14 South Beech Street
| The Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church is the
oldest African-American congregation in Oxford. The congregation
was organized in 1842. They acquired a place to worship in 1857 when
they purchased the former Christian Church from Joel Collins.
Some of the early struggles of the congregation included raising the neccessary funds to furnish the church and finding a preacher to lead services. A preacher from Hamilton came every other week in the early years. In 1886, the church had its own pastor. Source: "Bethel AME Oldest Organized Black Church in Oxford History," The Oxford Press, February 4, 1988. |
 |
|
(photo courtesy of Smith Library of Regional History) |
This site was created by the Butler County Historical Society
Those with questions, comments, or additional information are encouraged
to contact the Society.
© 2000 by the Butler County Historical Society