Gazing up toward the sky, the steeple serves as a reminder of fellowship, faith and history.
The outline of her bell tower can be seen from atop many hills and hovering above several valleys of the Yazoo landscape.
Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church is a part of Yazoo’s rich story and a part of state history.
Recognized by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History in 2006, Bethel A.M.E. Church is the oldest African-American congregation in Yazoo City. Now located at 214 S. Monroe St., the church is also one of the earliest brick churches built by African-Americans in Mississippi.
Bethel’s story spans over a century of history, with its congregation forming a church in 1868. And it all began with a small group, coming together in faith and fellowship.
In Joseph Thomas’ Afro-American Sons and Daughters, it was noted that most blacks in Yazoo City worshipped together in tight-knit groups. It was shortly after the Civil War, and the community’s black population were beginning to establish businesses, churches and other groups.
“Shortly after slavery, all the colored people worshipped together in what was called The Market, located on Jefferson Street,” Thomas said. “In 1868, Bethel pulled out as a sererate group and moved to North Monroe Street.”
In 1872, the church united with the African Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1890, the church relocated to its present location on Monroe Street.
“The present building was constructed under the leadership of Rev. Dangerfield,” Thomas continues.
Bethel would become the first brick church constructed by blacks in the state of Mississippi. The pulpit furniture, bell and bell towner are said to be all part of the original structure.
The church building was constructed in the Romanesque Revival-style, with its steeple covered in sheet metal panels stamped to resemble shingles.
The church also survived the Great Fire of 1904, and is the only downtown church building left standing since the great tragedy.
The church also saw a great number of visitors pass through her doors with a growing number of members. Some members of the past include Mr. and Mrs. Donaldson, Mr. and Mrs. Wough and Mr. and Mrs. Chew.
“The Chews’ son, who was blind, was the organist of Bethel Church,” Thomas said. “And his daughter played the coronet.
Some of the pastors of the past include:
• Rev. G.W. Porter, who was also principal of Yazoo City Training School.
• Rev. H.H. King (1904), who was also president of the Peoples Penny Savings Bank.
• Rev. J.W. Hair (1908), who paid an indebtedness of $775.
• Rev. G.M. Hayden (1919)
• Rev. T.S.J. Pendleton (1921), who paid an indebtedness of $1,800.
• Rev. J.E. Field (1923-1924).
• Rev. E.D. Wilson (1924-1927).
• Rev. P.H. Polk (1927-1928).
• Rev. A.W. Walker (1928-1933).
• Rev. E.M. Smith (1933-1947), who pastored perhaps longer than any other
• Rev. Brown (1947-1948).
• Rev. A.T. Ward (1948 and during 1949), who also remodeled the inside of the building and added a balcony.
Gatemouth Moore, one of America’s most popular blues singers in the 1940s before becoming a renowned religious leaders, also served as pastor of the church at one time.
Several Yazoo City residents have called Bethel A.M.E. one of the most recognizable and beautiful historic buildings of the community. Generations have gazed above her unique steeple that serves as a reminder of black history, Yazoo’s history.
