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HISTORY OF NEW BETHEL AME CHURCH

Let us reflect back to the year 1923, when a few settlers of Oakwood Village, Ohio, known then as Lincoln Heights (Bedford Township), desiring to have a church that was located in their community, worshipped in various homes until they were able to become organized.

The early pioneers worshipped in what was called “The Red Barn” until they were able to purchase land and erect a small building.  They did not have luxuries we have today, such as gas furnaces, air conditioning, or padded pews; however, they had the love and faith of God.  Most of the members would bring wood and lumps of coal from home to heat the building.

New Bethel was organized in 1923 under the name of Lincoln Heights AME Church.  Rev. Gainey Washington, a traveling deacon and member of St. James AME Church, in Cleveland, Ohio, organized the church and was the first pastor, serving for two years.  The Presiding Elder was the late Rev. J. M. Gilmore of the Youngstown District.

The second pastor was late Rev. Charles Brown.  The third pastor was the late Rev. Jesse L. Parks.  Rev. Park’s wife, Annie Dee, was fundamental in starting the Missionary Society of New Bethel in 1927.

We are grateful tto our former pastors for their spiritual leadership, as well as laboring manually to make our church building what it is today.  Over the years, New Bethel has had it shar of ups and downs, members have come and gone,  Most of our foundational members have gone on to be with the Lord.  Through their example and teachings, a new generation took the “blood-stained” banner to carry on the ministry.  We have a new breed of members and leadership in our present pastor, the Rev. Stanley Harris, who was given the vision by God, to build a new “New Bethel: church.  Despite the new vision…the mission remains the same, to each out and preach, teach, feed physically and spiritually the hungry souls looking for a haven of rest and peace, which is only in Christ Jesus.

To the early pioneers and the present church famiy…

WE HAVE COME THIS FAR BY FAITH!! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!