Dear Big Bethel Family and Friends

VISION STATEMENT
A spirit-filled fellowship engaging in fervent worship, Bible-based teaching and preaching, and compassionate missions driven to be the miracle in downtown Atlanta.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Big Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church is to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ; and to
communicate to the world through preaching, teaching, evangelizing, worshipping, and stewardship, that
“Jesus Saves.”
VALUES STATEMENT:
We are a God centered, people-oriented Christian community operating in an environment of excellence and love.
All that we do is undergirded by prayer.
1 6 7 T H A N N I VER S A RY C O M M I T T EE
N. Nannette McGee and Donna Williams
Co-Chairpersons
Dear Big Bethel Family and Friends:
I greet you in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ.
Today, Big Bethel AME Church - Atlanta’s oldest African American church congregation - celebrates 167 years of
worship, fellowship and ministry. Big Bethel has withstood the numerous tests of time and yet, God still signifies Big
Bethel as a Beacon of Light for downtown Atlanta which still proudly proclaims that “Jesus Saves.” At this time of
celebration – let us all give thanks and honor to the glory of God for Big Bethel AME Church.
We joyously welcome back Bishop McKinley Young who served as our pastor for twelve years. Bishop Young was
instrumental in our growth and continued legacy of Big Bethel AME Church. Bishop Young’s work in the Big Bethel
AME Church in Atlanta is unsurpassed. We welcome Bishop Young and Dr. Dorothy Young back home to our church
fellowship today.
Let me lift up praise for our Church Anniversary Chairpersons - Sis. Nannette McGee and Sis. Donna Williams. Let
me also thank the entire Church Anniversary committee for a job well done! We thank God again for all of the
wonderful Anniversary Month activities: The Pilgrimage to Oakland City Cemetery, The Trinity Table, The Living
Legacy Luncheon, The Philip Skerrett Organ Concert, and The Children Sabbath Weekend.
Sis. Mary Ann, Kristina (Dewey), John Jr. and Jessica join me in wishing our ‘Big Bethel Family’ a Happy 167 th
Anniversary!!!
“Reflecting on God’s Glory!"
Joann Brazil
Teaner Corbett
Marvin Fleming
Carol Ann Dove
Rose Jones
Vickie Johnson
Rev. H.A. Johnson
Linda Jolly
Ed Jones
Vernon Kimbro
Richard Marion
Jacqueline Michael
Price Michael
Martinique Mix
Charles W. Moore
William Petty
Gloria Pritchett
Sharon Pritchett
Stanley Pritchett
Grace Terrell-McCoy
Martha Thomas
Essie Tunstall
M. Paulyne Morgan White
McDonald Williams
Rev. Joyce Young
The Black Heritage Ministry
and
Music Ministry
Big Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
Bishop Preston Warren Williams II, Presiding Prelate, 6th Episcopal District
Dr. Wilma Delores Webb-Williams, Episcopal Supervisor, Sixth District
The Reverend Dr. David Rhone, Presiding Elder, North Atlanta District
THE REVEREND JOHN FOSTER PH.D., SENIOR PASTOR
The Reverend Charmain Purvis, Special Assistant to the Pastor
The Reverend Monica Jones, Ph.D., Christian Education Director
The Reverend Willie L. Langley, Minister to the Sick & Shut-In/Nursing Care
The Reverend Rosie Hunter, Big Bethel Village
Bro. Vernon Kimbro, Minister of Worship & Arts
Sincerely,
ASSISTANT MINISTERS (ITINERANT ELDERS)
The Reverend Jeannette Thomas-Fayson,
The Reverend Lena Flowers Ph.D., The Reverend Rosie Hunter,
The Reverend Wilbert Hobbs, The Reverend Monica Jones Ph.D.,
The Reverend Malcolm Stephens, The Reverend Joyce Young,
The Reverend Lairalaine Morgan White
John Foster, Ph.D.
