Brief Historical Facts About Bethel AME Church
Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Churc hasa long and interesting history, much of which has been carried away into eternity by those who have passed into the great beyond. Bethel Churc was started by what was known as the “stick of Pompano” and was probably the first black church in the area. As early as 1909, a few persons of African Methodist faith and learning began having services in warehouses, and toll sheds. The leader of the group was a man call Parson Ella Rolle, a local minister from the West Indies.
Saluting the Past Ministers of Salters Chapel.
1914- Reverend Whiteheart
1915- Reverend Dailey
1918-Reverend L. A. Fobbs
1922-Reverend Bonnerpart
1923-Reverend J. B. Blacknail, Sr.
1924-Revrend John Henry Williams
1925-Reverend J. W. Witherspoon
1926-Revrend R. W. Lincoln
1927-Reverend Ernest Fobbs
1928-Reverend Williams Buggs
1929-1946 Bethel AME Church
Dedicated Ministers Served
1930-Reverend M. M. Linsdsey
1931-Reverend J. W. Wesley
1932-Reverend J. R. Wilson
1934-Reverend Henry Hill
1935-Reverend D. A. Anderson
1941-Reverend C. J. Jenkins
1946-Revrend J. R. Thompson
1948-165 Bethel AME Church
Dedicated Ministers Served
1948-Reverend A.A. Allen, The Presiding Elder
1949- Rev. J. R. Thompson, Re-appointed
1952-*Rev. R. H. Mobley, Re-appointed 1961
1959-Revered A. A. Williams
1962-Reverend W. S. White
1962-Reverend Milton Fayson
1965-Reverend H. M. Salmon
Reverend D. A. Russell
1966-1970
This time gives us pause to reflect on the Pastor appointed to Greater Bethel AME Church as “the Builder”. In 1966, Pompano grew, the membership increased and the need for a larger and more comfortable edifice as evident.
After long and careful planning and preparation, ground-breaking ceremony was held.
In 1967, Greater Bethel AME Church was completed at a cost of $96,000, with a seating compacity of 1200.
1968- Bethel Women’s Missionary Society was organized. Sister Mary Streeter served a president,
1970 – Rev. S. A. Cousin was appointed.
Rev. W. J. Jackson followed in 1973,
Let us reflect on the Rev. F. R. Satchel, Sr. and his administration here at Bethel.
Reverend F. R. Satchel, Sr.
1987-2001 (15 Years)
Special Programs Initiated:
1988- Bethel’s “Man of the Year”
Bro. Samuel Sworn given the ho ors
1992- Heroes of Bethel
1993 Hosted the South Florida Annual Conference
1994- Miss Junior Bethel
Rachel French was crowned
1994- Men and Women’s Day
Family and Friends’ Day
1995-Children’s Story Hour
Rev, Henry R. Jacosn was appointed Pastor following Rev. Satchel’s administration.
In 2005, Rev. T. R. Francisco, Sr. followed.
Let’s reflect on Rev. Francisco’s administration.
Reverend T. R. Francisco, Sr.
2005 – 2010
He was a spiritual leader that continued the programs of Rev. Satchel . One of his most
Memorable additions to our Special Programs was The Harvest Festival. It was a program of Arts, Music and Harvest. A delicious dinner followed with the harvested fruits and Vegetables were auctioned off.
A wonderfully colorful event.
Reverend Eddy Moise, Jr.
)ctober, 2010 – Present
Reverend eddy Moise, Jr. greeted the Bethel Leadership and Members on the Saturday after his appointment at Bethel’s altar with the words “Let us Pray”
Since that morning he has continued in prayer and servant-hood. Under his vision we are continuing going forward in faith.
It is pleasure to work with him, his lovely wife, Roberta and three children Eddy, III, Elizabeth, and Emmanuel.
Under Rev. Moise’s Leadership Bethel has hosted:
1912 – South Florida Annual Conference
1915- Central District Church School Convention
Rev. Moises vision for the church includes:
Vision: To Connect Ordinary People ( All Generations) to an Extraordinary GOD through Discipleship, Evangelism, Fellowship, Worship, Stewardship, and Service.
Mission: To transform a multigenerational multicultural world into disciples of Jesus Christ. Matthew 28:16
Theme-2015: A Time of Abundance: John 10:10b
Three Point Focus: Worship-Discipleship-Missions