HISTORICAL NOTES...
Following the Annual Conference in Gary, Indiana, in September, 1926, the nucleus of Bethel A.M.E. Church was formed when a group of devout believers left Ebenezer A.M.E. Church and began to worship across the street in the Assembly Hall of the YMCA located in the 1100 block of Emerson Street. That same year, Bishop A. L. Gaines brought the Rev. Harry E. Johnson from Waukegan, Illinois to take charge of the newly organized group. It was the beginning of a fellowship that continued for more than twenty-four years. Under Reverend Johnson's leadership the congregation chose to reunite with the Chicago Annual Conference and named the worshiping body Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Reverend Johnson left an indelible mark on the history of the church. He and his wife, Mary E. Johnson were living examples of Christian commitment. As a tribute to his dedicated service and love for the work of Jesus Christ, the congregation named the Harry E. Johnson Fellowship Hall in his honor.
The following Stewards and Trustees made up the original Official Board:
  • Anthony Collins
  • Richard Gash
  • Joseph Hadley
  • Robert Hadley
  • George Powell
  • Nelson Sprall
The original Deaconess and Stewardess Boards:
  • Elizabeth Brown
  • Julia Collins
  • Dora Cosby
  • Georgia Gash
  • Madge Gash
  • Doris Hadley
  • Julia Hadley
  • Jane Hawkins
  • Katie Plummer
  • Mildred Fisher Wood

Mrs. Julia Hadley was the first Sunday School Superintendent, as well as the first pianist. The pastor's wife, Mrs. Mary E. Johnson, was the first Missionary President.

For seventeen years the faithful group worshipped from "pillar to post", occupying a storefront on Church Street, the old "Bicycle Bailey" house on Dodge Avenue, and the basement rooms of 1932 Emerson Street. A foundation was laid and a cornerstone placed at the southeast corner of Brown and Emerson Street, before moving to the house at 1808 Lyons. Rev. and Mrs. Johnson resided in the back rooms and services were held in the front room. The old-fashioned pump organ was first played by Mrs. S. Ruth Taylor Haith, who is now the oldest living member of one of the founding families of Bethel Church. She marched into the YMCA with the original group and she is still marching - an avid participant and supporter of all church activities.
Under Rev. Johnson's leadership, the membership began to grow. Tarry meetings were held from house to house for over three years, prayer and supplication being made for the saving of souls and a permanent church home. Through faith in God, much hard work, and the assistance of the Rev. R. H. McGavock of Chicago, the original building at 1744 Darrow Avenue was constructed and the congregation moved in with much rejoicing and thanksgiving in 1941. The blessings of Bishop Joseph Gomez and Presiding Elder Robert Thomas, Sr., were a part of the dedication services.
We honor in this history our ordained Deaconess Mary I. Wright, who joined Bethel Church on "Roof-on-Day" under the Rev. Harry E. Johnson. At this writing, Mother Wright, as she is lovingly addressed, will celebrate her 104th birthday in July 2002. She, too, continues in her rightful place, attending Sunday School and morning service every Sunday and supporting the church's program in every way that she can.

In 1948, Bishop George W. Baber appointed a young, dynamic and charismatic Frank Madison Reid, Jr., to Bethel Church, Evanston. Under his leadership (1948-'51) the mortgage on the church was retired, the first electronic organ purchased, and new seating installed. Under the leadership and direction of the Rev. Millard F. Southern (1951-1955) the property at 1933 Dewey Avenue was purchased to become our first parsonage. The Rev. Mordeau Williams was appointed to Bethel Church, serving from 1955 to 1960. During this time we were able to purchase quality tables, chairs, and suitable office furniture. The Rev. W. E. Waters served as interim pastor for a brief time in 1960. The Rev. Wilfred Reid (1960-1964) was a dynamo of perpetual energy at Bethel Church. His wife, Mrs. Loretta Reid, a quiet and humble spirit, worked devotedly at his side. Our membership increased significantly under their leadership and the parsonage at 1504 Florence was purchased. The Rev. and Mrs. Clarence (Edith) Robinson and the Rev. and Mrs. Leonard (Delores) Williams were active in the growth and development of the church during his tenure. At the celebration of the church's 35th anniversary, "Johnson Hall" was dedicated in memory of its founding pastor on June 18, 1961. The Rev. Emory Davis was pastor from 1964-1965, followed by the Rev. Herbert Holman, from 1965-1970.

