Researched by Marion Stanley

The Frederiksted Methodist Church congregation was in existence many years before the Bethel Chapel was erected. As a result, this review will continually give credit to the saints who toiled to make the growth of the congregation and this chapel a reality. Excerpts from previous essays and comments by ministers and members will also be included in order to give a clear picture of the “oneness” that is vital to the success of Bethel as a house of God.

      There are many who have dedicated their time, energy, talents and love, whose names may not be mentioned, but their deeds are greatly appreciated by all and our Heavenly Father will reward them.

       Under the Superintendency of the Rev. Albert E. Moffett, synod approved the request to establish a congregation in the Frederiksted area; and with the participation of the founding member families of  Josephs  Nelsons, Wards, Hughes, Horsfords, Castors, Hamlets, James, Bazils, and Morris and other supporters, the first service held by the Frederiksted Methodists as a  church, was held at the Community United Methodist Church on January 11, 1976. Fellowship and Services were held at several venues in Frederiksted. The homes of some members were also used for Sunday School; and a section of property owned by Sis Idalia Joseph on Queen Cross Street, was rented for worship services .Fifth  Anniversary of Bethel Methodist Sanctuary, June 4th, 1994. “Rev. and Mrs Moffett”  by Ruby Fleming 1.

        Eventually, this pristine spot with its panoramic view of the ocean, was purchased .The purchase of plots  97A,97B, and 97E, was the result of the initiative of the late Rev. Accelyne Williams and the late Bro. Clarence Norman, Circuit Steward.  Essay-“Bethel” by Clarence S. Norman. 1. After many years of negotiations with the VI Government, plot 97E, the parcel of land seaward of the road on the left side of the property was finally exchanged in 2008 for a narrow strip of land on the north, bordering the front of the chapel. The call to “Enlarge the place of your tent---and stretch out the curtains of your habitation---and expand to the right and to the left” Isaiah 52; 2 was  answered—1 .Greetings from Rev. Neville D. Brodie Supt. Minister, Anguilla Circuit..1994

        The property had two existing stone buildings. However, the seaward building, affectionately referred to as the” Cottage by the Sea” in which worship Services were held “was deemed by the 1984 Quarterly meeting as totally inadequate to meet the needs of the congregation there”. A building committee, comprising of Clarence  Norman and Stanley Jones, Circuit Stewards, along with Stewards Arnold Jeffers, Archie Castor, Mathias Nelson, Ruby Fleming and Reuben Weeks worked together and saw the foundation of the Bethel Chapel laid in 1988 -Methodism on St Croix- A Brief Historical Survey- by Rev. Joseph Hepburn. 2.

         In answer to the prayer of Jabez , 1Chronicles 4:10 “the borders were enlarged”. Through the astute leadership of Rev. Dr, Serchel W. Hodge, the artistry of Master Builder Arnold Jeffers, along with the sacrificial giving, pledges, gifts, donations from businesses and self help labor from both Bethel and Ebenezer congregations, the Chapel was erected and dedicated to the glory of God on Sunday, June 4th. 1989.

         It has been 20yrs. since this historic dedication, and “many who have labored have left us, reaching first their journey’s end”- Methodist Hymn Book #614 vs. 4. The congregation has celebrated the 5th, 10th, and 15th anniversaries of the Bethel Chapel, and now we are at another milestone. Heb. Ch.3:3 states, “he who builds the house has more honor than the house.” The house of God is a structure where the people of God meet, “to provoke one another to love and good deeds---by encouraging one another Heb. 10:25. All who worship at Bethel must remember that “God dwelleth not in Temples made with hands,” Acts 7:48, but in the hearts and lives of the saints. The same fervor harnessed to erect this chapel to the Honor and  Glory of God should be utilized in its maintenance and refurbishing. In this way, all who enter it will have a comfortable place to share in the praise and worship of God.

          Membership at the inception of this congregation was  twenty-six. The membership now stands at 200. There is much work to be done in winning souls for Christ. “The fields are ripe and ready to harvest.” Jn.4:35. To paraphrase the Rev. Neville Brodie (Supt. and Chairman  when this land was purchased), in his letter of greeting on the 5th anniversary  celebration of this Chapel,- Christian mission today is becoming more difficult due to cynicism, materialism, societal permissiveness, apathy, and lukewarm ness even within the church itself. At this juncture in our history, we have a new opportunity to devise methods to” fish for men” and we must redouble our efforts so to do. Thanks to        God  for all that has that has been accomplished in and through Him, and by the power of the Holy Spirit more souls will be claimed for Christ.

 

          The following is a list of ministers who have served and who have contributed to the  Spiritual ,Social and Developmental  growth of the Bethel Congregation..

 

Rev. Albert E . Moffett            975      to         1979  (Deceased)

--First service held by Frederiksted Methodist as a Church group at Community United Methodist Church,

   Secured rental space for worship.

   Purchased land at Marshill.

 


 

Rev. Accelyne Williams.         1980    to         1983 (Deceased)

    Purchased property at 97A, 97B ,& 97E Estate Two Brothers, Frederiksted.

 Rev. Dr. Serchel W. Hodge   1983    to         1989

    Restored membership.

    Was instrumental in the building of the Sanctuary.

     Introduced the Women’s League and the Bethel Inspirers

    Conducted Leaders Seminars.

  

Rev. Joseph Hepburn                     1989   to   1995

     Offered the Sanctuary to the Wesley Holiness Church for worship after their building

      was destroyed by Hurricane Hugo

      Organized  Outreach to neighboring Housing Communities.

      Introduced celebration of Family Sunday

      Introduced the formation of Bethel Men’s Fellowship

      Bethel Rivers and Nursery Introduced.

      Participated in Fund Raising walk-a-thons with the Youth Groups.

 

Rev. Selwyn Vanterpool         1995    to         2002

      Bethel Steel Symphony introduced.

      Bethel Angelico Voices started

      Bethel Fencing Scheme started.

      Property was fenced on the seaward side.

      Shared hosting of MCCA Men’s and Womern’s Seminar, and Conference 2000

      Organized Stewardship Campaign.

 

 

Rev. E. Dunstan Richardson 2002    to         present

       Started the Bethel Pavilion Scheme.

       Participated in Access to Racial and Cultural Health Institute (ARCH) –Federal  Grant Program for children in the neighboring Communities.

 

       Received Federal Block Grant toward Pavilion Scheme.

       First Baptism by Immersion at Frederiksted Beach

       Bethel Prayer Group started.

 

 

Rev. Jennings E. Martin                                     Supernumerary

       Gives Annual Scholarships to Graduating High School Seniors

        Enriched the worship with his Teaching Ministry.