The Doctrine of Richard Allen, the founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, became note worthy when others followed the example he established in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
In 1886, the Reverend C. Heyward and a group of dedicated followers began worshipping at a Bush Arbor, at the present site
of the St. James Cemetery on Highway 15 North. This gathering was the foundation of Bethel African Methodist Church of St. George, South Carolina. History records this event somewhere following the end of the Civil War, at a time when Blacks
were granted freedom to assemble for religious services.
The church was moved to the present site somewhere between 1890 and 1900. This site was located in the heart of the Black
community. Bethel was instrumental in providing for the educational and spiritual needs of the community.
During the early 1900’s Bethel A.M.E. Church strove for excellence in religious services and became known as a leading force in religious outreach. At this time in her history Bethel was a large brick structure that graced the architecture of the
area.
In 1944, under the pastoral administration of the Reverend B.J. Hutchinson, the church underwent renovation. In 1946, at a
time the Right Reverend Frank M. Reid, Sr. served as Presiding Prelate and the Reverend Dr. J.W. Murph served as the
Presiding Elder a cornerstone was laid. Bethel graciously and competently hosted the South Carolina Annual Conference.
Sometime later the church was destroyed by fire. The membership was deeply saddened to see their beloved church
smoldering in ruins along the roadway. However, the dedicated people of Bethel were galvanized in an effort to rebuild the
house of worship. Times were difficult but they held steadfast in faith that the Lord would provide.
To God Be the Glory, in 1947, under the pastoral administration of the Reverend Julius Holman a new edifice was constructed. Once again Bethel stood proud and magnificent providing for the educational and religious activities in the community she was called to serve.
A building fund was initiated under the pastoral administration of the Reverend James I. Nedd. The vision of the officers and members was to construct a new and improved facility.
In 1974, under the pastoral administration of the Reverend Herbert Blake, the officers and members of Bethel broke ground,
beginning work to build and expand. Faith in God and the strength of a persistent people raised over $40,000.00 for the project. Smith Construction of St. George was commissioned to erect the new structure.
The project was completed in September of 1978. The present edifice was dedicated under the pastoral administration of the
Reverend Herbert Blake. The Right Reverend Frank M. Reid, Jr., Presiding Bishop and Presiding Elder H.B. Butler were present to witness this glorious event. Upon completion of the project Bethel once again hosted the South Carolina Annual
Conference.
Following the reassignment of Reverend Herbert Blake, Bethel has prospered under the pastoral administrations of several
dynamic men of God. Reverends Hezekiah Ellis, Joseph E. Myers, John Paul Brown, Frank M. Moses. Alvin J. Blake and
Jonathan C. Roberts have all added their touch. Bethel is currently under the pastoral administration of the Reverend Dr.
Charles R. Watkins, Jr.
The roots of Bethel’s founders continue to run deep as the descendents of Reverend C. Heyward are still in the membership
and serving in leadership positions. The beautiful Bethel remains a strong and steadfast center of Christian activity and
worship. This prime, central location along highway 78, Memorial Boulevard in the town of St. George, the county seat of
Dorchester County. South Carolina, offers wonderful opportunity and potential. We are thankful to the Lord for years of
Christian Service.
The pride, praise and progress of the founders of Bethel forges on. “Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of
hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18)
Read the history of The AME Church.