Bethel A.M.E. Church of Ann Arbor, Michigan

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“If the "Fathers" have given us sparse minutes, we cannot make them full. They are gone to their eternal rest; we cannot call them back. They have left for us the records of their labors; we have made the best of them... the best possible to us."

Bishop Daniel A. Payne, History of the African Methodist Episcopal Church – 1891

1865-Present Pastoral Chronology

The history of Bethel A.M.E. Church of Ann Arbor is as rich and varied as the lives of the people who now live, move and breathe within it. This living church is reflected in the light of this living document. As the church moves forward, chapter by chapter and pastor by pastor, it is our fervent pray that the children born in this present age will preserve and honor its history. As we bear witness to the past, let our children write the pages of our future.

1853 The Union Church According to Ann Arbor City maps in 1853, “Union Church” was located on the south side of Fuller Street, between Detroit and Elizabeth. It is also listed in descriptions as “colored church.”

University of Michigan Bentley Historical Library.

The earliest published account – located thus far–of a community of African Americans worshiping the Lord in Ann Arbor is a four-line “brief” in the Michigan Argus, dated Dec. 26, 1857:

“Dedication – The Union Church, just completed by the colored people of this City, is to be dedicated on Sunday afternoon, next, at 2 o’clock. Rev. J.M. Gregory and Rev. S.H. Estabrook will officiate.”

UM Bentley Historical Library

in this location. At one time a Quaker church on State at Lawrence (now 410 N. State Street.) was used, the church left there in 1865. Rev. Brooks, Fasset and Langford were pastors during this time.”

Ann Arbor News, May 19, 1936

Our first official pastor of record, Rev. John Wesley Brooks, was born into slavery at Fredericksburg, Maryland in April, 1798. He moved to Michigan in 1828 and purchased 80 acres of land in Pittsfield Township for $100.

“Rev. Brooks is one of the oldest settlers in Washtenaw County, and one well respected by all classes of people.”

Biography of Rev. J.W. Brooks. Page 966 Chapman’s History of Washtenaw County 1881.


	1865-71	Rev. John Wesley Brooks
		Rev. W. S. Langford
		Rev. Jesse Bass
	1872-76	Rev. Frederick Myers
		Rev. P. C. Cooper
		Rev. Charles H. Ward
	1877	Rev. H. B. Gordon
	1880	Rev. H.H.Wilson
	1882-83	Rev. J. K. Hart
	1884	Rev. H. B. Gordon
	1887-89	Rev. Greenberry B. Pope
	1889	Rev. James McSmith
	1890-93	Rev. Abram Cottman
	1894	Rev. John Watkins
	1896-97	Rev. William Collins
	1898-01	Rev. Sandy Simmons
	1902-03	Rev. Thornton W. Becks (Maria)
	1908	Rev. William H.Thomas
	1910	Rev. James Henderson
	1912-13	Rev. John O. Morley (Edris)
	1914-16	Rev. William Pearson
	1917-19	Rev. James A. Charleston (Nora)
	1920	Rev. David R. Ampey (Elizabeth)
	1921-28	Rev. Joshua W. Edgehill (Elizabeth)
	1929-31	Rev. Harsant N.Tantsi (Irene)
	1932	Rev. I. K. Merchant
	1933-36	Rev. David A. Blake (Grace)
	1937-38	Rev. W.T.Alexander
	1939-46	Rev. John W.esley Wright (Lillian)
	1947-50	Rev. A. D. Evans (Eloise)
	1951-53	Rev. W. F. Rice
	1953	Rev. Richard A. Riddick
	1953-64	Rev. Lyman S. Parks (Cleo)
	1964-89	Rev. John A. Woods (Juanita)
	1991-98	Rev. Archie L. Criglar (Helen)
	1998-04	Rev. Alfred E. Johnson (Joyce)
	2004-pres.	Rev. Joseph N. Cousin (Carisalyn)

1863 1st Inventory of A.M.E. Churches

“Bethel Church, Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County organized as a community church in1863; changed to present denomination in1865. Services were first held in a private building on Fuller Street, now High Street; subsequently in a house on Fourth and Beakes Streets, then in the Quaker Church on State and Lawrence.”

The Michigan Historical Records Survey Project, September 1940.

