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THE HISTORY OF BETHEL AME CHURCH
LAY ORGANIZATION
1941 - 1990

The Lay Organization of Bethel AME Church was organized in 1941 under the leadership of Rev. C.D. Tolliver. Mrs. Georgia Marshall was our first president. Mrs. Marshall was a dedicated christian woman who was very interested in laymen's activities of the AME Church. She had attended one of its meetings where people of interest were asked to go back to their local churches to encourage their pastors and members to organize a Laymen Organization as it was then called.

Rev. Tolliver consented and Mrs. Marshall with a small group of laymen embarked on this necessary facet of the church. There were meetings and collection of dues but few activities. However, they were determined with the little knowledge that Mrs. Marshall had of it to plan the work and work the plans with the help of God.

The lay work had for many years been a struggle. It is only because of the deep concern and dedication of our great pioneers of the past and a better understanding of the Lay Organization's work that our group is alive and well today.

The Local Lay from its inception can thank God for its continued success in being able to continue the dream of our first president who had the strong support not only of Rev. Tolliver but of all the ministers that followed, including our present minister Rev. Howards, who stands behind our work locally - Conference, District and Connectionally.

The Lay Organization has had a successful program thus far because of our desire as laity, past and present, to give whole-hearted support to our ministers. We realize that we, too, are a part of the ministry of Christ in various capacities and offices of the church. We put forth all our efforts to enhance the spirit of methodism.

The Lay Organization of Bethel can say its success has been rewarding due to pioneers such as Mrs. Marshall who played a viable part, for example, in the making of constructive legislation enacted by the General Conference. The struggle has not been in vain for we, the laity of Bethel, have acquired equal representation in all levels of the General Church. We can also be proud because we produced officers in other levels of the movement.