130th Anniversary BETHEL GREATER 130th Anniversary Greater Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church 140 Rose Street, Athens , Georgia 30606 The Reverend Marben Bland, Pastor 2 : 0 0 P M O c t o b e r 2 3 r d 2 0 2 2 Celebrating God's Faithfulness Through 130 Years Of Fellowship And Service “Take refuge in the lord. The best is yet to come.” Galatians 6:9 Rev. Dr. Toni Belin Ingram, Presiding
Elder Augusta North District Guest Preacher
TABLE OF CONTENTS OrderOfWorship.........................................................1 CallToWorship.............................................................2 #390IamOnTheBattlefieldForMyLord.................3 Galatians6:7-10............................................................4 SummaryOfTheDecalogue.......................................5 #251ISurrenderAll.....................................................6 HistoryOfGreaterBethelAMEChurch................7-11 "TheBestIsYetToCome".......................................12 TheReverendDoctorToniBelinIngram................13 CelebratingOurSaints..............................................14 RecognitionsFromOurChurchPartners FirstAME–Athens,Georgia...............................................15 NewLibertyHillAME–Thompson,Georgia.....................16 NewTennlieAME–Tennille,Georgia................................17 WashingtonCircuitAME–WashingtonCounty,Georgia18 Mt.ZionAME–CollegePark,Georgia................................19 BethelAME–Powersville,Georgia....................................20 NewBethelAME–EastDublin,Georgia...........................21 SaintPaulAME–Gray,Georgia........................................22 GreaterMt.Zion–Waycross,Georgia..............................23 GreaterJordanChapel-Haddock,Georgia....................24 Worship xx
TABLE OF CONTENTS MemorialsAndFamilyTributes JohnnieCrawfordNeely-FromtheNieces.......25 JohnnieCrawfordNeely–FromtheFamily.......26 BenefieldMemorial..............................................27 DavisMemorial.....................................................28 Tribble,WareandMartinFamily........................29 EmmaMaeBolden................................................30 PhyllisThomas......................................................31 PrinniesMoore.....................................................32 FarmerFamily......................................................33 GaryJonesFamily................................................34 SimsFamily..........................................................35 ArleenTaylorLaster...........................................36 Dr.SoniaSharmin...............................................37 PierceFamily......................................................38 EarnestineThurman.........................................39 AcknowledgmentsFromTheBusinessCommunity TheBlandClinic 2ThePointTheologicalMedia Dawson'sMortuary RambeauReality PCVirusBusters OurPatrons xxx
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GreaterBethel:130YearsOfNotGettingTiredOfDoingWhatIsGood ACallToWorshipInspiredByGalatians6:7-10
Leader:For130YearsGreaterBethelAthensanditspeoplehavepraisedGod inHisSanctuaryandbeyond.
People:Wehavenottiredofdoingwhatisgood.Forweknownottomock thejusticeofGod.
Leader:ForitisGodthathasdeliveredGreaterBethelfromourhumble beginningsinatwo-roomdwelling,toourmovetoafarmbuildingonthecorner ofBillupsandBroadStreet.Thensurvivingafirewhichdestroyedoursanctuary onlytobeblessedwithourpresentlovelyplaceofworshipat140RoseStreet.
People:Wehavenottiredofdoingwhatisgood.ForweknowGodhastold usthatyouwillalwaysharvestwhatyouplant.
Leader:Godhasgivenourmemberstheforesighttobeattheforefrontoflifein Athens–ClarkCountyandbeyond.Wehavebeenleadersinbusiness, education,andinfaith.Servinginthekitchen,thehome,thefarm,andthe factory.Servingontheschoolboard,inthecourtroom,theclassroom,andthe hospitalroom.Neverforgettingthatthesourceofourstrengthcomesfromour timespentintheprayerroom.
People:Wehavenottiredofdoingwhatisgood.ForGodhastoldus wheneverwehavetheopportunity,weshoulddogoodtoeveryone— especiallytothoseinthefamilyoffaith.
