|
Bethel was started as a mission in 1878, in the residence of John
Hooper, a local minister. Although his wife was an unbeliever and his
children were untrained in Christian doctrines, he conducted services
in his home. Along with his friend George Barrick, they followed the
form of Methodism, established by Richard Allen, a former slave, who
had formed his own church in Philadelphia. Allen was the first Bishop
to be elected and consecrated as head of the African Methodist
Episcopal Church.
Hooper and Barrick held services wherever they could until Hooper's
death two years later. Barrick carried on the services, with some help,
for a year, until he was joined by Samuel Curtis. The main meeting
place was at Dusty Hall on Buck Road, Haverford, although economic
circumstances compelled them to move from place to place. Having ninety
dollars in their possession, they attempted to purchase a plot at White
Hall in Haverford. But the minister needed the money to support his
family, so the group lost possession of the ground.
After an appeal to the Philadelphia Annual Conference of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church, for the assignment of a minister to serve
the mission, the Reverend J. B. Hill was sent in 1888. In the absence
of a parsonage or church building, Pastor Hill, his wife, and their
seven children, moved from place to place. Barrick and Curtis persisted
and in 1878, were able to secure the piece of land at 50 South Merion
Avenue. Here they founded Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
which now houses the oldest black congregation on the Main Line. The
church added a community center in 1973.
Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
Because all authentic records of the founding of Bethel African
Methodist Episcopal Church, Ardmore, have been destroyed, information
has been obtained from people associated with the founders. Their
accounts vary. Thus, there are three versions of the founding of
Bethel. This account is based on Sunday school records substantiated by
parallel facts of the founding of other AME churches in the area.
|
