Much like the original bell steeple overlooking the Yazoo landscape, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church has overseen generations of its members for over a century.
Not only is the church a Yazoo City icon and landmark, but it is also part of Mississippi’s rich history.
And even though its membership is lower than in years past, it’s doors and heart remain open to the community it has served since the 1860s.
“Bethel is a historic treasure,” said Carolyn Johnson, church pastor for the past two years. “We still have members now whose connections go way back. We are still very much connected to the past.”
Bethel is the oldest African American church in Yazoo City and one of the earliest brick churches built by African Americans in Mississippi.
A group of African Americans first began worshipping in what was known as “The Market” shortly after Emancipation. Bethel Church was soon formed in 1868 on North Monroe Street. In 1872, the church joined the African Methodist Episcopal Church, formally becoming Bethel A.M.E. Church.
The vision of the church at its current location began on May 29, 1874 when the church acquired the property at 214 S. Monroe St.
“The building was erected under the leadership of Rev. Dangerfield, and it is the first brick church to be built by an African American congregation in the state,” the church history reads.
“Much of the original structure is still with us,” Johnson said.
And one original piece that strikes a chord with its long-time members is the bell inside the steeple. Due to structural concerns, it cannot ring. But its tone is still very present in the hearts of church members.
Nancy Hudson, 81, has been attending Bethel since she was a child. She remembers a time when the bell of Bethel could be heard throughout the community she was raised in.
“We use to not have telephones, and many of us would be out in the fields working,” Nancy said. “If somebody got sick or died, they would ring the bell. When the bell was ringing, you knew something had happened.”
But the bell also brought the sounds of joy, fellowship and worship.
“I use to come to Sunday School and try to be the first one here,” Nancy said. “When you got here, you could ring the bell. The bell would almost give you a ride up and down on its rope.”
In fact, the bell steeple is one of many projects church members would like to begin to save the historic church structure. The original steeple with its bell will cost about $75,000 to repair.
“We want to save it because of its history,” Nancy said.
Johnson said there are about 12 active members within Bethel today. But regardless of its small number, the church is alive with God’s Word.
“We are a Bible-based church,” Johnson said. “We stick to God’s Word, pure and true.”
Nancy said that although there may be a few members in the choir, the church’s acoustics transform the sound into that of a full choir. A decrease in membership…maybe. But the church is still a dedicated fellowship.
“This is the only church I’ve known,” said Thelma Hudson, Nancy’s daughter. “It means so much to me, the history of it.”
Linda Williams has attended Bethel since her birth, and she loves the church’s history along with its mission.
“Everybody who came down that hill got their start at Bethel,” said Robert Fisher, referring to the neighborhood.
Nancy even spoke with a man from Texas moments before The Herald’s interview who remembered Bethel.
“He told me he started at Bethel,” Nancy said, with a smile. “A lot of kids got started here. Even if they ventured off to larger areas, they remember Bethel.”
Johnson serves the church, along with presiding elder Bland Washington. The church also serves under the leadership of Bishop Julius McAllister. The church is also one of five A.M.E. churches within the county.
But to its members, the history of Bethel makes it all the more unique.
“The older people who taught us the history, their teachings stick with you,” Nancy said.
In reflection of history, the church will hold a Black History program Sunday at 3 p.m.
To make a contribution or to assist with the church’s repairs, call Johnson at 590-5772, Nancy at 746-8074 or Thelma at 571-6472.
“I am a member of this church,” Nancy said, looking over the sanctuary. “I call this my church, and I don’t want to be anywhere else. People die and go to different churches to have their services. But I don’t care if I don’t have anyone here but me and my coffin. I want to be here at Bethel.”
