Bethel AMEC, Lackawanna

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"To God be the Glory"

Bethel A.M.E. Church was organized in 1923 at 443 Steelawanna Avenue in Lackawanna, New York, under the leadership of Rev. S. S. Williams. The charter members included Mr. Joseph Shoffner, William Shoffner, Edward Gimbel, Joseph Smith, Marcel Broom, Marcel Miller, Ms. Alice Crawford, Arlene Hawkins, Mr. Luther Clapp, Mr. and Mrs. Silas Jackson, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Wilkerson, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Alexander, the Levi Hawkins family, and the Green family.

After six years, the congregation acquired a building and relocated to Wasson Avenue in Lackawanna, establishing an early foundation for growth.

During the Great Depression, Bethel extended its witness beyond the sanctuary by establishing a soup kitchen that fed more than 200 people daily. This ministry continued for many years, reflecting the church’s deep commitment to service in times of hardship.

Over the following decade and a half, several pastors served the congregation, including Rev. Delima, Rev. Sterling, Rev. Allene, Rev. McClendon, Rev. Broomes, Rev. Daniel Turk, and Rev. Thompson. Under the leadership of Rev. Thompson, the church eventually disbanded.

In 1948, Bishop Douglas Ormond B. Walker—then pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Buffalo and newly consecrated as the 66th Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church—called a meeting with former members of Bethel Lackawanna. Through this effort, the church was reorganized in Lackawanna.

Rev. George Smith was appointed pastor and would serve faithfully for twenty years. During his tenure, Rev. T. J. Woodyard of Ebenezer Baptist Church assisted in constructing a sanctuary at 11 Lohr Street on land owned by charter member Joseph Shoffner.

As the congregation grew, new members joined, including Albert and Aurelia Troxler, Mrs. Sally Smith, Mrs. Carrie B. Lee, Mr. and Mrs. James Young and family, Emma Wilson, Emma Graham, Mar Johnson, Mrs. Rose Gripper and family, Mrs. Ludy, and Mrs. Kennedy.

During this period, the church became affectionately known as “Baby Bethel,” in reference to Bethel A.M.E. Church on Michigan Avenue in Buffalo. Under Rev. Smith’s leadership, the church later resumed the name Bethel A.M.E. Church.

Following Rev. Smith’s tenure, Rev. Henry Lewis, Sr. served the congregation briefly.

In 1981, Bishop Richard Allen Hildebrand appointed Rev. Clara Castro as pastor. Under her leadership, Bethel A.M.E. Church was formally incorporated into the African Methodist Episcopal Church on October 26, 1981.

In May 1982, Rev. Richard Allen Stenhouse was appointed pastor. That same year, the congregation purchased the former Ebenezer Baptist Church building at 21 Steelawanna Avenue. Under Rev. Stenhouse’s direction, the building was renovated with the dedicated efforts of members including Leroy Giles, Joseph Shoffner, Albert Troxler, Larry Giles, Ashberry Jerad, James Young, Nolan Thomas, Frank Thomas, David Billensley, Barbara Anderson, Vivian Thomas, Laura Brown, Hazel Buckner, and Jarad Buckner.

The work was completed on April 10, 1983. On October 15, the congregation marched into the sanctuary singing “We Are Marching to Zion,” with Bishop Hildebrand presiding over the dedication service, joined by Presiding Elder Vernon I. Lowe and several clergy.

Between 1984 and 1992, under Bishop Frank C. Cummings, the following pastors served Bethel Lackawanna: Rev. David Boston, Rev. Sylvester Beaman, Rev. Carlton Gibson, Rev. Darryl Ashford, and Rev. Elijah Green.

From 1992 through 1999, during the episcopal leadership of Bishop Philip R. Cousin, the vision for a distinct Western New York Annual Conference emerged and was realized in 1996. During this period, Rev. James Hill, Jr. was appointed to serve Bethel Lackawanna.

At the second session of the Western New York Annual Conference, Bishop Cousin appointed Rev. Natalie P. Alford as pastor. Rev. Alford emphasized spiritual healing, prayer, growth, and financial stewardship within the congregation.

On October 17, 1998, Rev. William Cobb was appointed pastor. His leadership centered on preaching the Word of God, fostering spiritual revival, strengthening unity, and rebuilding the church’s organizational structure.

Under Rev. Cobb’s leadership, and with the support of Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, Episcopal Supervisor Mother Mary Norris, and Presiding Elder Rev. James E. F. Lawrence, Bethel Lackawanna renewed its commitment to faithful stewardship.

The church embraced its role as a beacon within the community—seeking to warn, guide, and shelter. Its vision included self-help initiatives, support for the elderly, educational services for youth, and the promotion of strong family values.

In 2006, Bethel A.M.E. Church of Lackawanna celebrated its eighty-third anniversary under the theme: “How Big Do You Want to Grow?” This question reflected both the church’s history and its forward vision.

With the continued support of his family, Rev. William C. Cobb has led the congregation with dedication to God, the church, and the broader community.

Bethel A.M.E. Church of Lackawanna stands as a testimony to resilience, restoration, and faithful service. Through seasons of formation, dissolution, and renewal, the congregation has remained anchored in its purpose—giving glory to God while serving as a light to the community it has been called to serve.