Bethel was organized in 1885 by a group of 12 parish-ioners holding prayer meetings in the home of the late Mr. and Mrs. Junius Wilkerson. The original group of twelve founding members included Mr. and Mrs. Junius Wilkerson, Mr. and Mrs. James Clark, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Curtis, Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Holland, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Lowrey, and Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Smith. Permission was granted by the Mt. Olivet Baptist Church of New York, NY to form a church body. Rev. Anthony Johnson was assigned the role of acting pastor, serving from 1885-1886.

In 1886, Rev. Edward M. Roberts was called to serve as the first official pastor of Bethel. Initial services were held in the Lafayette Hall on Railroad Ave. (currently Main Street). Bethel Baptist Church became officially incorporated on April 23, 1890. The first elected trustees were James Clark, Henry Curtis, Charles Holland, Nelson Holland, Charles Lowrey and Junius Wilkerson. The first church clerk was John G. Wilkerson.

After the temporary assignment of acting pastor Rev. Johnson, Bethel flourished throughout its history under a series of dynamic and visionary leaders, each appointed by God and called by the church to serve in their season of service to the church and community.

The list of pastoral leaders is as follows: Rev. Edward W. Roberts (1886-1895), Rev. George Kraeger (1895-1896), Rev. V. P. Chamberlain (1896-1897), Rev. Edgerton (1897-1898), Rev. Francis Blair (1898-1901), Rev. John Tyler (1901-1904), Rev. Ralph Paige (1904-1912), Rev. Manuel King (1912-1914), Rev.John G. Williamson (1914-1942), Rev. Thomas H. Slater (1942- 1965), Rev. Louis H. Wade (1966-1991), Rev. David B. Lucas (1992-1996), Rev. Dr. Daly Barnes, Jr. (1998-2002), and Dr. Edward O. Williamson, (2004-present).

In 1890, the property at One Fisher Court in White Plains was purchased for one dollar. A single frame building was erected on the site and dedicated on May 17, 1891 for use by the small congregation of 31 parishioners. The church building remains on this initial site and has undergone several expansions, remodeling, and major renovation efforts over its history to accommodate the needs of a growing congregation and changing ministry needs. Major projects were conducted and cornerstones laid during the ministries of Rev. Paige, Rev. King, Rev. Williamson, Rev. Slater, and Rev. Wade. A handicap ramp was installed under the pastorate of Rev. Barnes. Mortgages were burned under the pastorates of Rev. Slater and Rev. Wade.

Bethel, under the guidance of its pastoral leaders and with the support of parishioners, has been a long time supporter of denominational work and missions as well as social activism, civil rights and civic concerns. Under the three long tenured pastorates of Rev. John Williamson, Rev. Slater, and Rev. Wade, the congregation grew numerically and church clubs, ministries, and organizations were established to aid the church in accom-plishing its vision, mission, and purposes.

Bethel is affiliated with the National Baptist Convention, U.S.A., Inc., the Empire Baptist Missionary Convention, the Central Hudson Baptist Association, and the Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Convention. Bethel is also affiliated with and is a supporter of numerous local organizations and causes. Bethel continues to be a church congregation not only concerned with the conditions and quality of life of its members, but Bethel is also concerned with the plight of constituents beyond the church walls, especially the oppressed, poor, and those suffering injustice in the community and the world. Our vision and goal as a church in the community is to serve as a beacon of hope to individuals, families, the community and the world.

Let us continue to build upon the rich heritage bestowed upon us by our predecessors. Let Bethel continue to be none other but the house of God and the gate of heaven envisioned by those twelve praying souls inspired by God to establish a church to the glory of God.