Leader:Today,wearethankfultoGodfor130yearsoffaithandasweemerge fromthegloomiestdaysofCovid,theeyesofGreaterBethelarefirmlyfocused onthefuture.AfuturewheretheSpiritofGodhasbeenpouredoutonus. Whereoursonsanddaughtersprophesize,ouryouthseevisions,andour seniorsdreamdreams.Wepraythattheseprophecies,visions,anddreamsare aboutaMaddoxCenterrestoredtoglory.Acommunityinvolvedwiththechurch andasanctuaryfilledwiththeactiveenergyofpeoplefromtheneighborhood,the university,andbeyond.
People:Wehavenottiredofdoingwhatisgood.Becausefor130yearswe havebeenonthebattlefieldforourLord.
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#390 I Am on the Battlefield for My Lord
Thomas A. Dorsey
Refrain I am on the battlefield for my Lord, I’m on the battlefield for my Lord; And I promised Him that I would serve Him till I die. I’m on the battlefield for my Lord.
1. I was alone and idle, I was a sinner too; I heard a voice from heaven Say there is work to do. I took the Master’s hand, And I joined the Christian band; I’m on the battlefield for my Lord.
Refrain I am on the battlefield for my Lord, I’m on the battlefield for my Lord; And I promised Him that I would serve Him till I die. I’m on the battlefield for my Lord.
2. I love my friends and kindred, Bound for the Promised Land, The grace of God upon me, The Bible in my hand. In distant lands I trod, Crying sinner, come to God; I’m on the battlefield for my Lord.
Refrain I am on the battlefield for my Lord, I’m on the battlefield for my Lord; And I promised Him that I would serve Him till I die. I’m on the battlefield for my Lord.
3. Now when I met my Savior, I met Him with a smile; He healed my wounded spirit, And owned me as His child. Around the throne of grace, He appoints my soul a place; I’m on the battlefield for my Lord.
Refrain I am on the battlefield for my Lord, I’m on the battlefield for my Lord; And I promised Him that I would serve Him till I die. I’m on the battlefield for my Lord.
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Galatians
New Living Translation
7 Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. 8 Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. 9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.
10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.
6:7-10
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Summary Of The Decalogue
The Congregation, Rise and Sings:
“From all that dwell below the skies, let the Creator’s praise arise; let the Redeemer’s name be sung, through every land by every tongue.”
The Minister Says:
Hear what Christ our Saviour saith, thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all my mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
THE GLORIA PATRI
“Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.”
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I Surrender All
Judson W. VanDeVenter/Winfield S. Weeden
1. All to Jesus I surrender, All to Him I freely give; I will ever love and trust Him, In His presence daily give.
Refrain I surrender all, (I surrender all). I surrender all, (I surrender all). All to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all.
2. All to Jesus I surrender, Humbly at His feet I bow; Worldly pleasures all
forsaken, take me, Jesus, take me now.
Refrain I surrender all, (I surrender all). I surrender all, (I surrender all). All to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all.
#251
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TheBest IsYet ToCome
Pastor Marben Bland
Psalm 150 invites us to praise God in His Sanctuary. Today, we gather in His sanctuary called The Greater Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church to celebrate 130 years of faithful service to the Lord. As Greater Bethel and its people have praised God in His Sanctuary and beyond.
From our humble beginnings in a two-room dwelling, to our move to a farm building on the corner of Billups and Broad Street, to our present home at 140 Rose Street. Greater Bethel and its people have been on the battlefield for our Lord.
Our members have been at the forefront of life in Athens–Clark County and beyond. We have been leaders in business, education, and in faith.
Serving on the school board, in the court room, the classroom, and the hospital room never forgetting that the source of our strength comes from our time spent in the prayer room.
So, today we celebrate 130 years, but the eyes of Greater Bethel are firmly focused on the future. An Acts 2:17, future where the Spirit of God has been poured out on us. Where our sons and daughters prophesize, our young men see visions and our seniors dream dreams. I pray that these prophecies, visions, and dreams are about a Maddox Center restored to glory. A community involved with the church and a sanctuary filled with the active energy of youth from the neighborhood the university, and beyond.
All these things and more are possible because for 130 years Greater Bethel has been faithful to the call of Psalm 150. A call for us to praise God from whom all blessings flow, in His sanctuary and beyond. Because the best is yet to come!
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TheReverendDoctorToniBelinIngram
Presiding Elder Augusta North District
The Reverend Doctor Toni Belin Ingram is the Presiding Elder of the Augusta North District. Prior to her appointment as Elder, Rev. Dr. Belin Ingram pastored Greater Smith Chapel and Greater Turner Chapel AME Churches where significant capital improvements were made under her leadership.