1865 Quaker Friends

“After affiliating with the African Methodist church, the congregation moved to a house located across from the present church at Fourth and Beakes Street. Successive changes were made

1870 Land is Purchased The Church negotiated the purchase of property across the street from the cottage on N. Fourth Street, which was used for church services. It was at this location that Bethel had its frst physical home.

www.bethelameannarbor.org

“A Call for Help – The A.M.E. people need to buy a church. They have purchased a lot for $200.”

Peninsular Courier Ann Arbor, July 8, 1870. Courtesy of Susan Wineberg

1875 Church Membership Rev. Charles H. Ward, Ann Arbor Station. Total membership; 55. Scholars; 80, Teachers; 10. Value of church property - $1,500.

Minutes of the African Methodist Episcopal Church 36th Annual Conference, Indiana District, held in Detroit, Mich., Aug. 25 to Sept. 1



1877 Building is Purchased “In 1877 a building was purchased and moved to its present location on Fourth avenue, between Pontiac and Summit streets; fitted up, remodeled, with a total outlay of $600. Officers at the time were Trustees – John White, Louis Carson and Henry Smith; Stewards – Simeon Davis, John Brown and John Britton. A Sunday school, of the same denomination, was organized some time during the war, and has lived and prospered until the present time. It now numbers over 40 members.” Charles C. Chapman’s 1881 book History of Washtenaw County 1882 Out of Debt! “The money to pay the mortgage was raised last week.” the Ann Arbor Democrat, January 26, 1882 1886 City Directory Listing The first official recognition and listing of the A.M.E. Church location and services. “African Methodist Episcopal. East side of South, between Pontiac and Summit. Services 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday School 3 p.m.” R.L. Polk’s 1886-87 Ann Arbor City Directory 1891 Building a New Church “Owing to the intellectual environment, Ann Arbor demands one of our best men. Rev. Abram Cottman is succeeding nicely in this station and is now engaged in building a handsome brick church, 35X60, with chapel, to cost $3,000. He is supplying a long-felt want in this community and people highly appreciate his efforts.” Presiding Elder James M. Henderson’s written summary of Michigan Conference activity in 1891. Detroit Plaindealer, 1891 “The (church) dedication passed off very pleasantly. Bishop (John M.) Brown was assisted by the presiding elder, James M. Henderson and Elder (J.K.) Hart of Indiana.” Detroit Plaindealer Newspaper, August 25, 1891 “Ann Arbor, A. Cottman, pastor – Forty-two members, dollar money, $24; salary (annual) $400…One Sunday school with 35 pupils, and 50 volumes in library.” Michigan Annual Conference report. Detroit Plaindealer Newspaper, August 21, 1891
	1892 First Floor Completed “The grand opening of the new Bethel A.M.E. church lecture-room took place Sunday, July 3rd. The room, which has an eating capacity of three hundred, was filled. The collection for the day was $104.75. Great credit is due the Furnishing Club for the furniture, consisting of matting, chairs and the upright piano.” Detroit Plaindealer Newspaper, July 5, 1892 1896 Easter Dedication “N. Fourth Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Sunday, April 5, 1896. Those assisting: Bishop Henry McNeal Turner, Atlanta, Georgia, Senior Bishop of the A.M.E. Church; Rev. J.H. Alexander, P.E., Detroit, Michigan and Rev. William Collins, Pastor.” The dedication of the new brick church was highlighted by two days of celebration which included four worship services. University of Michigan Bentley Historical Library Collection	During an era when women were still being denied the right to vote, Rev. Collins invited Mrs. G. T. Thurman, an evangelist and elocutionist, to be one of the guest speakers at the dedication service. It was with great joy and thanksgiving that the membership praised God in the newly completed church. www.bethelameannarbor.org
		Senior Bishop Henry McNeal Turner, came to Ann Arbor for the Dedication Service. He was the first Black Chaplain in the United States Army under president Abraham Lincoln. A.M.E. Church Dedictation Service Program



