiful, well-appointed edifice to incur some indebtedness.  Reverend Heath was given the confidence of his members and many friends in the community, and was therefore able to payoff many of the  outstanding obligations and to bum the mortgages thereafter. Mrs. Heath worked at his side. She organized the Young Women’s auxiliary, the Maude Grant Church, and was elected President of the Conference Branch, the State, and the General Connectional Branches of the Women’s Missionary Society. She fulfilled that position for several quadrennials. The Annie E. Heath Auxiliary of the Women’s Missionary Society is named in her honor.  Rev. Heath served a record tenure (at that time) of eleven years at Bethel. The Heath family has left their love of Methodism stamped in the hearts of family and friends throughout the connectional church.

Although the sojourn at Bethel of the Rev. R. J. Jones was very brief, he was greatly admired for his powerful delivery of gospel messages and his organizational ability. His wife, Mrs. Lillie Jones Pickett, served the state for many years as    President of the Women’s Missionary Society and was well known for her quiet, peaceful approach and her ability to solve problems as a leader.

Quiet, dignified Reverend A. A. Williams served the church as Pastor from 1940 until 1942. It was during his stewardship that the country became engaged in World War II. With his agreeable wife, his daughter, and step-children, he saw to the Christian needs, as well as the physical needs of the church during this troublesome period. In the tradition of his uncle, Reverend S. A. Williams, he sought to preserve, as well as improve the Church in its surroundings.

Not long before Japan struck America at Pearl Harbor to begin World War II, Bethel was sent its 13th minister, the Reverend Waymon A. Jennings.  During his three-year stay he contributed his talents to Bethel, leading outstanding evangelistic services, both for converts as well as young men called to the ministry.              

Foremost in these ministerial calls were two who have succeeded in becoming among Florida’s most outstanding leaders, Reverend R. C. Ross, and Reverend E. E. Martin. “Is Your All On The Altar?”  was the theme song of Rev. Jennings as he made his successful appeals.

Mrs. Mary L. Jennings, wife of the pastor, also helped to motivate many students into the highest levels of good citizenship. Joining the faculty of Gibbs High School not long after her arrival, Mrs. Jennings worked in the English department.

The beautiful rich voice of Reverend R. A. Jackson, Pastor of the church for one brief year, 1944, could often be heard recanting, “I am the Lord thy God, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.” Before joining the A.M.E. Church he was an Episcopalian. The Bethel family was privileged to have the Reverend Jackson spend this short period as pastor of the church.

As America and the world were pulling out of the shock of Hiroshima, Bethel experienced one of the briefest, but very pleasant periods of pastoral leadership, with Reverend J. A. Robinson and his congenial wife, and lively little daughter, Margaret (Mickey).  Reverend Robinson was experienced, and he was a very good leveling force to mend whatever rifts had been present before his coming.

The Bethel family will long remember Reverend A. P. Postell for his emphasis and direction on church: church pride, church loyalty, and church dignity. He was well experienced and known throughout Florida. Bethel was indeed fortunate to have experienced his leadership. They will surely know that I have. been here,” he often said. It was during his stewardship that the first church organ was purchased, and the redecoration of the interior of the church was accomplished.

In 1949, as is the custom of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Bishop informed the Reverend and Mrs. F. E. Sneed of their impending move to Bethel A.M.E. Church in St. Petersburg. According to Mrs. Sneed, their anticipation was heightened by his statement. The then Bishop, John Andrew Gregg (one of the greatest founding fathers), spoke these words, “The only way that you may be rewarded for bringing the St. Stephens A.M.E. Church (Jacksonville) through its crisis, is by appointment to a fine church with fine people and with no outstanding debts. It is a fact that if you overload an animal for so long a time, he will become broken down; so I’m sending you young people to St. Petersburg and may God’s blessings be upon you.”

Reverend and Mrs. F. E. Snead came to St. Petersburg and found it nearly as the Bishop had stated. Rev. Sneed, who always could find something tangible for God’s Kingdom Building, noted that parts of the church were unfinished and parts were in need of renovation.  He and the members proceeded to complete the beautification of the magnificent edifice by revitalizing the attractive stained glass and refinishing the pews.

Physical beautification was not the only change that Reverend Snead was led to achieve. He departmentalized the Sunday School, and it became a training ground from which came many members who are leaders in church and economic life today. A full-time clerk was appointed.  Rev. Sneed also organized one of the strongest missionary groups in Florida, appointing Mrs. Mildred Reed as president. The Sneads served Bethel well for seven years.