Senior Pastor
LOCAL MINISTERS
The Reverend Tony Brownlee, The Reverend Bessie Donaldson,
The Reverend Mary Ellen Lake, The Reverend Betty Miley, The
Reverend Charmain Purvis, The Reverend M. Gwen Senatle
ITINERANT DEACONS
The Reverend Reginald Cleaver, The Reverend George Johnson,
The Reverend Charlene Maddox, The Reverend James Vance
The Reverend Richard Williams
The First Family
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LICENTIATES
Sister Shrala Askins, Brother Cornelius Pettway
Sister Evelyn Jones
MEDIA MINISTRY
The purpose of the Media Ministry is to carry the Gospel of Jesus
Christ to our visually driven, ever-changing world through the use of
technology and media, and to equip other ministries of the church to
use the electronic ministry as worship and outreach tool. Those who
choose to serve in this ministry can find great fulfillment in being
part of a team who loves the Lord and who has a great time serving.
The Audio Visual Ministry is seeking individuals that would like to be
a part of this exciting ministry. All selected individuals will be fully
trained and stipends awarded for service after training. If you are
interested please call the church office or email Vernon Kimbro at
vkimbro@bigbethelame.org
WE ARE STREAMING LIVE!
→→(www.ustream.tv/channel/
bigbethelamechurch)←←
TWITTER: #LiveatBigBethel
YOUTH CHURCH URBAN GARDEN
During the 2014-2015 Annual Conference year Youth Church will be
raising awareness about environmental responsibility. While there are
other facets of learning that will occur, they will all be centered around
the completion of an urban garden which will be housed in the amphitheater. There is a booklet available that goes into more detail regarding the urban garden. We are asking for donations of $10 per book.
We would love to see everyone get involved by filling out a volunteer
card and committing to one of the seven areas of assistance. Any way
that you can help would be much appreciated in addition Youth Church
is held on the 2nd and 3rd Sunday of each month during the 11:00AM
Worship service. Volunteer assistance is needed for chaperones and
teachers during each service. Snacks are being provided and individual
and/or ministry sponsors are requested. Contact the Church office for
additional information.
and the
Big Bethel Family
CHILDREN’S SABBATH WEEKEND
Saturday, October 25, 2014
Big Bethel's 9th Annual National Observance of Children's Sabbath. Get set for forum and group discussions for all ages Health
and Wellness, primarily focusing on healthy families and highlighting
"Foster Care and Adoption".
FLAPJACK BREAKFAST
The Laura L. Turner Women's Missionary and the Young People's Division (YPD) are hosting a Flapjack Breakfast on Sat, November 22nd
at Applebee's 550 Thornton Road, Lithia Springs, GA. Breakfast will be
served from 8 a.m. - 9 a.m. and 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. Tickets ($7.00 per
person) can be obtained from any member of the WMS and YPD after
each worship service. For additional information please contact Sis
Lisa Johnson, Cheryl Taylor, Tonya Lowe or Clarissa Carmichael.
CHURCH SCHOOL
You are invited to join us each Sunday at 9:45am for study and fellowship. We have classes for all age levels. COME and GROW SPIRITUALLY WITH US!
~~Sis. Sylvia McRae, Superintendent~~
IN MEMORY
The Flowers in the alter today are given in
“Memory” of Bro. Robert Mason.
~ Sis. Sonja Mason and Family
HONORING OUR VETERANS
Veterans Day is fast approaching. We want to recognize and lift up
our Nation’s Heroes at our Veterans Day Worship Service on November 9, 2014 at Big Bethel AME Church. If you served in the
United States Military, please register by completing the card located
in the Vestibules, “Honoring Our Veterans”. Please drop the card in
the Tithes & Offering Basket, or give it to an Usher. Chairperson for
this program is, Arthur Maddox.
The Crown Room was officially renamed in
Honor of Bro. Robert Mason to be the
Robert L. Mason, Jr.
Conference Room
THANK YOU
To Pastor Foster and My Big Bethel family: Many Thanks for
the cards, prayers, telephone calls and the kind words, during
the illness and death of my niece, Lynn Roberts. I will always
remember your thoughtfulness with deep love and appreciation.