1896 Bethel hosts the 10th Michigan Annual Conference 10th Session of the Michigan Annual Conference held in Ann Arbor, on August 26. Bishop Benjamin W. Arnett presided. Rev. William Collins host pastor. Prior to 1887, Michigan was part of the Indiana Conference. 4th Episcopal District Combined Minutes -1961 1897-1908 Post War Struggles According to church and family oral histories, from 1897 to the early 1900s, the congregation struggled financially. It was during the depression following the Spanish American War (1898) that the congregation was forced to put the church property up for sale. Stephen Adams, the father of long-time member Mrs. Lettie Harberd, offered his house as collateral to save the church www.bethelameannarbor.org 1898 First Official City Directory listing as Bethel “Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, 4th av nr Beakes. Rev. Sandy Simmons, Pastor. R.L. Polk’s 1898-01 Ann Arbor City Directory ” While pastoring Ann Arbor Simmons entered the University of Michigan and took the full law course of three years, graduating with credit with the degree of LL.B. in a class of 250, only three being colored.” Centennial Encyclopaedia of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1916 by Rev. Dr. Richard R. Wright	The A.M.E. Church dedication service Program, Easter Sunday 1896
	1910 Parsonage Purchase In 1910, under the administration of Rev. James M. Henderson, the church purchased its first official parsonage, located at 709 North Fourth Avenue. It is important to note that in 1896, Rev. James M. Henderson, was elected president of Morris Brown College, at Atlanta, Ga., where he remained eight years. Prior to coming to Ann Arbor he served as pastor of Bethel A.M.E. in Detroit and also as presiding elder of the Michigan Conference for ten years. While in Detroit he completed the course of study in the Detroit College of Law, and was admitted to the Michigan Bar. A.M.E. Church records 1912-38 Pastoral Succession Rev. John O. Morley pastored Bethel from 1912-1913, followed by Rev. William Pearson (1914-1916), Rev. James A. Charleston (1917-1919) and Rev. David Ampey (1920). Rev. Joshua Edgehill served both the church and the community from 1921-1928. A.M.E. Church records Rev. H. N. Tantsi (1929-1931) was followed by Rev. I. K. Merchant who served Bethel for a few months 1933).	Rev. D. A. Blake arrived in 1933. It was under his administration that the Senior Choir was reorganized, also new carpet was laid on the rostrum and in the aisles of the church. In 1937 Rev. W. T. Alexander became pastor and made improvements on the Parsonage. Bethel A.M.E. “Burn the Mortgage program, August 27, 1989 1939 1st Mortgage Burning “Mortgage Burning ceremony planned at Bethel A.M.E. Church. The recent campaign for funds raised $1,137.51 to pay off the mortgage, freeing the church from debt.” Ann Arbor News, Jan. 28, 1939 1939-46 Rev. J. W. Wright Upon his arrival in the Fall of 1938, Rev. Wright found two small mortgages and some current bills, the indebtedness amounting to over $1000 dollars. Within one year this indebtedness was cleared. The lots just north of the church were purchased, and a Parsonage Fund and a Church Building Fund were established. www.bethelameannarbor.org “Dr. J. W. Wright raises $6,000 Parsonage Fund at Bethel Ann Arbor.” Te Southern Christian Recorder, Aug. 26, 1944



1945 New Church to be Built “Bethel A.M.E. Church will erect a new church edifice to meet the needs of the growing membership and space requirements of the varied church groups and activities as soon as building materials are available for civilian use, Rev. J. W. Wright, pastor announced today.” Ann Arbor News Feb. 2, 1945 1947-50 Rev. A. D. Evans “Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. 632 N. Fourth Avenue Rev. A.D. Evans, Pastor.” 1st Lady Eloise Evans, children, A. D. Evans, Jr., Mary, Barbara and Marvin. Parsonage, 215 N. Fifth Avenue. R. L. Polk & Company’s 1947-1949 Directory of Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and Washtenaw County During Rev. Evans’ tenure, the congregation was able to purchase a Hammond Organ, a relatively new instrument that had only been on the market for a few years. Many churches purchased the instrument as a low-cost, alternative to the traditional pipe organ. This instrument is still in use at Bethel as of December 2007. www.bethelameannarbor.org 1951-53 Rev. W. F. Rice Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. 632 N. Fourth Avenue. Rev. W. F. Rice, Pastor.” Parsonage, 215 N. Fifth Avenue. Rev. Rice was responsible for the purchase of the six lots on Plum Street where Bethel is currently located.
	1953 Plum Street Purchase Congregation made offer for six lots on Plum Street at a cost of $6,000. Document signed by Rev. W. F. Rice, Richard D. Blake and trustees Thomas Harrison Jr. and Ella H. Hall. Agreement signed August 31, 1953. Rev. John A. Woods Collection Bentley Historical Library	1953–64 Rev. Lyman S. Parks Within a year of being appointed pastor, Rev. Parks established a Committee with chairperson, Mrs. Cora Rumsey, to develop plans and funding for “New” Bethel. Other accomplishments during Reverend Parks administration were purchasing a new parsonage at 314 West Summit Street, establishing and equipping offices at the church and parsonage, installing a new furnace, remodeling the sanctuary and purchasing 100 chairs for the All-Purpose Room. The 100th Anniversary of Bethel was celebrated with a week-long observance. www.bethelameannarbor.org Rev. Lyman S. Parks and church staff members Roberta Harris and Shirley Baker compiled a history of Bethel A.M.E. Church Ann Arbor for the 1957 Centennial Souvenir Book. The founding dates and subsequent affiliation with the African Methodist Episcopal Church were gathered from archival and oral histories. “Those dates were passed along to me by the older members of the church.” Rev. Lyman S. Parks, oral history interview Saturday, Dec 1, 2007



