Featured congregation: Bethel A.M.E. Church
Slogan: “Investing in people, believing in God.”
Location: 414 W. Vermont St.
Pastor: Rev. Carey A. Grady
Telephone: (317) 634-7002
Web site: www.bethelame-indy.org
Service times: Sunday school at 9:30 a.m., Sunday service at 11 a.m. and Bible study on Wednesday at 7 p.m.
What makes it special: Established in 1836, Bethel is the city’s oldest African-American church, and was a station on the Underground Railroad for slaves seeking freedom. It has been at its current location since 1867, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Bethel served as host church for the 2004 A.M.E. General Conference, which included the election of the denomination’s first woman bishop, Vashti Murphy McKenzie, as well as an appearance from Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry.
Today the church has numerous ministries for people of all ages, and outreach programs such as a lunch program for the homeless and the C.A.P. Ministry for college students, armed services personnel and prisoners.
If you would like to see your church, service ministry or house of worship profiled, please send your request to newsroom@indyrecorder.com with “Church Spotlight” as the subject of your e-mail, or fax to (317) 924-5148. All ministries are welcome.
