Bethel AMEC, Schenectady

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In March 1952, a group of citizens in the City of Schenectady came together with a shared desire to establish a church of their own. Among the founders were Mr. Coleman O’Neal and Mrs. Catherine O’Neal.

After withdrawing from the church where they had previously worshipped, the group sought guidance from the nearest A.M.E. congregation, Israel A.M.E. Church in Albany, New York. At that time, the pastor was Rev. J. Edward Foster, formerly of Bermuda. With his assistance, they received authorization from the Presiding Elder of the Buffalo District, Rev. C. A. Walton.

The congregation adopted the name Nichols Chapel in honor of Bishop Decatur Ward Nichols, Presiding Bishop of the First Episcopal District. The church was dedicated by Rev. Dr. Walton and received into full connection at the New York Annual Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church on June 19, 1952.

During the 130th Session of the New York Conference, held at Bridge Street A.M.E. Church in Brooklyn, New York, the Ordination Service took place on Saturday, June 21. At that service, a class of nineteen deacons received their orders. Among them, Brother R. N. Christian was appointed as the first pastor of Nichols Chapel, located on Hulett Street.

With the help of the dedicated founders, Mr. and Mrs. Coleman O’Neal, along with many friends, the church moved to its present location at 540 Mumford Street in February 1955.

In 1961, Nichols Chapel was rededicated as Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, taking its name from the historic mother church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This moment marked both continuity with the broader A.M.E. tradition and a deepening of the congregation’s identity within that lineage.

The following pastors have served Bethel A.M.E. Church:

• Rev. R. N. Christian (1952–1955)
• Rev. G. A. Jenkins (1955–1956)
• Rev. E. W. G. Williams (1958)
• Rev. J. A. Bryant (1958– )
• Rev. R. R. Coleman (1958– )
• Rev. Vibrate White (1959– )
• Rev. H. A. Rhodes (1959–1960)
• Rev. A. N. Johnson (1960–1961)
• Rev. Elliot Mayfield (1961–1962)
• Rev. Donald Tucker (1963–1964)
• Rev. Allen Brown (1964–1967)
• Rev. R. N. Christian (returned) (1967–1973)
• Rev. James Waters (1973–1991)
• Rev. Gloria M. Stephen (1991–August 1997)
• Rev. James C. Waters, Temporary (August 1997–November 1997)
• Rev. Joseph N. Cousin (November 1997–1998)
• Rev. Pemperal J. Hinsley (1999–2000)
• Rev. Jocelyn Hart (2000–November 2002)
• Rev. Angelo Dawson (November 2002–April 2007)