Small of stature, but certainly big of ideas, and genuine concern for his people, were qualities that characterized Reverend H. McDonald Nelson. His family: Mrs. Bernice (Babe), his daughter Harolyn Jean, and his son, Wayne, were indeed assets to him. His sincerely beautiful tenor voice, and his emphasis upon the importance of major groups contributing financially and literally on a monthly basis, brought about the establishment of the church budget. He re-organized the office and rebuilt the Sunday School rooms.

Members will long recall with fondness “Come Ye Disconsolate,” “Beams of Heaven,” and other songs that he used for sermon selections. He was indeed a spiritual magnet, as people rushed to Bethel to enjoy his singing and short, poignant messages.

During the turbulent period in America that followed the Supreme Court decree striking down the separate but equal doctrine, and further declaring that America integrate, meaning– lunch rooms, restaurants, residential areas, schools and all public places– the Bethel congregation was blessed to be sent lively, capable Reverend A. J. Reddick, his lovely wife, and three daughters- Cleo, Patricia, and Jo Ann. Because the parsonage was in the same neighborhood as St. Petersburg Junior High School, Patricia applied there, was accepted, and was consequently the first black student to enter an all white junior high school in St. Petersburg. Mrs. Reddick not only worked hard with the church, especially the Mary Ann Jones Missionary Society, but also served, as chairperson of the Head Start Program for Northside St. Petersburg.

Reverend Reddick delivered powerful, challenging messages to the congregation. He         re-arranged the physical section of the Sunday School Department, appointed the first formal church secretary, Ms. Barbara Favors Winston, and he made many friends for the church and himself in the community.

Very shortly after the celebration of the church’s seventy-first anniversary in 1965, the Tampa Florida Annual Conference convened, and the congregation was honored to welcome the Reverend H. McNeal Harris as pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church, his 18th ministerial appointment. Reverend Harris was the twentieth in a long and honorable line of ministers at Bethel. Reverend Harris and his wife, Mrs. Rosetta Harris, first came in the fall of 1965, with their daughter, Mrs. Helen McDowell, already living in nearby Largo. Reverend Harris was highly respected throughout the connection for his God-given talent and ministerial skills. He came to Bethel well-prepared, having had the experience of serving as Presiding Elder, and having served as Pastor at the following churches: Mt. Olive-Fort Myers, St. James-Sanford, Allen Chapel-Pensacola, Bethel- Crescent City, Mt. Olive-Orlando, Mt. Zion-Jacksonville, Bethel-Tallahassee, St. James-Miami, and Payne Chapel-West Palm Beach.

A member of the Episcopal examination committee, Reverend John Mainer was instrumental in encouraging a number of persons to accept the call to ministry. During his tenure at Bethel Rev. Mainer also sought to encourage expansion of the church physically and spiritually to the community. It was his encouragement that led to later renovation of the church and expansion of educational programs.

In late 1986, Bethel was pleased to receive as its 22nd Pastor, Rev. Waymon T. Dixon. Arriving with his wife, Rev. Deborah Dixon, two sons and daughter, he led the church through one of its most exciting periods. In 1986, a major expansion program was begun and completed.  Renovations included the addition of an elevator, the addition of a new Pastor’s office, finance room, and bathrooms upstairs, expansion and ddmodernization of the kitchen, bathrooms and choir rooms downstairs.  As part of that modernization, a new 29 passenger church bus was also purchased. In 1988, the church applied and was successful in being designated a local historical site.  Cited as an outstanding example of gothic revival architecture, and honored for civic, social and religious contributions to St. Petersburg, the church was unanimously recognized and became the first edifice so designated in the African American community.  Following an initiative begun by Mrs. Alva Osburne during Rev. John Mainor’s tenure, Rev. Dixon and Mrs. Dixon worked in the establishment of the first McKnight Center of Excellence in Pinellas County.          

Reverend Dixon was an intellectual preacher and believed in expanding the cultural  diversity of the service. He stressed merging of African and American traditions in both music and sermons. He believed in active participation in the cultural programs of the church.

