A Milestone of Faith
On August 2, 2025, members and friends of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Memphis, Tennessee, gathered to celebrate a remarkable milestone—the burning of a $650,000 mortgage note.
What once seemed impossible became reality through God’s faithfulness, the visionary leadership of the Reverend Dr. Barbara Sargent Green, and the congregation’s trust and obedience to God’s Word.
Bishop Harry L. Seawright and Supervisor Sherita Moon Seawright graced the occasion. Bishop Seawright delivered a powerful message reminding all that when God’s people walk in faith, God honors that faith beyond measure.
A Journey of Obedience
When Dr. Green arrived, Bethel was $782,000 in debt. Through prayer, faith, and sound stewardship, God turned what seemed insurmountable into a testimony of divine provision.
In March 2020, during the pandemic, Dr. Green was led by the Holy Spirit to tithe to the community—giving 10% of all income to bless others. Though still in debt, the church trusted God’s promise in Malachi 3:10–11: when God’s people bring their tithes to the storehouse, God will open the windows of heaven.
From 2020 through June 2025, Bethel gave more than $109,000 to community organizations and sister churches. In 2022, giving increased to 15% and continued through May 2025. God multiplied every seed sown. Month after month, the congregation made additional principal payments, accelerating the journey to freedom. Truly, “The Lord took little and made much.”
A Rich Legacy
Bethel AME Church was organized around 1894 under the Reverend H. P. Burton, first located at 851 Brunswick Place in an area known as “China Town.” The recorded deed lists the name “Bethel Meth Congregation.” Trustees included W.A. and Milliceretta Beasley, George Daniels, James Talley, and others.
Bethel appeared in the Memphis City Directory as early as 1896 and made its final $1 mortgage payment on August 18, 1927.
As the congregation grew, Bethel moved to 626 Wicks Avenue in 1941 under the Reverend H. R. Reynolds. In 1963, major renovations were completed, and in 1977 the church relocated to its current site at 2011 Alcy Road under the Reverend Charles Ezekiel Ware, who pastored 28 years and was later named Pastor Emeritus. The Reverend Ware became known nationally for community development and for founding Beth-Reach, a housing corporation for the elderly.
A Legacy of Leadership
Since the Reverend W. P. Burton, Bethel has been blessed with outstanding pastors, including the Reverends H. W. Henning, John Hunter, I. T. Jefferson, W. E. Pruitt, E. R. Keyes, Louis Williams, Robert L. McRae, Otis T. Hooks, James L. Gleese, W. L. Young, W. W. Wortham, and C. E. Ware. Later, the Reverend Dr. Almella Yvonne Starks-Umoja, daughter of civil rights leader the Reverend Henry Logan Starks, also served with distinction.
The Leadership of Reverend Dr. Barbara Sargent Green
Appointed by Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, the Reverend Dr. Barbara Sargent Green became pastor on October 29, 2005. Previously the first female pastor of White’s Chapel AME and former pastor of Palestine AME, she is passionate about Women in Ministry, especially supporting married women in leadership.
Under her guidance, Bethel launched ministries including Standing in the Gap Intercessory Prayer, God’s Precious Gifts 2 and R.E.G.O.I.C.E. Liturgical Dance, Puppets for Christ, Christ Connection Newsletter, Bethel Computer Learning Center, Youth and Young Adult Bible Study, and the Annual Leadership Summit.
Renovations Continued
Through faith and divine direction, Bethel has undergone extensive improvements during Dr. Green’s tenure:
• 2012 – Renovations of pastor’s study and restroom
• 2016 – Ceramic tile installed in fellowship hall, kitchen, and new kitchen cabinets
• 2021–2022 – New roof, lighting, security doors, blinds, cabinetry, and repaved parking lot
All renovations were completed without loans. In 2013, Dr. Green was led to secure new insurance, which proved providential when flooding required fully covered repairs. The former daycare was remodeled in 2018–2019 and leased for five years.
Despite ongoing projects, Bethel never stopped giving. Since 2020, the church has tithed 10–15% of all income to outreach, living out Malachi 3:10–11. God honored that obedience—multiplying resources and bringing complete freedom from debt.
A New Chapter Begins
Through prayer, faith, and the administrative excellence of the Reverend Dr. Barbara Sargent Green, Bethel AME Church stands as a testimony to God’s provision.
God did it—and Bethel is debt-free! As the congregation enters this new season, they look forward to greater opportunities to minister, serve, and transform lives in the name of Jesus Christ.
“To God be the glory for the great things God has done!”
