Bethel A.M.E. Church of Lockport is recorded as early as 1847, when members of the congregation were actively seeking to establish a permanent place of worship.
A historical account published in the Niagara County newspaper (April 7, 1847, Page 2, Column 2) describes the circumstances faced by the congregation:
“They are destitute of a place of worship. They have contributed to the building of a church which they hope to occupy. In this hope they have been disputed. The Zion branch of this order has taken possession of the house and refuses to vacate. Preferring peace to strife, the Bethels have determined to abandon their rights to the house and make an effort to build another. In this undertaking, they solicited the aid of a generous public to whom they find themselves already deeply indebted.”
Later records, including Brigham’s Directory (1863), note Bethel A.M.E. Church under the leadership of Rev. John Jones, located at 73 High Street in Lockport.