Bethel African Methodist Episcopal

According to the chruch's cornerstone Bethel AME Church was started by former slaves in 1863 here in the City of Acworth. After purchasing one acre of land 1871, the present sanctuary of Bethel AME Church was constructed sometime between 1871 and 1882, when George McDonnell, Benjamin Davenport and Mitchell Saddler, trustees of Bethel purchased one acre of land from L.L. Robertson for the sum of $27. The property is significant in terms of African-American history as not only the focal point of religious but also the social life of the African-American population since its inception. Bethel A.M.E Church was built at a time when the construction of churches was the most important contribution to the African-American communities. This was an era when the church became a meeting place for the newly freed black community. As indicated on the church cornerstone, one of the early members was J.R. Fleming, who was also appointed pastor from 1895 through 1897. Fleming was assigned to several churches within Georgia and was responsible for the erection of churches in Stone Mountain and Jamesboro. In 1895 during the ministry of J.R. Fleming the vestibule and two towers were added.
The evolution of the building continued, sometime after World War II, with the construction of the rear addition, which consist of a foyer, restrooms and kitchen. At the beginning of Bethel's conception the Bethel congregation shared a church building with the Zion Hill Baptist Church, with each congregation meeting on alternate Sundays. In September 1990 under the leadership of Rev. Delman O. Smith, Bethel went from meeting every first and third Sunday to a full station Church. In 1994, the Rev. Samuel S. Giddings was assigned as the Pastor of Bethel. Rev. Giddings was instrumental in taking the necessary steps in having Bethel placed on the Local and National Historic Registry. Also during Giddings pastoring the front brick steps was laid, and the “Soldiers of Christ” youth choir was formed. The Rev. Norris D, Walters proceed Rev. Giddings in his death as Bethel's pastor. Under his leadership many new up-grade were add, such as new roof, handicapped walkway and the start of the renovation of the walls. In 2009 the Rev. Lugenia Ross was assign Pastor until her retirement in 2010. .In 2010 the Rev. Norma Tyson was assign to Bethel, she was instrumental in beginning phase I of our reconstruction and the “Raise the Roof” funds project, Rev. Tyson's ministry brought about the hope of a new vision for Bethel. After Rev. Tyson decision to return to her home in Florida God sent our present leadership Rev. Leela P Waller. Rev. Waller has picked up the gauntlet in the reconstruction and restoration of Bethel. The Waller Team has come in with a working mentality and a vision of Discovering God's New Possibilities for Bethel Acworth. The family of Bethel and our new Pastor believes that Bethel is still the historic bell that rings today as the “voice” of the community, this bell in the past once announced Sunday morning and holiday services as well as the neighborhood “fire alarm”. Today it rings out the heart of a congregation that's focused on loving God, God's Church and God's people. To God be the Glory, Great things God has done, is doing and will do.