	1961 A New Church “New A. M. E. Facility to have 25-foot Cross of Timber. A stained glass skylight spire will provide light over a free-standing altar. The spire will be illuminated at night. The building is planned so the education and recreation wing may be expanded.” Ann Arbor News, May 5, 1961 1963 Building Drive “Bethel A. M. E. to Begin Drive. The new church, costing an estimated $225,000 to build will be built on Plum Street on church-owned property. Already, $37,000 has been raised.” Ann Arbor News, May 17, 1963 1964-1989 Rev. John A. Woods “Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. 632 N. Fourth Avenue. Rev. John A. Woods, Pastor.” Mrs. Juanita D. Woods, 1st Lady, children Renee’ and John. Parsonage is listed as 314 W. Summit Street. John A. Woods Collection University of Michigan Bentley Historical Library Rev. John A. Woods came to Bethel in 1964 and served for twenty-five years. Outstanding among Bethel’s accomplishments during this period was the building of a new church and the raising of money to “burn” the mortgage. James Anderson Jr., Chairperson, Roy Hudson and Rev. Silas McCarter served as the building committee who led the process through a seven-year odyssey to the dedication of the new church on September 15, 1974. And, in August 1989, the late Richard Blake and his wife, Rosemarion, chaired the committee and raised the funds to retire the church mortgage. www.bethelameannarbor.org	1965 BBB Campaign Build a Better Bethel Rev. Silas McCarter, James W. Anderson, Jr., and Dr. Roy Hudson were appointed to guide the commission. Build a Better Bethel “BBB” signs are constructed by William Thompson and placed on sanctuary wall. William Brennan gives first $100 and raises more than $800 in initial 1965 effort. BBB buttons are given out to contributors on the fourth Sunday of the month, designated as BBB Sundays. Oral history interview Dr. Roy Hudson, November, 2007 and James W. Anderson, Jr. December, 6, 2007, and 1982 “Burn Te Mortgage Celebration” souvenir program book – Mary Burge contributor. 1971 Easter Sunday Ground Breaking April 11, 1971. Easter Sunday Ground Breaking ceremony was held at building site for new church at 900 Plum Street. www.bethelameannarbor.org “Bethel Building $154,000 Unit. Construction will begin this week on a new building.” Ann Arbor News, April 24, 1971
1957 Bethel Celebrates 100 Years “Bethel A. M. E. To mark 100th Birthday Sunday. Former pastors of the church will be guest speakers. They are respectively, the Rev. W. F. Rice, presiding elder of the Indiana Conference, the Rev. David A. Blake Sr., pastor of St. Stephen A. M. E. Church in Chicago; the Rev. J.A. Charleston, pastor of St. Paul A. M. E. Church in Detroit. and the Rev. A.D. Evans, pastor of Allen Temple A. M. E. Church in Detroit.” Ann Arbor News, September 6, 1957