~Sis. Marie F. Blake
The dedication and the renaming took place this
morning at 9:00am prior to Worship Service.
Let us remember our sick and shut-in with our cards & calls.
For the safety and security of our senior members, we have removed their address information.
Sis. Lucille Burch, (404) 696-8524
Sis. Patricia Coles, (404) 254-4806
Sis. Jay Evans, (678) 467-2470
Bro. Horace Ford, (770) 478-3013
Sis. Daisy Gholston,
(770) 439-9199
Sis. Jacquelyn Green,
(678) 580-1248
Sis. Louise Hollowell,
(404) 794-2877
Pastor and Mrs. Foster
Sis. Pearline Irving, (404) 284-4717
Sis. Jacqueline Langley,
(404) 696-9408
Sis. Ruth Lee, (478) 453-8514
Rev. Betty Miley, (770) 323-6841
Sis. Eleanor Miller, (678) 938-3338
Sis. Mary Miller,
Summerset Assisted Living
Community
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Sis. Dorothy Moreland,
(404) 691-0099
Sis. Martha Orr, (404) 691-4720
Sis. Ertha Poitier,
A. G. Rhodes Nursing Home
Sis. Joyce Spearman,
(404) 286-4891
Sis. Mildred Whalen,
(770) 603-8266
Welcome
Bishop McKinley and
Episcopal Supervisor
Dorothy Young
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THIRD EPISCOPAL DISTRICT
PRESIDING PRELATE
BISHOP MCKINLEY YOUNG
109TH CONSECRATED BISHOP OF THE
AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Bishop McKinley Young is the presiding prelate of the Third Episcopal District of the
African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. He was assigned to the Third District in
2012 by the 49th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of the African Methodist
Episcopal Church. This assignment places Bishop Young over churches throughout the
state of Ohio, West Virginia and Western Pennsylvania. Bishop Young served as the
presiding Bishop of the 11th Episcopal District (Florida and the Bahamas Islands) from
2004-2012 and chaired the Board of Trustees for Edward Waters College.
Bishop Young served as the Presiding Bishop of the 10th Episcopal District, (Texas) for
the Quadrennium 2000-2004. During this Quadrennium Bishop Young chaired the
Board of Trustees for Paul Quinn College.
In 1992, Bishop Young was elected and consecrated the 109 th Bishop of the AME Church;
and was assigned to the 15th Episcopal District, which embraces the southern part of the Republic of South Africa; and the countries of Namibia
and Angola. Prior to his elevation to the episcopacy, Bishop Young was the senior pastor at historic Big Bethel AME Church in Atlanta, GA;
serving Big Bethel Church with distinction and vision from 1980 to 1992.
Bishop Young is a native of Atlanta, a son of the Parsonage and a product of the Public Schools of Atlanta. He furthered his education by
obtaining degrees from Morris Brown College, Atlanta; Andover Newton Theological School, Newton Centre, Massachusetts; and the University
of Chicago Divinity School, Chicago, Illinois. Bishop Young received honorary Degrees from Morris Brown College, Paul Quinn College,
Edward Waters College, Wilberforce University and Payne Theological Seminary.
In South Africa, he led members of the 15th Episcopal District in the Centennial Celebration of the AME Church in Southern Africa. While serving
as Secretary of the Council of Bishops, and Presiding Bishop of the 15 th Episcopal District, he participated in the reception of 12,000 members of
the Angola Independent Methodist Church into the AME Church. This formed the Angola Annual Conference of the 15 th Episcopal District of the
AME Church.
From 1996 through 2000, Bishop Young served as the Ecumenical and Urban Affairs Officer for the AME Church. He also served as the
Endorsing Agent for all Chaplains in the denomination. During this period he provided leadership in all Ecumenical and Interfaith forums
nationally and globally.