Reverend Flavius Josephus Johnson, wife, Mrs. Algequa Johnson, son, Marcus and granddaughter, Gigi, began a two-year stay at Bethel in 1990. A preacher’s preacher, Reverend Johnson provided inspiring sermons and sought to involve members in the church. Recognizing the need for creative fundraising, he inspired the formation of the Purple Passion Pathfinders as a pastor’s aid group, and initiated the Marching 100 Mortgage Debt reduction campaign. Additionally, he initiated Holy Week Services which included a last supper meal and washing of feet.

Strong in his organizational skills, Reverend Johnson made the church acutely aware of AME traditions and the rituals of the church.  He also sought to build alliances with the other churches in St. Petersburg, exchanging services and presiding over inspired revivals.

The rich tradition of First Pastors was continued in November of 1992 when Bethel received its 24th Pastor, Reverend Harry L. Dawkins accompanied by his wife Mrs. Clatties Hill Dawkins and children Divida and Harry II.  Under his administration, the Lay Organization and Women’s Missionary Society began a Feed the Homeless Campaign. Each fifth Sunday of the year, hot dinners were provided for more than two hundred homeless persons. The church was also designated a Food Pantry and Distribution Center for distributing food to needy citizens. In November, 1994 Reverend Dawkins led the church in the celebration of its 100th Anniversary under the theme “The Beat of Our Heritage -100 Years of Christian Service.”  The event culminated one full year of activities involving the church and community.

In November of 2000, Bethel was grateful to receive as its 25^th Pastor, the Rev. Roosevelt Hardy and his lovely spouse Mrs. Dorothy Hardy.   A strong administrator, he enjoyed the love and following of the congregation.   Reverend Hardy had a quiet, humble demeanor and restored member confidence and camaraderie. He called for more outreach to the community.  His wonderful sense of humor and ability to relate to the membership on both a religious and personal basis were great assets during a difficult fiscal period for the church.   Reverend Hardy felt that as he neared retirement he desired to be closer to his native North Florida home and roots and appealed to the congregation and Episcopal District to grant him the opportunity to do so.  The church was saddened by his departure but appreciative of the wonderful spirit of renewal he had engendered.   Reverend Hardy relocated to his home in northern Florida in the Marianna area where he completed his active service prior to retirement.

Reverend Jimmie B. Keel and Mrs. Dorothy Keel’s arrival at Bethel as the 26^th Pastor and First Lady in November 2004 was greeted with great anticipation and great joy.  Members concerns about who would lead this historic church were quickly put to rest by these two great servant leaders who brought a wonderful sense of service and love for parishioners.  Reverend Keel would never hesitate to give to those less fortunate and encouraged members to follow his example.  He also led the church through the most comprehensive renovation and restoration since its original construction and ensuring the church for         posterity for years to come.  During Rev. Keel’s time the church had a roof replacement and during that period for several weeks the church re-located to a church on fifth Avenue North.  Pastor Keel was a liberal giver.  The Calendar Tea for years has been the church’s keynote fundraiser . During the two years he was pastor, his birth month (MAY) won for raising the largest amount of funds.  Like Pastor Keel, Mrs. Keel also went to work immediately upon arrival, joining the Usher Board and resurrecting the Debutantes and Masters Program at the church and in the conference.  The call of leadership from the Episcopal District came in November of 2007 for Reverend Keel as he moved up from Bethel to become Presiding Elder of the South District in the East Annual Conference

Reverend David L. Connelly and Mrs. Dorothy Connelly were called to minister and lead at Bethel in November 2007.  Though his tenure was an all too brief one, Reverend Connelly’s signature contribution to the church was the call for community outreach and service.  Under his leadership the church reached out to other denominational congregations with joint services and reinstituted the Homeless Sunday Feeding Program. 

In July of 2009 the congregation was under the leadership of Reverend Ronald E. Williams, Sr. and Mrs. Annette Williams.  The Pastor’s theme was one of growing and expanding missions by powerful preaching and strongly encouraging member involvement in the community and the connectional church. Pastoral teaching has been centered on individual responsibility to God’s word and His commands.  God is indeed “doing a new thing” in the life of Bethel!