		August, 27, 1989 The Second Mortgage Burning Ceremony “On this the Mortgage Burning ceremony day we have come together to pay the complete bill of the church.” Rev. John A. Woods. Burn Te Mortgage Celebration souvenir program book November 14, 1989 Rev. John A. Woods died at University of Michigan Hospitals, Ann Arbor Michigan. He was the longest serving pastor of Bethel A. M. E. Church Ann Arbor, to date, and first recorded account of Bethel A. M. E. Ann Arbor pastor dying in office. 1989–91 The Lay Organization Founding Mrs. Lucile Harden was very instrumental in starting the Lay Organization at Bethel. Rev. C. Wesley Gordon, pastor of Bethel at that time, encouraged Mrs. Harden to establish the organization. With the help of many lay volunteers, the organization was established in the spring of 1990. The first officers were elected and installed, with Dr. Bella Parker as president. www.bethelameannarbor.org 1990 Plum Street Changed to John A. Woods Drive Following an initiative led by former Ann Arbor Mayor Albert H. Wheeler (1915-1994) the Ann Arbor City Council passed a resolution to rename Plum Street to John A. Woods Drive. Ann Arbor City Clerk’s Ofce. 1991-98 Rev. Archie L. Criglar Rev. Archie L. Criglar and his family were welcomed to Bethel in December 1991 and they moved into a new parsonage at 3505 Charter Place. Rev. Criglar, Pastor, 1st Lady Helen E. Criglar, children Archie Jr., and Benita. Under Rev. Criglar’s administration, the congregation voted to sell 314 W. Summit Street parsonage. Rev. Sherman Lawrence Greene Jr., retired General Officer of the African Methodist Episcopal Church was appointed as associate minister at Bethel A. M. E. www.bethelameannarbor.org
July 25, 1971 Church Marches to New Home The congregation marched from 632 N. Fourth Avenue to the new educational wing at 900 Plum Street. www.bethelameannarbor.org December 16, 1972 Church Dedication “The cornerstone for the new church, which has been located at 632 N. Fourth Ave. since 1891, will be laid at 1:30 P. M. Sunday with appropriate ceremonies.” Ann Arbor News, Dec. 16, 1972 June 22, 1974 The Sanctuary is Complete “An open house for the new $125,000 structure will be from 4-7 P.M. Sunday. The church has been meeting in its educational building, which was completed in January of 1972.” Ann Arbor News, June 22, 1974	September 15, 1974 Church Dedication Service Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church Dedication Service. Program for September 15, 1974 at Bethel A. M. E. Ann Arbor June 19-20, 1982 Bethel celebrates 125 Years Bethel A. M. E. Church history, based on 1957 Centennial Souvenir Book, was re-written and revised by Rev. John A. Woods, compiled and edited by Dr. Ulyses S. Grant, III. “Selected Historical Highlights” contributed by Mary Burge. Burn the Mortgage program, August 27, 1989 February 12, 1989 Burn The Mortgage Drive “Families Pray & Pay” , Mortgage Burning Committee chaired by Richard D. & Rosemarion Blake. Burn Te Mortgage Celebration program book – Mary Burge contributor




	1998-2004 Keep the Old Fire Burning In February 1998, Rev. Alfred E. Johnson (1st Lady Joyce Johnson) came to Bethel. During his time at Bethel he established the Children’s Church Ministry on Sunday morning, the 7:00 p.m. Sunday Praise and Jubilee Worship Service and organized the Bethel Church Foundation. During the Fall of 2000, Rev. Johnson initiated the campaign, “Keep the Old Fire Burning,” to raise funds for Church property improvements. The church congregation raised $100,000 for interior and exterior improvements to the Church property and the purchase of a new Church van. www.bethelameannarbor.org 2004 Bethel hosts the 118th Michigan Annual Conference August 23-29th. Bethel A.M.E. hosted the 118th Session of the Michigan Annual Conference held in Ann Arbor. Bishop Philip R. Cousin presided. Rev. Alfred E. Johnson was host pastor. 2004-present Rev. Dr. Joseph Nathaniel Cousin, Sr. Rev. Dr. Joseph N. Cousin, Pastor. 1st Lady Carisalyn Nicole Cousin. Rev. Cousin and first Lady Carisalyn celebrated the birth of two children while at Bethel. Miriam Joy and Joseph Jr. Congregation voted to sell parsonage at 3505 Charter Place and Rev. Cousin purchases private residence. Rev. Cousin completed $200,000 sanctuary renovation project and is developing new ministries at Bethel A. M. E. Church, Ann Arbor. He is the fifth son of Bishop Philip and Mrs. Margaret Joan Cousin. All four of his brothers are pastors in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.