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Greater Bethel AME Church/BAME Development Corporation

Greater Bethel AME Church was founded in 1896 and is the oldest continuing Black congregation in the City of Miami. Greater Bethel has the proud distinction of having had members of its congregation as signers of the City of MiamiCharter. Greater Bethel has a long history of serving the Miami/Overtown communities through outreach programs designed to help all members of the community. Reverend John White and his staff have worked tirelessly to make this project a reality.

The BAME Development Corporation of South Florida Inc., is a ministry of Greater Bethel that provides affordable housingÿincluding construction of a 40 unit subdivision of single-family homes, a 211-unit 14-story multi-family project, and a 12-unit permanent housing project for persons living with HIV/AIDS. Executive Director William Mauzy has been a key member of the Mattie Koonce grant writing and implementation team.

In 1899, just three years after its organization, the little wooden church was place on a horse-drawn wagon and moved to Bethelÿs present sight. The members marched in a procession to their churchÿs forth and final location. This group of visionaries had developed into a cohesive congregation growing from Lightburn's home; to a tent; to Avenue H and Second Street, and finally to Eigthth Street between Second and Third Avenues. Very soon after the relocation, the new pastor, Rev. W.G. Fields, began planning for the construction of what would be called "Bigger Bethel". Most of the work done on the church at that time was chiefly gratis and done by the officers of the church.

As this new church continued to prosper it's influence in the Miami community grew. The church's obligation for service to the community, its constituents, and members of the church also increase. Greater Bethel has been blessed with many dynamic and spiritual leaders over the past 101 years. Each pastor assigned to Bethel had a positive impact on the spiritual and physical progress of the church. Other believers of the discipline of African Methodism were: Rev. J.W.B. Jackson, Rev. S. J. Johnson, Rev. A.P. Postell, Rev. R.B. Sutton, Rev. H.B. Barkley, Rev. H.W. Fayson, Rev. W. F. Ball, Rev. J.B. Blacknell, Rev. S.A. Cousin, and Rev. I.D. Hinson.

Rev. John F. White is the current spiritual leader of Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church. A visionary filled with high expectations, excited about the Lord, his church, his congregation, and the community. Several ministries have been established to aid the Overtown community, the congregants of the church, and to make an impact in the lives of others. These ministries are: Agape Academic Enrichment Center, Feeding of the Homeless, Narcotics Anonymous, Legal Assistance Program, Headstart, Singles and Couples Ministries, Senior Adult Ministry, Social Service, Youth and Childrenÿs Ministries, Bus Ministry, and Food and Clothing Ministry.

The BAME Development Corporation of South Florida, Inc. was established in 1990. This corporation is dedicated to making a difference in the Overtown community by providing decent safe, and affordable housing for low middle-income families. Under the auspices of Rev. White, Bethel received a grant of $76,000 from the Conference of Mayors to provide an Aids Awareness program for African-American Gay and Bisexual males and $6,000 from the Dade Community Foundation for a Gay/Lesbian program. Additionally, the church received a $10,000 grant from the Henry R. Kramer Foundation.

Greater Bethel is rich in history. This 101 year old landmark has undergone many developmental phases. The congregation looks forward to uplifting the many ministries and needs of its community. We thank god for these 101 years of Spiritual Witnessing and ask that HE protect and guide this great church so that it will be allowed to serve for 100 more years.