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CELEBRATING OUR SAINTS
I Thank My God in All My Remembrance of You. Philippians 1:3
Sister Catherine Barnes
Sister Nellie Bell
Sister Emma Bolden
Sister Nettie Ruth Buffington
Sister Rosa Buffington
Sister Lizzie Childress
Sister Annie Coffey
Brother Henry Cook
Brother Henry Cook
Sister Martha Dupree
Brother Luther Durham, Sr. Sister Bertha Ford
Sister Beatrice Goodrum
Brother Hugh Goodrum Brother Fred Griffeth
Sister Malsenior Harris
Sister Evelyn Hatcher
Brother James Holston
Sister Jean Huff
Brother Gary Jones
Sister Rosa Kelly
Sister Arleen Laster
Brother Dwight Manzy
Brother James Maxey
Sister Sarah Lynn McNeely
Sister Johnnie Neely
Sister Joan Postell
Sister Grace Sims
Brother John (J.B.) Sims
Sister LaTasha Sims
Brother Rufus Sims
Brother Willie B. Sims
Brother John Smith
Brother Roosevelt Taylor
Sister Thelma Taylor
Sister Phyllis Thomas
Brother David Thrasher
Sister Ernestine Thurman
Sister Lucy Travis Sister Mary Travis Brother James Tribble Brother Clifford Waugh Sister Rosie Waugh Sister Della Williams Brother Isaac Woodall
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Our Church Partners
Anniversary
130th
BETHEL GREATER 1
First
B.A. Hart, Senior Pastor
BLESSINGS ON YOUR 130TH ANNIVERSARY
AME Athens, Georgia www.firstameathens.org
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Reverend Terri Patterson Pastor
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TENNILLE
African Methodist Episcopal Church
Reverend Pamela Easton Hobbs
PASTOR
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WASHINGTON CIRCUIT REVEREND
Patrica D. Wilder
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Rev.Dr. Esther Powers
Pastor 19
Rev. Jacquelyn Craig
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New Bethel
African Methodist Episcopal Church East Dublin, Georgia
Rev. Cathy Dragon Harper
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R e v . L e Q u i n t C a s w e l l F i r s t L a d y T r a c i C a s w e l l Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church Clinton-Gray, Georgia 22
AME CHURCH
Greater Mt. Zion Waycross, Georgia
The Reverend Rheunnette Hair Pastor
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Haddock,Georgia
Praise
Worship Fellowship
Pastor
Rev.Dr. MariaGordon
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Memorials And TFamily ributes
130th Anniversary BETHEL GREATER
In Loving Memory Of Our Aunt
Mrs. Johnnie Crawford Neely
Your Nieces and Nephews
Cshanyse Allen, Dyann Allen Jordan, Kisha Baily, La Quatas Bullock, Mr. & Mrs. Farris
Mr. & Mrs. Tamaine
Wanda Neely-Pass, Mr. & Mrs. Garfield
Shuconda
Mr.
W c
Jones,
Jordan, Angela Neely, El
Neely, Gloria Neely,Shelia Neely-Norman,
Neely, Kelli J. Nixon,
& Mrs. Taylor Pass, Leslie J. Roberts-Jones P o
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Mrs.
Crawford Neely
In
Hearts Forever…
Johnnie
Our
Our Loving and Devoted Sister And Mother Willie J. Crawford Heartean Crawford Earnestine Crawford Roberts Eric D. Roberts Ricardo Neely Alfornia Neely Your loving Family 26
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InCelebrationOfOurLovedOnes THEIR BODIES ARE IN THE EARTH, BUT THEIR SPIRITS ARE ALIVE AND WELL. WE MISS YOU. Mr. James Thomas Tribble, Mrs. Mary Primus Ware Mr. Walter Ware, SR. Mr. Walter Ware, Jr. Mr. Roosevelt Williams Mrs. Betty Smith Mrs. Nancy Mae Tribble Mrs. Louise Ware Johnson KaToyis Johnson Remembered By The: Tribble, Martin, and Ware Families 29
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Dorothy
Congratulations In Loving Memory of Our Mother and Grandmother THE GREATER BETHEL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH AND THE MANZY FAMILY ON YOUR 130TH ANNIVERSARY
Lee Moore Children Curtis Moore (Irma), Gwendolyn Manzy, Prinnies Moore, Carlius Moore Grandchildren Jalyn Chapman, Aaron Manzy, Bryson Manzy 32
Congratulations on your 130th Church Anniversary!
