Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church was organized April 6, 1890, by Rev. A. C. Augustus, a missionary Presiding Elder, in the home of Mrs. D.F.C. Washington at South Steven Street, between Second Ave and the Northern Pacific Railroad Tracks. Our first pastor was Rev. G. W. White.

After worshipping at various locations, a lot was purchased in 1901 at the corner of Third Ave and Browne Street. The first church building was erected under the pastorate of Rev. James S. Payne.

Several years later, during the pastorate of Rev. S. S. Freeman, the site at Fifth Avenue and Pine Street was purchased. A modest brick structure was built in 1921 at a cost of $17,000 under the pastorate of Rev. T. F. Jones.

In 1971, the present building was erected under the pastorate of Rev. Horace Gholston. In addition, a 56 multi-family apartment building was built and is known today as the Richard Allen Apartments.

In addition to being a spiritual center, Bethel also served as a political and social focal point, hosting plays, contests, dinners, and gatherings. Education is held in high regard, so the church has hosted musical and literary programs. Consequently, many of the pioneering black leaders of Spokane emerged from Bethel.

 

In 1991 Rev. Lonnie Mitchell was appointed to Bethel by Bishop Vinton Anderson. Some milestones during his tenure include: 

* Unity in the Community —The largest cultural event in the Inland Northwest. Volunteer, Donate, Perform. Enjoy.

* AHANA Business and Professional Association – born out of Bethel Social Concerns Commission

* Emmanuel Family Life Center – 631 S Richard Allen Court
Offers event space as well as meeting and office space for community/private organizations. Reservations: 509.443.4884

* Southeast Neighborhood Computer Lab

* Richard Allen Youth Academy—Filled a childcare gap for families with children 6 weeks—12 years of age.  Government cuts caused its closure after 15 years of service.

* Laura Street renamed Richard Allen Court  a tribute to the founder of the A.M.E. Church

* Bryant Arms Apartments renamed Richard Allen Apartments – HUD subsidized multi-family dwellings.

Organizations that have had a presence on our campus include:

 Community Colleges High School to College Program
Spokane Chapter NAACP
Family Promise of Spokane
Basketball Teams
Center for Family Development Activities
Fig Tree Newspaper
Narcotics Anonymous
Open Doors Family Shelter
Operation Healthy Family
Ethiopian/Eritrean Christian Fellowship
Marshallese Christan Services
Dance Studio
Spokane Ministers Fellowship
Spokane Ministers Wives and Widows Organization
Responsible Renters
Pride Academy School Recreation
Zumba Exercise Classes
Voiceless Homeless Choir
Black Business EXPO
Spokane NAACP

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