A Brief History of Our Church

Founded in 1896 By Mrs. Victoria Newcombe

It was the kindness of Mrs. Victoria Newcombe 125 years ago, that drew several young people to her home on Sundays for prayer and scripture reading.  This formed the idea to establish a Church in the Community to meet the spiritual and religious needs of local residents.

In 1909, in conjunction with Rev. George H. Hall, the Bethel A.M.E. Church was established and in 1917, it was incorporated as a religious corporation.  Six Ministers followed Rev. Hall until the A.M. E. Conference assigned Rev. Coma Asapansa-Johnson to Staten Island and the Bethel Church.  

From a Blacksmith Shop to a Church Building in 1941

The present property where the church is located, 51 Van Duzer Street, Staten Island, NY was purchased in 1921.  In 1921, on the property was a blacksmith’s shop, with living quarters.  Church services was actually held in the Blacksmith shop and the living quarters became the parsonage for the pastor.  The parsonage was little more than a two-story wooden shack.  Immediately, dissatisfied with these conditions, Rev. Johnson was determined to build a new Church and to bring change to the Community.  Through his guidance and with the assistance from some influential friends and prominent religious and political leaders, a mass fundraising was started to remove the black smith shop and living quarters and build the new church. In the 1920’s money was difficult to come by, but through a coalition of Black and White leaders and volunteers, the money was raised to build a new home for Bethel, which still stands today.

In joy and honor we recall the past and celebrate our ancestors, members of the Catholic, Jewish and Protestant Faith for their vision, tenacity and support. As well as mention the names of a few clergy, politicians and community leaders for their outstanding contributions, including; the Honorable Joseph Palma, Borough President, Mrs. Louis Dreyfuss, Rev. Carl J. Sutter, Owners of Koehler Plumbing Supplies, Rev. Winfield Burggraaff. We also shall never forget the dedication of the church’s young people Dorothy Solomon, Nadine and Juliennne LaVeist, each held out cups in the community and asked for coins to help raise the money needed to meet building expenses.  

A Time of Celebration and A Time of Challenge

In 1941, the cornerstone was laid and Bethel Church opened it’s new doors for worship.  It was a became a beacon of hope, especially, due to World War II. When the country face unparalleled challenges. Bethel became a center for USO activities for black servicemen.  Community members came to the church seeking help and assistance with employment. 

It was truly a time of celebration but also a time of challenge.  The A.M.E. Conference, which provided little to no financial support to the church or building effort, felt is was now time to move Rev. Johnson to a new location.  This decision deeply troubled and sadden the church and trustees.  The members of the church decided to rally around their beloved Pastor.  A congregation meeting was held, a vote was taken and the members of Bethel voted to leave the A.M.E. Conference in efforts to keep Rev. Johnson as their pastor.  Rev Johnson consulted with his friend and confidant Rev. Carl J. Sutter and the decision was made to drop the A.M.E. from the name of the Church and to become the Bethel Community Church. (The Church was reconstituted as the Bethel Community Church in 1971). Today it is simple called, Bethel.

 Our Great Pastoral Leaders

In 1972, Bishop Johnson passed away leaving a legacy of personal achievements behind him, including a permanent monument to his belief in Jesus Christ in the form of Bethel Community Church.  He was succeeded by Bishop James Burns, Bishop Francis Harris, Rev. Kenneth Thomas, Rev. Dr. F. Vincent Cuestas, Rev. Robert Royal, Rev. Charles Harris and our present and first Female Pastor is the Rev. Judy L Brown.

Trustees

  • Meyers

  • Charles

  • Mother Cubas

  • Marilyn

  • Dr. Harris

Deacon/Dit

  • Marilyn

  • Brother Joseph

  • Henry

Mothers

  • Mother Joseph

  • Mother Cubas

  • Mother Merle

  • Mother English