As the church clocks in a new age, may this new Anniversary come with the blessings of a new season.
May Righteousness and Godliness continue to be present.
Greater Bethel
Happy Church Anniversary
Dr. Willie S. Farmer and Mrs. Tommie F. Farmer
From Hattiesburg “The Hub City”,
Mississippi 33
InLoving
MemoryOf GARY JONES Your Loving Wife Cheryl Husband,Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle Your Children Gary, Carlos, Candace, Rokayah Your Grandchildren Gary, Andre, Tenique Amelia, 34
In Memory Of Our Beloved
Rufus Sims And Sis. Alma Sims
Bro.
Sons: Bro. Charles Sims, Bro. Harold Sims, Daughters: Sis. Lizzie Childres, Sis. Hazel Sims, Grandson: Bro. Lenzy V. Childres, Jr, Great Granddaughters: Sis. LaTasha V. Sims, Sis. Alma Nakesia Hutton The Sims Family 35
In loving memory of
Sister Arleen Taylor Laster
Sweet Remembrance:
In
The Alston Family The Hill Family The Person Family The Siler Family 36
A Sweet Friendship Refreshes The Soul. Proverb 27:9 CONGRATULATIONS to the Greater Bethel AME Church Family and My Dear Friend, Sister Gwen Manzy on your 130th Church Anniversary. May God Continue to Bless You All! Dr. Sonia Sharmin With Love, 37
The Pierce Family Nathaniel NathanielPierce,Sr. RoxieT.Pierce NathanielPierce,Sr. RoxieT.Pierce Although the circle has been broken Our love for you both continues. Miss you both dearly Your Children: Brenda Yelder (Isaac), Valerie Buford (Ronald), Tiffany (Dennis) Rosalyn Bassett (Terry, deceased), Nathel Dubose (Jeffrey), Nathaniel Pierce, Jr. (Deirdre) Your Grandchildren: Toya (Marco), Tiffany (Dennis),Tamir (Ariel), Taliah, Terry, Jr (Sonya), Tenathius, Jeffery, Jr. Naron, Nathan, Deon, Nicholas Your Great Grandchildren: 38
INLOVINGMEMORYOF
Earnestine Thurman
Those we love remain with us. For love itself lives on, And cherished memories never fade.
Those we love can never be more than a thought apart,
For as long as there is memory, they'll live on in the heart.
Remembered By
Willie, Cedrita, Joe, and Homer Thurman
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Acknowledgments From The Business Community
130th Anniversary BETHEL GREATER
Listen To The I't A Matter Of Your Health Podcast YOUR HEALTH IS OUR FIRST PRIORITY THE BLAND CLINIC Veita J, Bland, MD Primary Care Physician And Hypertension Specialist 1317 N Elm St. Ste 7 Greensboro, NC 27401-1023. www.drblandradio.com 40
WHO WE A CALLFORAPPOINTM 608 358 130 Formed during the g the pandemic in 2020, 2The Point Theological Media Corporation (2TPTMedia) is a 503c corporation committed to the production of highquality media, business management and leadership solutions all supporting the call of Jesus to spread the Gospel to all nations. (The Great Commission) Matthew 28:16 20. 2 THE POINT Theological Media websites, social media strategy OUR BRANDS How 41
D Dawson's Mortuary Blessings To Greater Bethel Athens Adrick A. Ingram, CEO/Licensed Funeral Director Annie S. Ingram, Business Manager 98 Hopgood Street Warrenton, Georgia 30328 Adrick Alexander Chapel 12271 Broad Street Sparta, Georgia 31087 706-444-5558 42
827 Fairways Ct, Suite 300 Stockbridge GA 30281 Bertha.Rambeaurealty@gmail.com Direct: 706-614-7013; Office: 678-833-3852 43
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C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S GREATER BETHEL 1127 W. Hancock Ave., Athens, GA 30606 Phone 706-227-4294 www.greenandgreenatlaw.com45
Epps Bridge 706 227 0773 Traill Creek 706 395 677 Baxter 706 546 84890 Three Locations McRae Family Dental Improving Lives One Smile At A Time www.drmcrae.com46
Patron List
130th Anniversary BETHEL GREATER
