Bethel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
Cordele, Georgia
1896
A Brief Historical Sketch

Bethel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church is one of the “Historical Churches” of the West Georgia Region (formerly the South West Georgia Conference). The initial geographical placement for Bethel was the South Georgia Conference, which is now the South Georgia Region. The original site of the church was on Ninth Avenue, WestSome of the leading ministers of Colored Methodism served as shepherds of Bethel. Among them were: Rev. Lee O’Neal, Rev. G. A. Thomas Rev. G. W. Dinkins, Rev. Earl Dyer, Rev. W. T. Moore, Rev. E. Roberts, Rev. L. H. Portlock, Rev. E. A. Paul, Rev. L. D. McAfee, and Rev. H. L. Stallworth and Rev. G. W. Phillips. The first parsonage, located on Ninth Avenue, West, was remolded under the pastorate of Rev. E. A. Paul. Bethel continued to grow and strive under the Episcopal leadership of many of our Reverend Fathers of the church. They were powerful preacher and most distinguished leaders of our beloved Zion. Namely: Bishop Robert S. Williams, who served as pastor of Israel, Sidney Park and Trinity, Augusta, was elected bishop in 1894. Bishop Randall Albert Carter, as noted in “The History Of The CME Church” by Bishop O. H. Lakey, provided the historical conception of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and was elected to the office of bishop in 1914.

Bishop Robert Turner Brown, served as Editor of the Christian Index from 1902-1910 and was elected bishop on May 13, 1922. Bishop James Arthur Hamlett, a most brilliant Editor of the Christian Index was elected in on May 13, 1922 and Bishop John Wesley Mckinney, the only bishop elected by unanimous consent was voted into office also on May 13, 1922.

Bishop Lucius H. Holsey, the fourth bishop of the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church in America elected in 1873. In addition to establishing Paine College, Bishop Holsey had a more profound vision in regards to education, his quest was to establish secondary schools throughout the sate of Georgia. Here in Cordele, his vision became reality. His vision was the magnificent, formidable, and all embracing institution of learning called Holsey Industrial Academy. Its conception was in Lumber City, GA. In 1892, the South Georgia Conference accepted sponsorship of the school and changed the name to Holsey Normal and Industrial Academy. In 1902 the school was moved from Lumber City to Cordele.  In 1924, the Helena B. Cobb Institute merged with the Holsey Normal and Industrial Academy and became the Holsey-Cobb Institute. Bethel served as the place of worship.

The present building was constructed in 1910-11. Rev. L. D. McAfee was the pastor, and Rev. Lee O’Neal was Presiding Elder. E. J. Jefferson was chairman of the Trustee Board, R. Rivers was Secretary-Treasurer, and J. B. Dinkins was chairman of the Steward Board.

In 1940, Bishop William Yancy Bell came to Georgia, in addition to serving as the Presiding Prelate of Georgia, he was responsible for the reopening of the Holsey-Cobb Institute, that had been closed in 1932. Bishop Bell was also instrumental in appointing great leadership to serve Bethel. The Rev. Amos Ryce, II was one of the outstanding pastors appointed by Bishop Bell as shepherd of this flock. In 1945, on the fourth Sunday in September in celebration of the 75th Anniversary year of Colored Methodism, Pastor Ryce and members of Bethel raise $1,575.00 and it was noted that this effort was but the beginning of a series of tasks which the congregation hoped to accomplished that conference year. Pastor Ryce was an outstanding leader, administrator, preacher, teacher, and scholar. The Rev. Amos Ryce, II serves two appointment periods at Bethel.  Other great pastors, preachers, and scholars that have served at Bethel are: Dr. Lucius H. Pitts, while serving as pastor of Bethel, Dr. Pitts was also the principal of the Holsey-Cobb Institute, Rev. Jasper M. Pettigrew, a great servant of the church, Rev. N. J. Smith, a soft-spoken yet, powerful orator, Rev. A. T. McNair, Rev. Lonnie L. Napier, Dr. W. Clyde Williams, an activist for youth, children, and families.

God was not finished with Bethel, in August 1992, Rev. Kenneth L. Hollingshed was assigned as pastor. Under his leadership an educational annex was constructed,  renovations of the sanctuary, fellowship hall, kitchen and pastor’s study, and the landscape was upgraded.

Rev. Willie L. Garman, served this congregation for three years. He was very creative in his preaching and lead the congregation in implementing observances that recognized law enforcement officers. Rev. Rufus R. Jolly served this congregation for one year before becoming a Presiding Elder in the South Georgia Region.

Rev. Jane E. Thomas was assigned as pastor in 2000. Under her leadership the congregation has grown in the concept of “Ministry” within the church. The focus of church is “Discipleship Ministries".