Bethany Baptist Church Celebrates 80 Years
February 23, 2012
By Hasan James
Spirituality is something that many people experience at one point in their life. Whether at a reserved Catholic Church where the mother of Jesus is hailed and adored or at a pentecostal church where the holy ghost and the name of Jesus go hand in hand, millions or possibly billions of people around the world have some type of spiritual foundation.
My spiritual foundation came basically when I was born, as I was reared in Bethany Baptist Church in Harlem USA. This is the place where I learned how to pray, sing and praise. My love for gospel music was birthed here are well as I was known as the “Timothy Wright” of Bethany, leading most of his popular choir songs such as: “I’ve Been Born Again” and “Trouble Don’t Last Always.” As I look back over those times I realize that those pivotal moments in my life, made me the man that I am today.
At the age of 22, I followed the leading of the Lord and departed from Bethany and it was indeed a hard thing to do. It was extremely difficult because for one, this is the church that I have been in since I was born. Number two, my entire family were members of this church and we all know how disheartening it can be trying to tell your family that you are leaving your foundation. Eventually my family was at peace with my decision and although they wanted me to stay and carry on the tradition, they had comfort in knowing that I would be under a mighty man of God such as Bishop Hezekiah Walker. Ironically enough, Bishop Walker’s entire paternal side of the family are members of Bethany Baptist Church and in fact, his aunt Emily Holly (95 years old), is one of it’s founding members. In addition, Bethany’s 6th pastor, Rev. Dr. Kris Erskine, is a mighty man of God and a Senior Writer for Root Magazine.
So as you can see, there is a connection there and God has a plan for all of our lives. We are living in a time now where the mega churches are thriving with millions upon millions of dollars or other churches are going into foreclosure. With that being said, we thank God for churches like Bethany Baptist Church who has been serving it’s community for 80 long years! 80 years strong and they’re not tired yet…
Come out on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 as Brooklyn and Harlem become ONE CHURCH, as Bishop Hezekiah Walker brings forth the word of God at Bethany Baptist Church 80th Anniversary Mid Week Service
The History of the Bethany Baptist Church
The Late Rev. John Joseph organized and found Bethany Baptist Church on February 12, 1932.
Under the leadership of Rev. Joseph, the founding fathers labored to prepare a meeting place at 327 West 126th Street, New York City. Rev. Joseph served as pastor from 1932 to 1934.
In 1934, Rev. Henry Brooks was elected as pastor. Bethany continued to progress and grow under the leadership of Rev. Brooks. Under his leadership, the next edifice at 308 West 133rd Street was purchased. The idea of a well-organized church with specific duties for board and groups was formed.
Again the membership grew and the need for a larger edifice made it necessary for a larger church. The membership then decided to purchase the site on 153rd Street.
Rev. Henry Brooks served as pastor from 1934 to 1954. Rev. Brooks successfully led the church for twenty years with many new additions.
In July 1954, Rev. (Pop) Brooks died and Rev. Elmer Brooks began his duties as acting pastor. On February 14, 1955, Rev. Elmer Brooks was elected as pastor. On February 22, 1957, Rev. Elmer Brooks led the membership in their march from 133rd Street to 153rd Street to the new edifice.
Under Elmer Brooks’ leadership, history was made as he labored teaching and preaching the gospel. Several church ministries were formed: The Chancel Choir, Mothers’ Board, Get Acquainted Committee, Church Aide Society, Host and Hostess Committee, Scholarship Committee and many others. Rev. Brooks served faithfully until he retired on May 29, 1975.
On August 7, 1975, Rev. Elijah Bennett assumed the helm. Under Rev. Bennett’s leadership, several additions were added. The cross that stands as a beacon light to the community was erected, the church van was purchased, the Boy’s and Girl’s Scouts units were formed and five deacons were ordained. In addition, the housing committee was formed and Henry Brooks Senior Housing was built and opened in June 1994. Rev. Bennett served as pastor from August 7, 1975 until June 29, 1994.
In July 1994, a pulpit committee was formed and the late Deacon Jasper Laster was elected as the committee chairman. The following committee members labored long and hard in a search for a pastor: Deacon John Harris, Trustee Pearl Jones, Mrs. Elizabeth Copeland and Brother Edward Muse worked diligently.
The Church continued to move forward under the leadership of Deacon Arthur Brown, Chairman, Deacon John Harris, Vice Chairman and the entire Deacon Board. Trustee Marion Cokley, Chairman, Trustee Darren Richburg, Vice Chairman and the entire Trustee Board worked side by side with Deacon Brown and the Pulpit Committee.
After much searching and praying for a pastor, on June 1, 1995, Rev. Robert W. Wright, III was elected as the fifth pastor of the Bethany Baptist Church. Rev. Wright was a young man with a vision for the church, spirit filled, humble and God loving. We were very proud of our pastor. As a new pastor, Rev. Wright brought new programs, some very basic and very important things to accomplish.
With God on our side, Rev. Wright along with the support of his Deacons, Trustees and members was able to add many new ideas and changes for the advancement of the church.
Under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Robert W. Wright, III, new Chairmen of the Boards were elected- Deacon Steven A. Robinson, Deacon Tommie Laster, Trustee Darren Richburg and Trustee Pearl Jones. The Housing Committee was reorganized into the “Dream Team.” Deacon Steven Robinson was re-elected as Chairman. The Bethany Development Outreach at Mt. Morris Plaza reached completion and now the church was anticipating the start of Bethany Place. This project will include multi-family housing, a primary health care center, a pharmacy and renovation of our Church. Here are other programs and initiatives that were implemented:
Project 150 Drive
Revised the Bethany Newsletter
Pantry Kitchen
Ordained Eleven Deacons
Housing at 124th Street
Reactivated the Boy and Girl Scouts
Church Convocation
Reactivate Baptist Training Union
Bethany’s Mass Choir
Ordained First Female Minister
Formed the Christian Education Council Ministry
Bethany Place Housing at 153rd Street (planning)
Formed Dream Team Ministry
Christian Enrichment Institute
Young Adult and Youth Council
Culinary Committee
Wednesday Noonday Prayer Service
Brotherhood Ministry
First Saturday’s Discipleship Ministry
Second Chance Ministry
Rev. Dr. Robert W. Wright, III served as pastor of Bethany from June 1995 through October 2005.
In 2006 a Pulpit Committee diligently searched for an Under Shepard to lead the congregation by the guidance and the anointing of the Holy Spirit. The Pulpit Committee led by Deacon Theodore Copeland and members: Trustee Linzia Zimmerman, Sister Hattie Ballard, Sister Yvonne Plowden, Brother Lyndon Prince, Trustee Pearl Jones and Deacon Robert Knowles prayed that God would guide them as they continued to move forward by the power of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
The Rev. Dr. William L. Watkins, Jr. stood in to support the church in every way that his service was needed by preaching our 1st Sunday Worship Services. Dr. Watkins also served as advisor for the Vacation Bible School.
The Church continued to grow by the grace of God and the bonding together of Deacon Steven A. Robinson, Chairman, and the Deacon Ministry along with Trustee Darren L. Richburg, Chairman, and the Trustee Ministry and the Pulpit Ministry. On February 2, 2008 God our Father, under the guidance of the Holy Ghost led the church to elect Rev. Dr. Kris F. Erskine of College Station, Texas as the sixth pastor of the Bethany Baptist Church. We look forward to developing many new ideas and ministries services under Dr. Erskine’s leadership.