November 2010 brought the assignment of pastor number twenty nine in the person of Reverend Bryant A. Fayson.  From the very beginning his singular message was one of inclusion and love.  He served the church as pastor from 2010 until October 2014. His four  year tenure saw the resurgence of the Bible study and a strong focus onmembership recruitment. A vision statement comprising all the components of the church was introduced to the church body.  A  focus on training of the components was stressed. A new ministry was born in 2013 under the helm of this pastor. A ministry of Morning Meditation via the telephone conferencing system was created and continues to be held each week day morning with a steady regular participating audience coordinated by Dr. Delceda Walker. In addition, under the leadership of Pastor Fayson Bethel began the initial steps to create a much needed web site, established a Bethel presence on FACEBOOK, and supported a grassroots effort to bring in the less fortunate and downtrodden to our Zion through a weekly feeding ministry. He left Bethel for his new assignment in the Tampa District — Mt. Zion AME Church, Riverview, FL.

On the final night —Friday, October 24, 2014—of the Annual Conference hosted by Bethel AME Church (for the first time in a hotel) Bethel was assigned her pastor number thirty.  Heading into its 120th year celebration Reverend Kenneth Fitzgerald Irby took the helm of this great ship.  The historic commemoration had worship service speakers in the morning and afternoon, Bishop John Hurst Adams and Reverend Floyd Flake, respectively.  Reverend Irby has taken charge and leads the church forward with a promise of next Generation growth and progress.

Irby was instrumental in helping the church secure two grants for restoration with each being in excess of $300.000.  The first grant secured in 2016 led to the church being able to restore windows and seal the walls to prevent moisture and water intrusion. The second grant (a matching grant) was secured in 2022 and was used toward roof restoration, mold and mildew mitigation of the exterior stairs and church office, and further restoration of stain glass windows.

Under Irby’s leadership Bethel was able to mark the burning of the mortgage during its 128th anniversary celebration on November 19, 2022 with the 138th elected and consecrated bishop, Frank Madison Reid bringing the anniversary message. Year 2022 marked the 100th continuous year of Bethel worshiping in its current edifice, which is the third building constructed for Bethel’s use since its creation.

As part of his secular job as Director of Community Intervention for the City of St. Petersburg Police Department, Rev. Irby combines the community outreach and feeding ministry with the Bethel Stewardship.  As a result, Bethel has a stronger presence in the community, including partnerships in the establishment of a feeding program in cooperation with the City of St. Petersburg and Feeding America Tampa Bay and Hope Village of America, Men and Women in the Making Mentoring Programs, FAST Partnership, an inhouse foodbank and food distribution ministry, COVID vaccination efforts and justice ministry. 

The St. Petersburg area endured two hurricanes back to back within a span of a few weeks.  During September and October 2024, Hurricanes Helene and Milton, respectively, ravaged the coastline and community. It caused the rescheduling of the West Coast Annual Conference.  After a ten year tenure as Bethel’s pastor, Rev. Kenny Irby supernumerated. It was Friday, November 15, 2024, at the seat of 84th session of the West Coast Annual Conference in New Bethel AMEC Lakeland, during the closing worship experienced where   Bishop Marvin C. Zanders, II, appointed the 31st pastor to Historic Bethel AME Church.  The assignment of Rev. Markus-Derek White occurred on eve of the church’s 130th anniversary and as a result, Rev. White’s inaugural sermon was the given on Sunday, November 17, 2024, during the church’s 130th Anniversary celebration.  He was introduced and presented by St. Petersburg District Presiding Elder James Oscar Williams.  Rev. White’s sermon title was framed from Luke 1:1-13 and titled “How to Position Yourself For An Answered Prayer.”  Rev. White was accompanied by his wife, Dr. Yolanda White and two young sons, Mikah-Derek and Markus-Derek, ages 8 and 7, respectively.  

During the first year of Rev. White’s ministry the church adopted the mantra of “We Grow Here!”  The twelve months between November 2024 and 2025 have seen pronounced growth in Bethel.  Namely, attendance and membership have increased. Our social media presence has increased with Youtube and Instagram, in addition to Facebook.  The technological infrastructure of the church has been updated to include monitors for visual broadcast.  The elevator has been upgraded to modern specifications and state of the art precision.   The White pastoral journey is in its infancy, but the initial year has been stellar. Historic Bethel’s journey is continuing. To God Be The Glory!

 And now, as we enter our 132^ndyear as the oldest African American church in the city of St. Petersburg, FL and continue through our second century, we again paraphrase the words penned by Ms. Olive McLin during our 88th Anniversary. 

With heartfelt love and appreciation

“The Bethel Family is grateful to Rev. Markus-Derek White, the thirty ministers who preceded him, and to our founding forefathers for one hundred  thirty-one years of AMAZING GRACE!”