In July of 2004 Bishop Young was assigned to the Electrifying Eleventh Episcopal District AME Church. Bishop Young provided faithful
leadership to the 17 Presiding Elders, over 400 Pastors and Ministers and thousands of lay persons who worked diligently and sacrificially to
fulfill the mission of the church. Bishop and Mrs. Young led by example, exhibiting spiritual courage, innovative vision and dynamic interaction.
Bishop Young worked across Denominational and interfaith lines to impact Local, State and National Elections. Bishop Young and Mrs. Young
worked with Pastors, Ministers, Lay Leaders, elected official and the people of Jacksonville to elect the first Black Mayor of Jacksonville. He
chaired, with distinction, the Board of Trustees for Edward Waters College. He provided leadership in the search for two Presidents and led the
11th District in raising and giving Edward Waters College Two Million dollars in addition to the sustained support provided by the District and
the denomination.
The Bahama Islands Annual Conference is a vital part of the 11 th District. Under Bishop and Mrs. Young’s administration this conference enjoys
the outstanding leadership of two Bahamian Presiding Elders, Pastors, Ministers and Lay leaders who share the ministries of the 11th Episcopal
District. During this time the Eleventh District acquired through purchase our first property in Freeport, Grand Bahamas. To God be the Glory!
On July 4th 2012 Bishop and Mrs. Young were assigned to the Terrific Third Episcopal District embracing the great people of Ohio, West Virginia
and Western Pennsylvania. As the Presiding Prelate of the Third District, Bishop Young serves as Chancellor of Wilberforce University and Vice
Chair of the Board of Trustees for Payne Theological Seminary.
Bishop Young Chairs the Board of Directors for AME-SADA, the Service And Development Agency of the AME Church providing leadership in
International Development and is the Chair of the Commission on Evangelism. Previously, Bishop Young served as President of the General
Board, Chair of Annuity, Investments and Insurance and Chair of the Commission on Global Witness and Ministry and Women In Ministry.
He served with honor and distinction as a member of the Executive Committee of the World Methodist Council, the Executive Committee of the
Central Committee of the World Council of Churches (WCC) 1998-2006. Bishop Young was re-elected to the Central Committee of the WCC at
the Ninth (9th) Assembly in Porto Alegre, Brazil in 2006. He chaired the Committee on Nominations for the National Council of Churches, USA,
and provided leadership for the Pan Methodist Commission 1996-2000. He presently serves on the nominating committee for the World Methodist Council. Bishop Young is a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity.
Bishop Young is married to Dorothy Jackson Young of Boston, Massachusetts. They are the parents of Mr. Ron and Mrs. Karyn Young-Lowe;
The Reverend Julius and Mrs. Deana Young McAllister; Mr. Roderick and Mrs. Andrea Young Jones, Miss Stephanie Lynn Young and grandparents of Little Miss Jennifer Renee Lowe, Master Julius Harrison McAllister, III, Master Peyton Leigh Jones, Master Colin McKinley Young
McAllister, Little Miss Jessica Christine Lowe, Master Dylan David Jeremiah McAllister and Master Noah Parker Jones.
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

AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Celebrating 167 Years of Service to the Lord and the Community
Sunday, October 19, 2014, 10:00AM
DR. STANLEY PRITCHETT
WORSHIP LEADER
THE PRELUDE
BRO. PHILIP V. SKERRETT , JR.
THE INTROIT
THE PROCESSIONAL
BIG BETHEL MASS CHOIR, THE ACOLYTES AND STEWARDS,
MINISTERS AND PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
* THE DOXOLOGY
HYMN #647
PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW; PRAISE HIM ALL CREATURES HERE BELOW; PRAISE HIM ABOVE
YE HEAVENLY HOST, PRAISE FATHER, SON AND HOLY GHOST. AMEN.
* THE CALL
Leader:
People:
TO
WORSHIP
DR. STANLEY PRITCHETT
I was glad when they said unto me, “Let us go into the house of the Lord!” Our feet
have been standing within your gates, O Jerusalem!
For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper
in the house of my God than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
Leader:
For the sake of the house of the Lord our God; I will seek your good.
People:
They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God.