Patrons
Listed In
Barron
Order
Alphabetical
From Patricia
Fannie Barron From Beverly Copeland Rico Barnett Tarika Freeman Izora Jackson John Maye Skylar Ransom Josiah Robinson Sonya Scott47
Patrons Listed In Alphabetical Order From Cheryl and Donarell Green Margie Arnold Ollie Dunn Todd Dunn Treva Dunn Predita Freeman Judge Donarell Green, IV Celandra Smith 48
Patrons Listed In Alphabetical Order From Gwen Manzy Joan Antone Tava Aziabor Anita Barnett Greg and Joycette Bell Sandra Blount Angel Bolton Shantelle Dalton-Bonds Stephanie Burgess Dianne Campbell 49
Patrons Listed In Alphabetical Order From Gwen Manzy Jalyn Chapman Harriett Green Church Wayne Cliett Timothy and Lorri Clark Patricia Clifton Novella Edwards Debra Ellis Linda Fair Tommie F. Farmer Dr. Willie S. Farmer Coach Shaquille Gatlin 50
Patrons
Listed In Alphabetical Order From Gwen Manzy Willie Ghivan Pamela Glenn Deborah Green Wilucia Green Evette Harrison Annie Mildred Hill James Hill. Jr. Barbara Johnson Mabel Jones Stephanie Jones
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Listed In Alphabetical Order From Gwen Manzy (The Family of John Smith) Vivian Mabry Aaron Manzy Bryson Manzy Genae Martin Jonita Martin Linda McGhee Terisa Moore McQueen Carlius Moore Prinnies Moore Salicia Moore Claude and Patricia Morris Patrons 52
Listed In Alphabetical Order From Gwen Manzy Richard Nash Angela Nelson Yolanda R. Owens Dr. Jonathan Page Minister Lisa Phillips Anita Pratt Dr. Neda Roby Valeria Scott Karen B. Shelton Pat Sikes Rhondolyn Jones Smith Patrons 53
Listed In Alphabetical Order From Gwen Manzy Phyllis Q. Stewart Josie Taylor Marjorie Green Turner Uniquely Yours Hair Designers Bonita Wade Marie Wallace Ava Antone Weaver Bernita White Walter And Fran Williams Patrons 54
Listed In Alphabetical Order Fron Angela Nelson Lea Christianna Nelson Mya A. Nelson Carolyn Robinson James Robinson, Jr. From Darrion Willoughby Brandolyn Witcher From Brenda Yelder Rosalyn Bassett Valerie Buford Isaac Butler Nathel Dubose Patrons 130th Anniversary BETHEL GREATER 55
Listed In Alphabetical Order FromBrendaYelder FriendOfTheChurch ToyaPass NathanielPierce NaDarriusSmith TiffanySmith FromIsaacYelder Anonymous ReneeArnold AnnieCannon RoseMarieDewberry DenetriusFikes MichaelGresham Patrons 56
Listed In Alphabetical Order FromIsaacYelder RoseMarieDewberry DenetriusFikes MichaelGresham AliceLawrence ErnestStephens JerryWilloughby Patrons 57
Greater GBethel reater Bethel
140 Rose Street Athens, Georgia
The Reverend Marben Bland, Pastor
Rev. Dr. Daryl G. Bloodsaw Senior Pastor of the Ebenezer Baptist Church, Athens, GA.
7:00 PM ET Wednesday October 25th
Greater Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church MISSION STATEMENT
It shall be the mission of the Greater Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church to:
Create an inclusive environment and attitude toward family through planned Bible-based programs.
Enhance the spiritual development of individuals through discipleship and fellowship.
Promote unity and harmony within the congregation and community by spreading the love and compassion of Christ.
PURPOSE STATEMENT
The purpose of the Greater Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church is to serve as a spiritual agency equipping people for ministry. Further, it is our aim, to bring continued hope to the whole purpose: mind, body, and soul. Thus, the place called “Greater Bethel” shall be a place that provides the tools for growth in the knowledge of God and encourages fellowship while building one’s Christian character.
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