Bethel AMEC, Coxsackie

---

“We continue to be joyful and praise God.” 

Bethel A.M.E. Church of Coxsackie, New York was founded in 1853. The church building that stands today was constructed in 1856 on land donated by Mrs. Lane of Four Mile Point. Bethel Coxsackie holds the distinction of being the oldest Black church in Greene County.

From its earliest days, Bethel was established as a place where faith could be practiced freely and community could be nurtured with dignity and purpose.

The ministers who served Bethel in its earliest years include:

• Rev. Lewis S. Lewis
• Rev. John B. Frisbee
• Rev. A. J. Dudley
• Rev. John C. Manbory
• Rev. John M. Cooper
• Rev. John H. Morgan
• Rev. J. A. Johns
• Rev. Charles M. Gibbons
• Rev. John M. Procter
• Rev. R. H. Shirley
• Rev. J. J. Moore
• Rev. A. W. Pierce
• Rev. C. C. Dunlap
• Rev. V. Tunthrope
• Rev. Albert L. Long
• Rev. William C. C. Gumbs
• Rev. M. M. Traverse
• Rev. William J. Coffey
• Rev. S. J. Quann
• Rev. S. E. Reynolds
• Rev. Frances Hebbon
• Rev. J. E. Benjamin
• Rev. P. A. Buncamper
• Rev. J. D. Shepard
• Rev. J. W. Washington

Though many pastors have served as under-shepherds, Bethel has remained steadfast in its commitment to God. As Scripture reminds us, “When the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that never fades away” (1 Peter 5:4).

In more recent years, Rev. Isabel Johnson served Bethel A.M.E. Church for thirty-three years, from 1967 to 2000. Under her leadership, major renovations to the fellowship hall were completed, strengthening both the physical and communal life of the church.

Bethel stands today as a well-planted seed of African Methodism—deeply rooted, enduring through seasons of challenge without being moved. Its testimony remains clear: the congregation has come this far by faith, trusting in God through Christ, who continues to sustain and provide.

The current pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church, Coxsackie, is Rev. Felix G. Delatour, as the church continues its work of making a difference in the community.