Leader:
O Lord, I love the habitation of your house, and the place where your glory dwells.
People:
For the Lord is in His holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before Him.
Leader:
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight,
O Lord, my Rock, and my Redeemer.
O sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous things! I will sing of loyalty and of
justice, to you, O Lord, I will sing.
People:
THE HYMN OF PRAISE
SIS. SUSAN WRIGHT
Hymn #62 “God of Grace and God of Glory”
1. God of grace and God of glory, On Thy people pour Thy power; Crown Thine ancient church’s story;
Bring her bud to glorious flower, Grant us wisdom, Grant us courage, For the facing of this hour, For the
facing of this hour.
2. Lo! the hosts of evil round us Scorn Thy Christ, assail His ways! Fears and doubts too long have bound
us, Free our hearts to work and praise, Grant us wisdom, Grant us courage, For the living of these
days, For the living of these days.
3. Cure thy children’s warring madness, Bend our pride to Thy control, Shame our wanton, selfish
gladness, Rich in things and poor in soul, Grant us wisdom, Grant us courage, Lest we miss Thy
kingdom’s goal, Lest we miss Thy kingdom’s goal.
4. Set our feet on lofty places; Gird our lives that they may be, Armored with all Christ-like graces in the
fight to set men free, Grant us wisdom, Grant us courage, that we fail not man nor Thee, that we fail not
man nor Thee.
5. Save us from weak resignation To the evils we deplore; Let the search for Thy salvation Be our glory
evermore. Grant us wisdom, Grant us courage, Serving Thee whom, we adore, Serving Thee whom we
adore. Amen.
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THE INVOCATION
THE REVEREND ROSIE HUNTER
THE CHORAL RESPONSE
THE WORSHIP THROUGH MUSIC
BIG BETHEL MASS CHOIR
THE SCRIPTURE LESSONS
PSALM 100
SIS. PAIGE THOMAS
EPISTLE
2 PETER 1: 1-3
BRO. RYAN JONES
*GOSPEL
MATTHEW 5: 14-16
BRO. ROSS TURNER
* THE CONGREGATIONI WILL STAND FOR THE READING OF THE GOSPEL
THE PREFACE TO THE DECALOGUE
(IN THE TUNE OF #258)
“FROM ALL THAT DWELL BELOW THE SKIES, LET THE CREATOR’S PRAISE ARISE; LET THE
REDEEMER’S NAME BE SUNG, THROUGH EVERY LAND BY EVERY TONGUE.”
THE DECALOGUE
DR. GLORIA GASTON
Leader:
Hear the commandments of God to His people: I am the Lord your God who brought you
out of bondage. You shall have no other gods but Me.
People:
Amen. Lord have mercy.
Leader:
You shall not make for yourself any idol.
People:
Amen. Lord have mercy.
People:
You shall not invoke with malice the Name of the Lord your God.
Amen. Lord have mercy.
Leader:
Remember the Sabbath Day and keep it holy.
People:
Amen. Lord have mercy.
Leader:
Honor your father and your mother.
People:
Amen. Lord have mercy.
Leader:
You shall not commit murder.
People:
Amen. Lord have mercy.
Leader:
You shall not commit adultery.
Bishop: I commend you on the spirit that has prompted and inspired this addition given to assist in the most
glorious of all endeavors and rejoice with you in the fact that, in the pre-senting of the Robert L. Mason Jr.
Conference Room for dedication, you express a most ardent wish that it shall be utilized from henceforth to the
sacred task of making the name of Christ prominent in the hearts of people.
Then shall the congregation stand and sing, "O Come Let Us Adore Him." Then the minister shall say these
words of dedication:
Bishop: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we dedicate the Robert L. Mason Jr.
Conference Room to the praise of Almighty God and to the cause of a greater religious ministry.
We dedicate the Robert L. Mason Jr. Conference Room to the task of lifting the fallen from the nature of despair
and despondency, and of relieving the troubled mind of their oppressive burdens.
