This is OUR Story, This is OUR Song

The history of Third Street Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church teaches lessons in hard work, business, relationships and most importantly faith.  It spans over two centuries and has influenced the growth of the City of Richmond.  Still the church has had a humble and meek beginning…….

Since 1828 free Africans were attending Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church located at Franklin St. and Locust Alley across from the Ballard and Exchange Hotel in downtown Richmond, VA. They entered the church only through the west side basement door; allowed only to gather in the west gallery.

 In 1850 Thomas Hewlett, an exhorter, Samuel Smith, Diana Smith, Peggy Tyree, Randolph Rully, Rebecca Strange, William Williamson, Elizabeth Young, Delia Pierce, Maria Jackson, and Sara Norrell resisted the segregation and discrimination they were experiencing and organized their own congregation within Trinity ME Church, South. The presence and growth of this new body annoyed the leadership of Trinity ME, South.

On July 1, 1852, William Parker and Cornelius Crew, trustees of the Virginia Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South entered an agreement with Mary Libby owner of the parcel of land located on Third St; to be transferred to Trinity ME, South to be used as they wished. This action provided a separation of this new body’s presence, to a place suitable for their own worship. It also allowed compliance with the Book of Discipline of the M E Church, South decree which said: “It is unlawful to hold or to provide a house of worship for a congregation of colored persons.”

In 1856 with the help of enslaved and free artisans, laborers, and Methodist Episcopal Church South, the main structure of our present church was erected. The new church was named “Third Street Methodist Church” to show that it was an off-spring and not an affiliate of Trinity ME Church. The African congregation took residence and continued to flourish.

In 1865 Third Street Methodist Church housed a school with three teachers and 165 students. The New England Freeman’s Aid Society supported the school.

As the civil war ended the African Methodist Episcopal Church was advancing south. Their programs of self-help appealed to the members of Third St. On May 10, 1867, Third St Methodist Church adopted the discipline of the AME church and held the first organizing session of the Virginia Annual Conference of the AME Church. The church was renamed “Third St Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church.” Third St Bethel AME became known as the “Mother Church” of the Virginia Annual Conference. Rev. J.D.S. Hall was appointed the first African Pastor of Third St Bethel AME Church and the Presiding Elder of the Richmond District.

Many organizations and movements have found their origins at Third St. Bethel. In 1867 “The Lone Star Lodge No.1340” was organized here.

On Jan. 22, 1874, the Methodist Episcopal Church South withdrew its supervision and entered an agreement to transfer the ownership and property to the Trustees of Third St Bethel AME Church for cash in hand for one dollar. This action was the result of Thomas Hewlett’s 17years of excellent leadership and the ability to develop mutual understanding.

The church has been remodeled several times since 1875, preserving the rare Gothic style architecture.

In 1900 the Women’s National Convention of Baptist was organized at Third St. Bethel AME Church.

On August 20, 1901, in the pulpit of the church, Maggie Lena Walker spoke her “Unity Speech” and vision of opening a bank, starting a newspaper, and opening an emporium, to the 34th Annual Session of the Right Worthy Grand Council of Virginia, Independent Order of St Luke.

On June 17, 1970, our esteemed Rev. William Judge, was the first African American to officiate an inauguration in VA when he swore in Gov. Linwood E. Holman.

Third St Bethel AME Church was named a Virginia Historic Landmark on February 18, 1975, and the National Register of Historic Places, June 5, 1975. These actions took place under the leadership of Rev. E William Judge and the Historian, Wesley A. Turner. The first African church in Richmond to receive these designations.

In April 1976, our “Sanctuary Stained-Glass Windows” were installed complementing the Harriet Page Memorial Window of 1924. These sixteen distinctly separate stain-glass windows each bear a symbol in the “Cross.” The windows allow the sun to radiantly shine throughout the sanctuary.

Third St. Bethel AME is the oldest church in the Jackson Ward community and the second oldest AME church in the State of Virginia.

For over twenty-five years- the present we feed and clothe over one hundred needy members of Jackson Ward and the Richmond community/ weekly through our Feeding Ministry and Bea’s Boutique.

In 2003 the church erected and dedicated “The Bethel Center” – (multi-purpose event venue, commercial kitchen, conference, offices, and classrooms) under the pastorate of Rev. Arthur S. Jones. A space for our church family and the Richmond community to rent for special celebrations, educational and cultural events.

In 2005- present the Missionary Society of Third St Bethel has led a back-to-school shoe drive developing partnerships with up to thirteen churches in Richmond City. The churches supply thousands of shoes yearly for children attending preschool- high school in the city of Richmond and the surrounding counties.

In 2008 the Sanctuary was remodeled under the pastorate of Rev Daryl Kearney. His ministry highlighted leadership training as showed through a successful 142nd Virginia Annual Conference held at the Omni Hotel in downtown Richmond.

