We believe in God who Loves, Heals, Forgives and Restores all people.
We are a church that is Leading and Reaching People and communities in Building a spiritual relationship with God.
1795 is considered the official starting date of the African Freeman's Society in Rhode Island, later becoming Bethel AME Church. One of the church's founding fathers was a former slave by the name of Ichabod Northrup, a solider in the American Revolutionary War. Before having a formal place to meet, members of Bethel met in their homes and at a Quaker Meeting House on North Main Street in Providence, Rhode Island.
In 1820, a lot was purchased for the purpose of building a church home. Construction finished in 1866. It is thought that Bethel served as a final destination for escaped slaves on the Underground Railroad. In 1961, the decision was made to sell the property on Meeting Street to Brown University; money from that sale would be used to buy a new home on Rochambeau Avenue. In February of 1961, the first service was held at the new location.
Today, Bethel remains a home for those souls that are looking to find their way into the redeeming arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. It serves over one hundred members under the teaching and guidance of Reverend Howard M. Jenkins, Jr. Annually, the congregation works to reach the masses with its Unleashing the Jewel Family Empowerment Conference - a vision birthed by First Lady Teresa L. Jenkins. Eyes have not seen nor have ears heard what the Lord has in store for Bethel Providence.
In 1820, a lot was purchased for the purpose of building a church home. Construction finished in 1866. It is thought that Bethel served as a final destination for escaped slaves on the Underground Railroad. In 1961, the decision was made to sell the property on Meeting Street to Brown University; money from that sale would be used to buy a new home on Rochambeau Avenue. In February of 1961, the first service was held at the new location.
Today, Bethel remains a home for those souls that are looking to find their way into the redeeming arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. It serves over one hundred members under the teaching and guidance of Reverend Howard M. Jenkins, Jr. Annually, the congregation works to reach the masses with its Unleashing the Jewel Family Empowerment Conference - a vision birthed by First Lady Teresa L. Jenkins. Eyes have not seen nor have ears heard what the Lord has in store for Bethel Providence.