One hundred and eighty-six years ago, a group of African Americans Ann Arbor residents founded the Union Community Church. In 1857, the name was changed to Bethel. Under the leadership of Reverend Brooks, Bethel became affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal Church. During the first 10 years under the leadership of Reverends Brooks, Fasset and Langford, the churchs location changed several times. In 1869, Reverend Jesse Bass, began negotiations for a property across the street from a cottage on North Fourth, which was used for church services. It was at this location that Bethel had its first physical home.

Reverend Hart proceeded Reverend Bass and was pastor for a brief period before leaving for another calling. Reverend Pope served until 1890 when Reverend Howard Cottman was appointed pastor of Bethel. Reverend Cottman began the task of upgrading the existing deteriorating facilities to accommodate Bethels growing congregation. The work was completed during the tenure of Reverend William Collins.

Bishop Henry McNeal Turner, who was appointed by President Abraham Lincoln as the first African American Chaplain in the United States Army, laid the cornerstone of Bethel's new brick church in 1896. Reverend Collins was a pastor ahead of the times - and during an era when women were still being denied the right to vote – he invited the Reverend G. T. Thurman, a woman, 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 basement of the church.

A group of young adult members known as the Furnishing Club completely furnished the church basement so it might be adequate for worship. The members purchased many pews and windows for the new edifice. Outstanding among the windows was the one purchased by Mrs. John Freeman in memory of her mother, Mrs. E. Fasset, the wife of Reverend Fasset, who pastored Bethel in 1865. During the next few years, Bethel struggled because of the severe economic depression following the Spanish-American War. 

The pastorship of Reverends Watkins, Sandy, Simmons and Christberg endured serious indebtedness and loss of credit. The church was put up for sale. On the day of the sale, a few Trustees sat in the courtroom silently praying for the future of Bethel. Just before the gavel was sounded, Trustee Stephan Adams rushed forward and pledged his home so that the church might be saved.

In 1910, Bethel purchased its first parsonage, at 113 North Forth during the appointment of Reverend C. M. Crosby. Reverend Crosby died shortly after his assignment to Bethel, and Revered Mosley immediately filled the vacancy. Reverend Mosley was succeeded by Reverend Pierson, and in 1915, under his leadership, Bethel purchased another parsonage at 215 North Fifth Avenue.

Church records do not adequately document the years from 1917 to 1932. It is known that the Reverend J. A. Charleston, a graduate of Wilberforce University, began a three-year ministry at Bethel in 1917. He was followed by Reverend Ampey in 1920, Reverend Edgehill in 1921, and subsequently by the Reverends Williams, Tantsi, and Merchant. 

In 1936, Reverend. W. T. Alexander became pastor and made improvements to the parsonage. In the fall of 1938, Reverend J. W. Wright was transferred from the Canadian Conference to Bethel. Upon his arrival, he 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.

Reverend A. D. Evans came to Bethel in 1946 and purchased new carpeting, a Hammond organ, hardwood floors for the basement of the church and had the rostrum enlarged. Reverend Rice followed Reverend Evans and was responsible for the purchase of the six lots on Plum Street where Bethel is currently located. In the fall of 1953, Reverend R. A. Riddick was transferred from the Canadian Conference to Bethel and during his tenure the six lots became the property of Bethel.

Reverend Lyman S. Parks was appointed Pastor of Bethel in 1954 and within a year, an Existing Committee with chairperson, Mrs. Cora Rumsey, was elected 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 during the leadership of Reverend Parks.

Reverend John A. Woods came to Bethel in 1964 and served for twenty-five years. Outstanding among Bethels 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 Reverend 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 1989, the late Richard Blake and his wife, Rosemarion, chaired the committee and raised the funds to retire the church mortgage. The mortgage was paid off in August, 1989 and four months later, Reverend Woods passed to his eternal reward and rest.

Reverend Clifford W. Gordon served Bethel for 22 months from November 1989 to September 1991 during his tenure, the local Lay Organization was organized by Mrs. Lucille Harden. Shortly after the 1991 Michigan and Illinois Annual Conferences, Reverend Gordon exchanged assignments with Reverend Archie L. Criglar, Sr., of the Saint Paul A.M.E. Church of Des Moines, Iowa. Reverend Criglar and his family were welcomed to Bethel in December 1991 and in December 1992, the family moved into a new parsonage at 3505 Charter Place.

In February 1998, Reverend Alfred E. Johnson came to Bethel. During his time at Bethel he established the Childrens 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, Reverend 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.

Since October 2004, Reverend Dr. Joseph N. Cousin presides over Bethel.

Bethel's history is one of strong, resolute ministers and members who are truly grateful for God’s grace and mercy. We are anchored in the Lord and move each day in faith with love, as we honor our commitments to God, our Church and the community.