And finally, we dedicate the Robert L. Mason Jr. Conference Room to every form of service through which the
people may give praise to Almighty God, and derive a more intimate knowledge of his infinite love.
Then shall the minister say:
Our Heavenly Father, we beseech you to accept the Robert L. Mason Jr. Conference Room as a token of our love
for you and of our desire to praise and magnify your Holy Name. Amen. If it be your divine will, may the
ministries produced through it be the source through which people shall call your name "Blessed:' Amen. May the
room serve to disperse the darkness of evil and illuminate the paths of those who walk in darkness, by the comfort
its strains shall give and the hope its ministry shall proclaim. Amen. Grant that those whom you have equipped to
use the Robert L. Mason Jr. Conference Room might forever be aware of they having been dedicated to you and
your cause and, being thus aware, shall strive for consecration. Any may those who listen, now and then, be lifted
to the mountaintop of inspiration and, being thus inspired, see more clearly their task in the valley of benighted
people and human misery. Amen.
Then shall the congregation sing the chorus of “Go Tell it on the Mountain” while the congregation views the
Robert L. Mason Jr. Conference Room.
Benediction
People: Amen. Lord have mercy.
Leader:
We present the Robert L. Mason Jr. Conference Room for dedication: the gift to the glory of God and the
advancement of the cause of Christ.
Receiving the Presentation
OLD TESTAMENT
Leader:
Sis. Janie Asante:
You shall not steal.
People: Amen. Lord have mercy.
Leader:
You shall not be a false witness.
People: Amen. Lord have mercy.
Leader:
You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor.
People:
Amen. Lord have mercy.
Leader:
And Jesus said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all
your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment and the
second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two
Commandments depend all the law and the prophets.
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Big Bethel AME Church
Robert L. Mason Jr. Conference Room
Dedication Service
Order of Worship
9:30 AM October 19, 2014
* GLORIA PATRI
#XVII-XVIII
“GLORY BE TO THE FATHER, AND TO THE SON, AND TO THE HOLY GHOST; AS IT WAS IN THE BEGINNING, IS NOW, AND EVER
SHALL BE, WORLD WITHOUT END. AMEN, AMEN.”
THE OCCASION
SIS. SLYVIA MCRAE
THE WORSHIP THROUGH MUSIC
BIG BETHEL MASS CHOIR
"Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye
heavenly host; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen"
THE WELCOME TO BIG BETHEL
SIS, LINDA JOLLY & SIS. RUTH MCKENZIE
Then shall the minister read, all standing:
THE WORSHIP THROUGH GIVING
Minister: Dearly beloved, even as we are by virtue of our faith mem-bers of one body, built together to constitute
the great Church of Christ, just so is each instrumentality used to assist in disseminating the gospel of our Lord to
the unsaved a part of the material temple, and as such ought to be expressly set apart and dedicated to the service of
God. Thus, God's people in all ages have followed the practice of setting aside structures, instruments and attire
sacred to the Lord's service. Hence we come now to dedicate the Robert L. Mason Jr. Conference Room - for
service in the worship of Almighty God.
All Standing
THE WORSHIP THROUGH CREATIVE EXPRESSION
SIGNS OF PRAISE MIME MINISTRY
BRO. CHRIS PARKER
THE CHORAL RESPONSE
ALL THINGS COME OF THEE, OH LORD; AND OF THINE OWN HAVE WE GIVEN THEE. AMEN”
THE CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
THE REVEREND ALI HOLNESS
THE PRESENTATION OF THE BISHOP
THE REVEREND JOHN FOSTER, PH.D.
SENIOR PASTOR, BIG BETHEL AME CHURCH
THE WORSHIP THROUGH MUSIC
BIG BETHEL MASS CHOIR
THE PREACHED WORD
BISHOP MCKINLEY YOUNG
Minister: May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us. Psalm 67:1
People: That your way may be known upon earth, your saving power among all nations. Psalm 67:2
PRESIDING PRELATE, 3RD EPISCOPAL DISTRICT
AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
THE INVITATION TO CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP
Minister: Let the people praise you, 0 God; let all the people praise you. Psalm 67:3
THE REMARKS
People: Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the people with equity and guide the nations upon
earth. Psalm 67:4
THE DOXOLOGY
Minister: Let the people praise you, 0 God; let all the people praise you. Psalm 67:5
THE BENEDICTION
People: The earth has yielded its increase; God, our God, has blessed us. Psalm 67:6
THE REVEREND JOHN FOSTER, PH.D.
