History

In the spring of 1893, five persons met with the desire to carry out the spirit of the original Free African Society, which had evolved into the African Methodist Episcopal Church. They met in homes and then in a harness shop located at James and Baltimore Ave, Fernwood, PA, organizing under the leadership of Brother James Byrd. After three years, in September 1896, they had to disband. In the ensuing years, Rev. Hall reorganized, and the membership began to grow. 

The Rev. Hall was succeeded by the Rev. J.L. Paxon, of Media, PA, who became the first appointed Pastor. Under the leadership, the congregation secured the present site in 1909. The congregation then worshipped in their building until 1914, when it was destroyed by fire. Under the pastorate of Rev. J.W. Harris, it was rebuilt in 1915, and in 1916, an organ was purchased.  

The Rev. Isaac Newton Patterson. III was sent to the mission in 1952, and it was under his great drive in spiritual leadership, the membership grew. The mission was incorporated in Media, PA, as Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Lansdowne. 

In addition, the following pastors served at Bethel: 

  • The Rev. Charles H. Carter - May 1941-1949 

  • The Rev. Harvey L. Gault - 1949-1952 

  • The Rev. Isaac Newton-Patterson, III - 1952-1961 

  • The Rev. William . Faush - June 1961 - 1967 

  • The Rev. J. Anthony Portlock - 1967 - May, 1968 

  • The Rev. Leslie S. McNeil - June 1968-1970 

  • The Rev. William Banks - 1970-1971 

  • The Rev. Leslie S. McNeil - 1971-1974 

  • The Rev. Issac N. Patterson, IV - February 1974-1981 

  • The Rev. Alexander Stephens - May 31, 1981- May, 1984 

  • The Rev. John C. Justice - June 1984 - 1989 

  • The Rev. Joseph F. Whalen - 1989 - 1990 

  • The Rev. Carrie Nobles - June 12, 1990 - November 19, 1995 

  • The Rev. I.N. Patterson IV - November 1995 - May 25, 1997 

  • The Rev. Nathaniel Lawrence Williams - May 27, 1997 - May 20, 2001 

  • The Rev. Gerald H. Hesson - May 20, 2001 - June 10, 2006 

  • The Rev. Trevor E. Woolridge - June 10, 2006 - December 2012 

  • The Rev. Deborah Speakes - 2012 - 2024 

  • The Rev. Lois Wilkinson - June 2024 - May 2025 

  • The Rev. Catherine Thornton Brownlee - June 2025 - present