Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church

Called to Make a Difference!

The Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Tallahassee, FL, was founded in 1865, when the Reverend Robert Meacham led an exodus of 116 freedmen from the segregated Trinity Methodist Church South. Reverend Meacham and his parishioners began their worship under a brush arbor located on the corner of Duval and West Virginia Streets. Official organization came on May 22, 1865 when Bishop Daniel Alexander Payne in the South Carolina Conference appointed the Reverend William Steward as pastor of the underdeveloped north Florida area. Reverend Steward was joined by the Reverend Charles Pearce who came to Florida in February 1866 as Presiding Elder. On March 1, 1866, Presiding Elder Pearce reorganized the congregation, appointed officers, and officially brought Bethel into the family of African Methodist Episcopal churches. On June 8, 1867, during the first session of the newly formed Florida Annual Conference, called by Bishop Alexander Washington Wayman, the congregation was officially named Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church.

The physical transformation of Bethel from brush arbor to a modern day structure, dedicated to the glory of God and His work on earth, was accomplished by a succession of devoted, industrious, courageous pastors and parishioners who worked to construct edifices in keeping with the church’s mission and the needs of members and the community. By 1867, the first building of wood construction had been erected by members of the congregation, without outside financial assistance. During the pastorate of the Reverend Abram E. Grant, members sponsored concerts and festivals to build a second structure in 1877 at the cost of $700.00.  The third edifice, constructed in 1922 during the pastorate of the Reverend M. T. Gaines, was a magnificent structure known for its Gothic tower, oak beams and ceilings, and stained-glassed windows that were described as being among the most beautiful and unusual windows of any house of worship in Tallahassee. After 117 years of worship at its historic site, structural damage and decay compelled parishioners to relocate to Bethel’s present site on the corner of Orange Avenue and Wahnish Way. Today, Bethel occupies a state-of-the-art multipurpose worship, study, and community center erected in 1984 during the visionary leadership of its 33rd pastor, the Reverend Dr. Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr., who, in 1996, was elected and consecrated the 115th Bishop of the AME Church.

From its inception, Bethel was a transforming agent in Tallahassee and surrounding communities. Adhering to the African Methodist Episcopal Church mission of “spreading God’s liberating message through word and deed,” it valiantly ministered to the spiritual needs of former slaves. However, the infant church was more than a place of worship; it fostered economic self-sufficiency, educational advancement, social and political welfare, self-sufficiency, dignity, and moral improvement that changed the lives of freedmen and prepared them to meet the challenges of the day. During Reconstruction, Bethel was intimately involved in promoting educational opportunities for freedmen, conducting Sabbath Schools that provided instruction in reading, writing, and Bible study. One of the most politically active churches in Tallahassee, pastors and parishioners were involved in every level of politics. They held local and state offices and represented freedmen at national and state conventions, advocating for the rights and privileges of freedmen as American citizens. Bethel pastors were notorious for their political activism. Presiding Elder, Charles Pearce, who succeeded Meacham as pastor in 1866, juggled his ministerial duties with a vigorous career in local and state politics.

Building upon this rich and proud history, Bethel AME Church has continued to meet the challenges of church and society. The powerful proclamation of the Word of God for transformation and obedience and for making disciples, continues to be at the heart of Bethel’s mission. Through their preaching, teaching, and exhorting, Bethel’s thirty-five pastors have enhanced the spiritual, moral, and personal lives of members and the broader community. Adhering to Jesus’ command to “preach the gospel to humanity,” a weekly televised worship service, and services aired on Facebook Live, YouTube, and the Bethel Website, enable Bethel to reach far beyond its walls to large and diverse populations throughout the world.

Priority is placed on a continuous process of spiritual growth and full maturity in Christ, as members seek to grow in the knowledge of God, to strengthen their relationship with Him, and to grow in His image. Bible study, seminars, a comprehensive church school curriculum that offers instruction for preschoolers to adults, and other Christian education programs, are provided. A viable Youth Ministry that includes Children’s Church, youth choirs, a youth usher board and other organizations promotes the spiritual growth of young people, prepares them for a life-long relationship with Christ, and provides opportunities for them to serve the body of Christ. Members are urged to be good stewards of their spiritual gifts. Over thirty ministries, some with long and distinguished histories, provide opportunities for members to blend their spiritual gifts, talents, and God-given uniqueness for the advancement of God’s purposes and Bethel’s mission and goals.

Throughout its history, Bethel has steadfastly followed the AME tradition that emphasizes the promotion of a better quality of life for all people. Following the example of their 19th century predecessors, pastors and parishioners have played major roles in acquiring political rights for black citizens in Tallahassee. They strongly opposed oppressive Jim Crow Laws and participated in the Civil Rights Movement. Voter registration rallies and other political meetings were held at the church.

The Reverend H. McNeal Harris, Bethel’s 30th pastor, played a leading role in the Tallahassee Bus Boycott in 1956. Bethel continues to be highly visible and active, fighting against lingering political, and social injustices. It provides leadership for Souls to the Polls initiatives, conducts voter education and registration seminars and workshops, and sponsors community forums for candidates seeking local and state offices to present their platforms. Called to meet the needs of humanity through witness and service, Bethel’s vast array of mission and outreach programs enrich the lives of the people. After School programs, summer enrichment camps, summer food programs, the Bethel Community Development Corporation, A Life Recover Center, and other ministries address problems of hunger, drug and alcohol abuse, affordable housing, homelessness, illiteracy, and a multitude of other human and societal conditions.

Under the leadership of its thirty-fifth pastor, the Reverend Dr. Julius H. McAllister, Jr., Bethel continues to be an externally focused church, called to make a difference in the world by communicating the gospel of Jesus Christ and making disciples through worship, Christian Education, discipleship, ministry, mission, and fellowship. It is a place where all people are given the opportunity to meet God and to work in partnership with Him, and in community with others, to do God’s work on earth.