OCAAHS recently visited the historic Bethel Baptist Church to give a presentation on the history of this important church. The presentation involved Dr. Edna Lewis, the history of the former Freetwon community, the incredible Isabella Lightfoot Training School which all sprung from this rich and free black community following the Civil War, giving a unique community oriented support system from which Dr. Edna Lewis and many others thrived from.
Freetown community members began organizing in 1890 towards this church which gave it's first service in 1892. The church's current members worship in the same building from 1891. This was within the Freetown community and across the street was the Isabella Lightfoot Training School.
Thank you, Pastor Ben Tyler, for opening your heart & doors to us at Bethel Baptist Church.