THE RECESSIONAL
BISHOP YOUNG
THE POSTLUDE
Together: May God continue to bless us; let all the ends of the earth revere him. Psalm 67:7
Then the congregation shall chant the "Lord's Prayer," with preface:
"Let the words of my mouth, let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy
sight; wilt thou teach me how to serve thee; wilt thou teach me how to pray" (Our Father, who art in heaven,
etc.) Hymn 605
Presentation
SERVING IN TODAY’S WORSHIP EXPERIENCE
1 0 : 0 0 AM W O R S H I P E X P E R I E N C E
Trustee or person designated to make the presentation should be standing near the front. At conclusion of
the above, rise and approach the front.
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING FOR THE
UPCOMING WEEK
Acolytes: Camron Eppes/ Charis Eppes
Monday: Exodus 33:12-23
Choir: Big Bethel Mass Choir
Tuesday: Psalm 99
Philippians: Linda Jolly/ Ruth McKenzie
Brother Floyd Baxter:
"Almighty God, Father of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to whom all hearts are open and all desires
known, it is with becoming reverence that we approach you, imploring your divine presence on this occasion and
invoking your divine favor upon this gift to your church. We present the Robert L. Mason Jr. Conference Room
meekly, beseeching you to lend us your spirit, and teach us from day to day how we might more aptly praise and
magnify your Holy name:' Amen.
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Wednesday: Isaiah 45:1-7
Stewardess: Eva B. Watson Stewardess Board
Thursday: Psalm 96:1-9 (10-13)
Stewards: Chris Brooks/ Tony Jones
Friday: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
Trustees: Violet Ricks/ Martha Thomas/ Dennis Brazil, Sr.
Saturday: Matthew 22:15-22
Ushers: Samuel H. Giles Usher Ministry
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Big Bethel AME Church
A Brief History
Significant milestones have been etched into the fabric of
Atlanta’s growth and development by members of Big Bethel
African Methodist Episcopal Church during its 167-year history.
Prior to Emancipation, slave masters of the Methodist Episcopal
Church provided a facility for our ancestors to worship at Bethel
Tabernacle Church on the corner of Courtland and Jenkins
Streets ( now Georgia State University). Our founders, however,
never lost sight of their vision to organize a church for self
expression, self help, self government and worship. This dream
became a reality when the members of Bethel Tabernacle united
with the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1866. This year’s
theme, “Reflecting on God’s Glory,” is taken from Matthew 5:16.
At last, we comprehend the importance of each generation
sharing these special events with one another:
The October 25, 1943, issue of The Christian Recorder
commended Big Bethel Church for raising $65,000 to clear the
church indebtedness made in 1924. This article recognized the
leadership of Rev. D. T. Babcock. Rev. Babcock’s tenure of 14
years at the helm of Big Bethel Church has not been exceeded to
this date.
The last segregated graduation ceremony for Grady Hospital
Nurses of Color was held on August 16, 1965, in Big Bethel’s
Sanctuary.
During the administration of Rev. Reuben T. Bussey, the church
celebrated its One Hundredth Birthday. One of the highpoints of
his administration was the erection of Bethel Towers (a Resident
Housing Facility) in 1968. On August 11, 2013, the mortgage for
this $3, 514,700 building was burned.
A warm handclasp between Rev. James Lynch, sent to organize
the African Methodist Episcopal Church in the South, and Rev.
Joseph Wood, member of Bethel Tabernacle, in Atlanta, resulted
in Bethel Tabernacle becoming united with the African Methodist
Episcopal connection in 1866.
