Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church (San Francisco, California) facts for kids

Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church (also called Bethel AME Church) is a very old and important African American church. It was started in 1852 in the Fillmore District of San Francisco, California. This church was one of the first African American churches in the western part of the United States. Over the years, the church has been in different buildings and even had different names.

A Church with a Rich History

Bethel AME Church has a long and interesting past. Many famous and important people have visited this church to speak. These include civil rights leaders like Ida B. Wells, Paul Robeson, W. E. B. DuBois, and Mary McLeod Bethune. Their visits show how important this church was to the community.

Early Beginnings and Education

Bethel AME Church was founded in 1852 by Rev. Charles Stewart and Edward Gomez. At first, it was called St. Cyprian's African Methodist Episcopal Church. The first pastor was Rev. Joseph Thompson, but soon Rev. Thomas Marcus Decatur Ward took over.

In its early years, the church held services in many different places around San Francisco. In May 1854, under Rev. Ward's leadership, the church did something amazing. They opened a small school in the church basement. This school was for African American students who were not allowed to go to public schools in California because of unfair laws. In its first year, 23 students attended this special school.

Fighting for Equal Rights

The church played a big role in the fight for equal rights. In 1857, the third California State Convention of Colored Citizens met at St. Cyprian's African Methodist Episcopal Church. This group worked to improve the lives and rights of African Americans in California.

A very important event happened in 1872. The California Supreme Court made a ruling called Ward v. Floor. This ruling said that separating students in schools based on their race was against the U.S. Constitution. It went against the 14th and 15th Amendments, which protect everyone's rights. This was a huge step forward for equal education.

Moving and Rebuilding

For many years, from 1862 to 1894, the church was located in a building on Powell Street. During this time, it was known as Union Bethel A.M.E. Church. In 1894, the church building was rebuilt.

In 1901, the church celebrated its 50th anniversary, called the Golden Jubilee. It was a big celebration with many speakers and guests.

However, a major challenge came in 1906. The terrible 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire destroyed the church building. Many church members moved to Oakland after this disaster. It took many years, but a new church building was finally finished in 1913.

On January 21, 1945, the church moved to its current home at 916 Laguna Street. It was then officially renamed Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Community Support

Today, Bethel AME Church continues to serve its community. It has a senior housing building called Fellowship Manor Of Bethel AME Church. This shows the church's ongoing commitment to helping people of all ages.

Pastors Who Led the Way

Many dedicated pastors have led Bethel AME Church throughout its history. Here are some of them:

• Rev. Joseph Thompson (1852)
• Rev. Thomas Marcus Decatur Ward (c. 1852–1868)
• Rev. Obadiah Summers (1891–c. 1894)
• Rev. A. A. Burleigh (1906–?)
• Rev. C. D. Tolliver (1945–1949)
• Rev. Robert Ryland Shaw II (2017–present)

See also

• African Americans in California
• African Americans in San Francisco
• Colored Conventions Movement