Bethel A.M.E. Church Celebrates 128 Years
Bethel A.M.E. Church was established in Darlington, South Carolina and began as a one room building on Chalmers St. It started off with prayer meetings by some faithful few, Mrs. Laura Rogers, Mrs. Mary Malachi, Mrs. Constance Smalls, Mrs. Lewis Martin, Mrs. Clarissy Martin, Mrs. Lena Stevenson, Mrs. Lizzie Brown and the younger set: Mrs. Ida Rogers, Mrs. Ida Parson, Mr. J.M. Sims, Mrs. Fannie Stevens, Mr. Willie Sparks, Mrs. Florence White, Mrs. Patience Sparks and others.
Mr. Silas McCall, a local preacher and the husband of Mrs. Nora McCal, did the preaching. Those sainted people prayed to God fervently and asked Him to show them the way to a brighter day and a greater Bethel, and God gave the vision to move on up a little higher. The land was purchased through much sacrificing. The land where the parsonage is built was paid for by Mrs. Ida Rogers and Mrs. Florence White. The bell that hung in the tower was paid for by Mrs. Ida Rogers.
The church was erected by self-sacrificing men and women. When the tedious part was reached, the workers only charged a small amount because everyone was anxious to see the building go up . Oh, what a glorious time, when they marched into their first church building. This was the year 1889. Rev. J.P. Alston was the first pastor, following him were these ministers: Rev. Walker, Rev. Burke, Rev. C.J. Smart, Rev. N.S. Delaine, Rev. L. Perrin, Rev. N.B. Levister, a great musician. Another great musician, Rev. I.J. Pruitt, on one or two occasions, played the organ and sang.
The church continued into the new century to enter the marvelous leadership and vision in 1966 of Rev. Romeo Leonard. The purchase of land was made in 1969. After much sacrifice and determination, on April 25, 1977, the doors on Bethel A.M.E. Church were opened at 132 E. Main Street in Darlington.
In November 2014, the Lord blessed the church with Rev. Dr. Krystal Spears and her husband Bro. Craig Sears. Under Dr. Sears leadership the church has been renewed and revised with a fresh start and a new beginning.
The celebration of the 128th Anniversary of Bethel A.M.E. Church will begin Saturday, July 8th at 10a.m. The Darlington Community is invited to help celebrate the 128th Church Anniversary of Bethel A.M.E. Church. Various activities, food and fun will be held. On Sunday, July 9th events begin at 8a.m. The Rev. Lynda T. Rassmann, Choir and the congregation from St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Pleasantville, NJ will be guests. Anniversary Services will conclude at 3p.m. as Bishop Samuel L. Green will deliver the Anniversary Services Message. Music will be by the Women’s Celestial Choir of Bethel. Dinner will be served following the services in the Annex Building.