In 2010-2013 Rev. Godfrey Patterson led his ministry with an emphasis on making sure our history and culture was taught and always a part of our worship service.

In 2013 – Present Rev. Reuben J Boyd organized the Church’s Social Action Committee. They are one of the most active ministries within and outside of the church. They fight for civil rights and social justice. The church educates and helps citizens in restoring their right to vote and to make sure their right to vote is not violated.

Through the Social Action Committee, the church has developed Partnerships with the following organizations: RISC- Richmond’s Involved in Strengthening our Communities. They hold public officials accountable and solve critical community problems.

Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy- engages people of faith and goodwill in advocating racial, social, and economic justice in Virginia’s policies and practices through education, prayer, and action.

Virginia Interfaith Power & Light- collaborates among people of faith and conscience to grow healthy communities by advancing climate and environmental justice.

In 2015 under the leadership of our current pastor Rev. Reuben Boyd the church received a $400,000 grant to renovate areas of the original structure. Dr. Joan Christian led the charge for the congregation to replace our church pews in the Sanctuary.

Pastor Boyd is leading his vision to reach beyond our church walls, with love and service through action and responsibility. He is the President of the Clergy & Citizens Against Racism (CCAR) in downtown Richmond. The organization was formed after the June 17, 2015, anti-Black mass shooting and hate crime of nine killed and one injured member of Emanuel AME Church in South Carolina. “Their mission statement is a coalition of diverse faith leaders in dialogue striving to dismantle systems of inequality and foster a more just, compassionate and inclusive community.” Fifteen churches take part in CCAR’S community prayer, protest marches, conversation, book studies, in person and virtual worship services.

The Sarah Allen Literary Table, (S.A.L.T) was organized during the COVID19 epidemic by Third St. Bethel’s Vice Chair, honoring Sarah Allen the “Mother of the AME Church.” The monthly book club meets virtually reading and discussing fiction and nonfiction books sharing knowledge and laughter with avid readers throughout the United States.  

In 2023 Third St Bethel AME received “The Best Practice Award for Excellence in Health Outreach” from The Balm of Gilead, Inc.- thru the following Initiatives of our Third St. Bethel Health Commission. “Health News Page”-educating best health practices in our monthly newsletter “Sweatshirt Sundays”- when we collectively exercise together during our worship service. “Bethel’s Garden Club”- grows vegetables, herbs, and fruit to support our weekly “Feeding Ministry.” A “Blessing Box” placed outside of the church filled with toiletries and necessities to support the needy, was created and is kept by our First Ladies Guild to support the Jackson Ward Community. Biker Boys Club- where our men from Bethel ride weekly for exercise and bonding. “Sagers”- our “Seniors Ministry “– developing a community of engaged seniors who meet weekly to support good physical and mental health.

The Christian Education Department, throughout our history, has been our strongest ministry. Holding weekly Intercessory Prayer, Bible Study, Sunday School, Sunday Worship Service both in person and virtually. Holding yearly Vacation Bible School, Book Teas, Graduation, Family and Cultural Celebrations and giving Holiday Gift Baskets to the needy.

Through the years the Voices of Bethel, Hand Bells, Youth, Spirit of Praise Team, and The Morris H. Christian Choir accompanied by a Trio of Musicians keep our spirits high every worship service.

The Strategic Planning Team developed our Service Commitment: STAR- Serving Through Action and Responsibility which has become part of our vision statement. There are currently twenty-four ministries that actively serve with that STAR commitment.

In 2023 our Personal Finance Ministry leaders established the Mortgage Reduction Committee to promote activities and strategies to achieve the liquidation of our outstanding mortgage. Thanks to our congregation the campaign goals for 2023 were met. As we move forward, we will remain diligent in creating ways to reduce this debt.

“Bethel Reads”: a lending library was also set up in 2023 by our Historian to make sure the youth have access to true history and to promote a love for reading and knowledge.

Many young men and women from the United States, the Caribbean, and the Continent of Africa, who have attended the Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union began their ministries at Third St Bethel AME Church.

Our Ministerial Staff: Rev. Marilyn Barnes, Rev.Veronica Carter, Rev. Michael Dunn, Rev. Eloise Neal-Moore, Rev. Jeanette Phelps, and Rev. Lamont Edwards (Youth Pastor) actively support our Pastor and church family. Rev. Barnes also serves as Chair of the Department of Patient Counseling, College of Health Professions and as the Director of Pastoral Care at VCU Medical Center.

 Rev, Reuben J. Boyd Jr. is the 46th pastor to serve this great church.

Historical Third Street Bethel AME Church, for 174 years, is still the place to worship, plan, organize, uplift the community, and advocate for the rights of all people.