Bethel A.M.E. Zion Church
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Church History
In 1873, Bethel A. M. E. Zion Church started as a mission known as "The Little Ark," when the late Uncle Jack Murchison built a bush shelter to preach to the neighboring plantations known as the McDermits and the Murchisons. A few years later a Presbyterian minister, who was establishing churches throughout the country, came along and preached in "The Little Ark" and established it as a Presbyterian Church. During his two year absence, a Methodist minister came from Fayetteville and sold the Methodist faith to the group and the majority was pleased with the faith. Some years later, Bethel became a circuit church; however, it was not until 1931 that she was made a stationed church. Bethel has grew and prospered under leadership of some of Zion greatest ministers: Elder Barrett 1914-1918, who built and the Church Bethel; Reverend C. T. Thorrington 1919 -1922; Reverend J. W. Hill; Rev. J. C. Flowers; Rev. G. D. Glover; Rev. G. F. Dowdy; Rev. Edgar F. Jones; Rev. Edward McLean; Rev. Fred L. Stanford 1964-1969; Rev. Bernard Blount; Rev. Efford J. Alston 1970-1983, 13 years until he was appointed Presiding Elder of the Durham District; Rev. Erskin Lowe 1983-2005, under his leadership many strides have been made. In November 2005, Rev. Dr. Otis T. McMillan was assigned to Bethel and the history continues. So on the firm foundation laid by those faithful laborers and dedicated men and women of God, we have "Come This Far By Faith Leaning on the Lord". The house of God by His grace and for His glory!
Vision Statement
As we grow spiritually and educationally, the Bethel Church family is committed to making disciples for Jesus witnessing, and winning others for Christ and Zion.
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