1966 :: Following a vision from the Lord, Mrs. Miriam E. Dennis, together with her husband Reverend Alwyn Dennis, started a mission according to the vision given to Mrs. Dennis. The mission with the Lord on their side and eight members started in their home.
1970 :: With the assistance of Pastors S.A. Scarlett of the Republic of Panama and James Wright of Jamaica, New York, the mission officially incorporated as a church in September became known as Bethel Baptist Church, and moved from the Dennis’ home to its new location, a storefront building located at 205-28 Linden Boulevard, St. Albans, New York.
1972 :: Reverend Alwyn and Mrs. Miriam Dennis were blessed to purchase a plot of land at 197-23 Linden Boulevard, St. Albans, New York where Bethel presently and proudly is located today.
1988 :: Mrs. Miriam E. Dennis was ordained to the title of Reverend at the Metropolitan New York Baptist Association in the presence of many witnesses who accompanied her for this God-lead occasion.
1989 :: Under now Pastor Alwyn and Co-Pastor Miriam Dennis Bethel Baptist Church flourished and was rich with the following ministries: Bible Study, Discipleship & Evangelism Training, Vacation Bible School, Prison Ministry, Nursing Home Visitation, Ministry to the Homeless, Clothing Distribution, Youth Ministry, Typing & computer Classes, Tutoring Services, & CPR Training.
1993 :: Reverend Alwyn Dennis transitioned this life and Co-Pastor Miriam Dennis was left to carry on the work of the church until she succumbed to illness in 2000. During her time of illness she was assisted by Reverend Robert Griffin and her assistant Minister Ian Neil who continued to lead the church when she was no longer able to do so.
2003 :: Reverend Alvan R. Ross ministered, received his ordination and pastored the church until December 2006, after which the leadership of the church was maintained by the Diaconate Ministry under Deacons Patrick Powell and Mary Abernathy until the church called the new pastor on December 31, 2007.
2008 :: Reverend Ralph H. Hoist, III and Reverend E. Regina Hoist were installed as the third Pastor and Co-Pastor to continue the work of building God’s Church by teaching His people and winning souls for Christ. The New Disciples Class and Bible Study was started and held on Saturday mornings at 7:00 AM. The overflow sanctuary was created with the installation of a wide screen TV monitor.
2009 :: Bethel Baptist Church purchased their first Baptismal Pool and held the first in-house Baptismal Service baptizing six candidates before a congregation of witnesses. The church website was developed and launched, the Bethel Choir was started at the end of 2008 and the first son was consecrated with the licensing of Minister Patrick G. Powell on Sunday July 12, 2009.
2010 :: Purchased new speakers; Pastor’s Office remodeled; implemented an office space for the Media Ministry; Also our debut of Bethel’s Children Praise and Mime Dance Ministry