Big Bethel’s “Great Moller Organ” was initially installed in 1924 by
the M.P. Moller Organ Company of Hagerstown, MD. The
instrument was a three manual and pedal pipe, with 16 ranks. In
1987 the organ was completely restored and expanded under the
pastorate of Rev. McKinley Young, when the instrument was
raised to 32 ranks. Additionally, during the Young years, a major
renovation of the church was completed, including upgrading,
upholstery of the church furniture and carpeting added throughout
the sanctuary.
Rev. Jesse Peck, a member of the Prince Hall Free and
Accepted Masons. while living in Boston, became convinced of
the organization’s merits. Later, while pastoring at Big Bethel
AME Church, he established the first chapter of Free and Accepted Masons in Georgia, which became Saint James Lodge #
4, on March 5, 1871.
Rev. James L. Davis, appointed as pastor of Big Bethel AME
Church in 1992, established ambitious projects and programs.
Among his greatest projects was PROCEED (Prayfully, Proclaiming Our Community, Emphasizing Economic Development), a
catalyst for revitalizing “Sweet Auburn” and other communities.
Some of its positive outgrowths include the Trinity-Bethel
Partnership, Big Bethel Senior Village, and Renaissance Walk .
Morris Brown College was established in 1881, when Big Bethel
AME Church hosted the North Georgia Annual Conference.
The first National Convention of the National Association for The
Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was held at Big Bethel
AME Church in 1919.
A black Community Activist, Mr. Jesse O. Thomas, was able to
convince the Atlanta City Council and the County Commission to
each give $ 5,000 for rebuilding Big Bethel church, after it was
severely damaged by fire in 1921. The reason for supporting this
request was due to Bethel’s capacity to hold mass meetings of a
non-denominational nature in the 1920’s.
During the administration of Rev. Gregory V. Eason, Sr., in
addition to his mantra of “Radical Hospitality,” FOCUS (Faithfully
Obeying Christ with Unwavering Stewardship) was launched to
raise funds for the church to retire the indebtness owed to Fulton
County for taxes on Big Bethel parking lot. The parking lot is on
Dobbs & Jesse Hill, Jr., Drive.
One of Atlanta’s Historic Landmarks is Big Bethel’s “Lighted
Cross,” bearing the message “Jesus Saves.” The sign was
installed in 1922. This blue neon – lighted sign on the church’s
steeple is still shining as a symbol of “Hope for the World.”
In May, 2013, Rev. John Foster, PhD, was appointed as pastor of
Big Bethel AME Church. In addition to continuing the excellent
programs and projects that are in progress, he launched a “New
Media Ministry.” The Big Screens are operational and the church
services are streamed LIVE on the web weekly. The latest
initiative that the church has embarked upon is “The Vision for
Big Bethel 2020” - to be the Preeminent Religious Presence of
the Auburn/Edgewood Corridor in Atlanta,GA.
The National Convention of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity was held
at Big Bethel AME Church in 1929.
The Big Bethel AME Church’s Heaven Bound Choir was featured
at the premier of the film Gone With the Wind, gaining an
international reputation in 1930. The morality play “Heaven
Bound,” authored and produced at Big Bethel AME Church, has
been performed for 83 successive years since that time.
In the 167 years of Big Bethel’s history, thirty-six ministers have
served as pastors –“sainted spiritual leaders” of this flock. Three
of those ministers, the Reverends Harold I. Bearden (1964),
McKinley Young (1992), and James L. Davis (2004), were
elected from Big Bethel’s pulpit and consecrated as bishops in
the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
In 1953, Rev. Harold I. Bearden made arrangements with the first
Black radio station in Atlanta, WERD, to broadcast directly from
the church the Sunday morning “Worship Service” as an
“inspirational gospel feast” for the “sick and shut in.”
To God Be The Glory,
Great Things He Hath Done!
In 1967 there was a legal change in the name of the church.
The name was officially changed from Bethel African Methodist
Episcopal Tabernacle to Big Bethel African Methodist Episcopal
Church.
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