BETHESDA TEMPLE APOSTOLIC

1918---2006

1918 – This is the year when the roots of Bethesda began with nine people meeting from house to house looking for a greater and deeper understanding of the Word of God.  They were religious people seeking salvation according to God’s Word.  Among the nine were Elder William Abernathy and Elder Albert Allen.  The “Holy Ghost” was evident in their lives.

1919 – The nine met in the home of Elder Allen at 98 Pontiac Street and organized “The First Apostolic Mission.”  Bishop G. T. Haywood of Indianapolis, Indiana, taught the revelation of being baptized in Jesus’ Name and all nine being obedient were baptized in the Great Miami River on the east side of the Fifth Street Bridge.

1920 – The first place of worship was The Fire Engine House on Fifth and Mound Streets.  The first pastor was Elder William Abernathy.  The congregation was integrated at that time.

1921 – Elder Abernathy moved to Flint, Michigan, and Elder Allen became leader until a pastor was chosen.

1922 – Elder Elmer Akers of Brooklyn, New York, became pastor.  The congregation grew as tent meetings were held.

1923 – A former slave named “brother Raymond Dandridge” provided a vacant lot that was located at 137 Sprague Street, known now as Edwin C. Moses Boulevard.  The pastor and congregation using shovels, picks, a mule, and a wagon dug out the foundation manually.  The name of this project was the First Pentecostal Church costing over $7,000.

The birth of the Brotherhood is a historical even that began with five brothers who where Bro. Tim Young, 1^st Ch., Bro. Floyd Williams, Bro. Tim Harris, Bro. Riding, and Bro. Rosco Stevenson who met to discuss the Bible every Sunday.  They organized at the First Pentecostal Church and became nationally and internationally know as the “The Brotherhood” of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World.

1931 – The congregation moved 111 South Broadway due to growth.  It was bought for $13,000.  The name changed to (Bethesda Temple Incorporate).  Elder Akers served until 1936.  He served as general secretary and bishop in the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World.

1936 – Elder Ralph Bass of Springfield, Ohio, was called to pastor.  He and his family lived in the parsonage at 111 S. Broadway.  His assistant was the beloved Elder George Smith.

1966 – Many ministries developed under this leadership.  Growth continued and space was needed.  An addition was added with classrooms, dining room, and restrooms.

1972 – Bishop Bass became ill and God calls him home.

1973 – Elder Henry Jones, a son of Bethesda, was called to pastor after serving in Xenia for 13 years.

1977 – Continued growth gave opportunity for a fruitful vision for Elder Henry Jones.   The church property at 3701 Salem Avenue became available for $800,000.  Perseverance, prayer and sacrificial giving gave vent for a warm spiritual event.

1981 – On September 13, a motorcade traveled to our new and present location.  Many growths took place during his administration.

1986 – Elder Henry Jones’ earthly mission ended March 15.  He was called home.  Elder George Smith served as Acting Pastor for Bishop Bass and District Elder Henry Jones when suddenly he was taken to be with the Lord on July 23.  In October, District Elder J. Thomas Jones took the baton.

1990 – The church celebrated their Seventy-Second year anniversary at the Mandalay Banquet Center on Old River Road.

1992 – District Elder J. Thomas Jones was elevated to Suffragan Bishop at the international convention of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World.

1993 – Property on the left of the church became available for purchase, a unit with many shops called Heritage Square at 3540-3560 Siebenthaler Avenue.

1999 – A shelter was built to give the church family a place for outside comfort.  Day camp, picnics and overall outdoor planning

2000 – The Van-Kirk properties at 3761 and 3763 Salem Avenue was purchased.  The Uplifters, Seniors and Mimi-Academy class moved to this facility.

2002 – The Multi-Purpose Center was built for The Church Family, dedicated on May 4^th and named the “Lighthouse.”  This Light is shining for the city, state and world to see.  The Lighthouse was designed for Bethesda’s Church Family, Young People, and the Senior’s.