Bethel Baptist Church was organized in the home of Alfred and Katie Wright in the spring of 1903 in St. Petersburg, Florida.  The first public worship service was held on September 27, 1903 in a building on Second Avenue South near Ninth Street in St. Petersburg.  Present were the first pastor, Rev. R. H. Cherry, and the first congregation:  Alfred and Katie Wright, Annie and Delia Artiss, Sarah Clairol, Henrietta Mitchell, Roseanna Weaver, and Ceasar Young.

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Since Rev. Cherry, sixteen pastors have contributed mightily to Bethel’s colorful heritage in winning souls for Christ and in serving the community: J. Williams, P. Williams, C. B. Holly,        J. Rutland, J. B. Lakes, W. H. Pelham, J. W. Carter, E. D. Conage, G.W. Jenkins, P. Thurman.  C.V. Ford, Dr. B L. Turner, Dr .H. J. Lyons, and J. Marvin.  Bethel experienced tremendous physical and spiritual growth with each pastor. Through prayer and guidance of the Holy Spirit, her present pastor, Rev. Dr. Rickey L. Houston (2004 - ), continues to lead Bethel in being “God’s House to the City.”

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During Rev. Holly’s pastoral leadership (1907 – 1917), Bethel moved to 1010 Third Avenue South.   Many of the foundational ministries were organized at this site, including Deacons, Mother’s Board / Deaconess, Trustee, Sunday School, Music, Missionary Society, Ushers, Baptist Young People’s Union, Youth.  As Bethel grew, ministries were added to serve the specific needs of the congregation and the community.  During Rev. Pelham’s pastorate (1921-1932), Bethel’s name was changed to Bethel Metropolitan Baptist Church.

 

Over the years and through several pastorates, major physical improvements were made to the church facility and grounds. In 1985, during Rev. Dr. Lyons’ pastorate (1972-1999), the church moved to its present location, 3455 Twenty-Sixth Avenue South.

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Bethel is continuing her Holy Spirit - led efforts to be “God’s House to the City” and to grow for the cause of Christ. God has blessed her with numerous souls through baptism, Christian experience, letter, and reinstatement.  New and reorganized ministries have become a part of the church’s in-reach and outreach work.   From Second Avenue and Ninth Street South to 1010 Third Avenue South to 3455 Twenty-Sixth Avenue South, Bethel Metropolitan Baptist Church firmly stands on Jesus Christ, the Church’s one foundation, and on the promises of God.