Dr. Oliver L. Thigpen, a brilliant Hebrew scholar and teacher, was assigned to Bethel Church in 1970. Under his leadership a building program was initiated. The people worked closely together in harmony and spiritual fellowship. Pledges were made but tickets were not sold for any of the activities of the church as a means of raising funds. Bethel Church does not charge fees for any of its activities. The people continue to give and give as God abundantly blesses. Almost all of the money raised in our church comes from tithing, pledges and sacrificial giving. In November 1971, the Bishop, congregation, visitors and friends attended the dedication of the new facility (Claude L. Pitts, general contractor). Mrs. Bessie Lee Taylor, matriarch of the only remaining founding family of the church, participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Five years later the mortgage was burned and the congregation had a debt-free church and parsonage. Dr. Thigpen served with dignity and deep commitment until 1985. Toward the end of his tenure the Rev. James Miller assisted him.

Throughout our history, we were under girded, encouraged, and blessed with the presence of the Rev. Peyton B. Harrison, Sr., a man of God and spiritual giant whose primary and only objective was to lead souls to Christ. His strong faith and ready availability endeared him to untold numbers who sought him for prayer and counseling. He led thousands of souls to a saving knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Rev. Harrison joined Bethel A.M.E. Church under its founding pastor. He received his orders of ordination under Bishop George W. Baber, and served faithfully as associate pastor and assistant minister for over fifty years. He touched many lives and was greatly loved, not only at Bethel and throughout the surrounding communities, but nationwide as well. He went home to be with the Lord on October 12, 2001. The congregation named the new chapel the Rev. Peyton B. Harrison, Sr. Chapel. Rev. Bauldrick designated the second Sunday in October as the Rev. Peyton B. Harrison, Sr. Sunday.

The Rev. Walter R. Bauldrick, Sr., was assigned to us in October 1986, an astute business man and world traveler, who had answered the call on his life to the ministry. Pastor Bauldrick has since retired from his executive position at UOP to devote full time to the Bethel congregation and community. Mrs. Bauldrick, is an award-winning principal in the Chicago Public School System. Together with Pastor Bauldrick and his family, the congregation has continued to walk by faith and is a living testimony to Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me." We are witnessing the sick healed, the hungry fed, prisoners visited and ministered to, and the faithful finding strength in the joy of the Lord.

In 1992 a vision established at our 1988-planning meeting became a reality. Reverend Bauldrick guided Bethel in a major renovation and expansion program in excess of $400,000. By the grace of Bethel completed a major renovation of the entire church, extending and enlarging the pulpit and choir loft areas. His leadership facilitated the completion of the project in peace. Through tithes and offerings the congregation accomplished this major undertaking and once again distinguished the greatness of our God. In 1994, the congregation purchased the adjacent property, 1808 Lyons, (the house once used for worship services) to expand the parking facilities. In 1996, the congregation purchased 1810 Lyons for future expansion. By the grace of God, in 2000, construction began on a $625,000 multipurpose wing. Along with the acquisitions and expansions, the church has maintained its focus on serving the community and fostering programs to support and strengthen the spiritual wellness of humankind. The church and Reverend Bauldrick are active participants in the city of Evanston. Today Bethel stands as a witness to what God will do. The congregation celebrated the completion of the addition on April 7, 2002. The Rt. Rev. Philip Robert Cousin, Sr., the presiding prelate of the Fourth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, dedicated the new facility. In attendance, was Dr. M. Joan Cousin, Supervisor of Missions, Presiding Elder and Mrs. Clarence G. Robinson, former Youth Pastor at Bethel, Presiding Elder and Mrs. David C. Coleman and the Mayor of Evanston, Mrs. Lorraine Morton. Pastor Bauldrick believes in serving the Lord with gladness and gratitude. He is affable, concerned and devoted to his ministry, his family, the church and its members. Rev. Bauldrick selected the following Scripture for the cornerstone of the church: Philippians 3:6 "I have planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase."

The beacon light maintained on the corner of Darrow and Lyons for more than 75 years is a testimony of God's greatness and magnificent power. Please join with the Bethel A. M.E. Church family in Psalm 34:3 O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!
 

Home

 
Top of Page