Bethany Baptist Church

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CRUISE WITH THE SCHOLARSHIP COUNCILCURAÇAO & ARUBA JULY 7, 2011 THRU JULY 15, 2012PRICES ARE ALL INCLUSIVEUPPER DECK: $2,200.00 EMPRESS DECK: $2,210.00 VERANDAH DECK: $2,230.00ALL ROOMS HAVE BALCONIES EXCEPT INSIDE CABINS ($2,099.00)DEPOSIT DUE: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2011- $200.00 PPPLEASE NOTE: A VALID PASSPORT IS REQUIRED FOR TRAVELFOR MORE DETAILS, SEE ANY MEMBER OF THE SCHOLARSHIP COUNCIL

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Activities

MONDAYSCub Scouts/Boy Scouts6:30 p.m.TUESDAYSBethany Choir Rehearsal7:30 p.m.Narcotics Anonymous7:00 p.m.WEDNESDAYSAlcoholics Anonymous7:00 p.m.THURSDAYSBethany Brethren Rehearsal(Men's Choir)7:00 p.m. (1st & 3rd of the month)Remnant Praise Rehearsal(Young Adults Choir)7:30 p.m.FRIDAYSYouth Night7:00 p.m.Prayer Meeting7:00 p.m.SATURDAYS(1st, 2nd & 3rd)Outreach MinistryClothing Closet12:00 Noon - 3:00 p.m._ 214 MacDonough Street

Worship Service

SUNDAY Morning Worship8:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.Junior Church11:00 a.m.WEDNESDAYMid-Week Worship8:00 p.m.

Learn

SUNDAYSunday School9:30 a.m. New Members' Class9:30 a.m.WEDNESDAYNoonday Bible Studywith Dr. Jasper E. Peyton12:00 p.m.FRIDAYChildrens Bible Study6:45 p.m.Monday to Friday7:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.William A. Jones, Jr.Child Development Center

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Our Mission

Our mission is to offer Christ-centered fellowship, and holistic ministry that meets the needs of the whole person: spiritually, mentally, and physically. We intentionally seek to love our neighbor as ourselves, save souls, and transform lives by proclaiming gospel truth to power and providing purpose driven programs.Our vision is to engage in relevant ministry that empowers individuals and responds to the needs of the diverse community in which we live. (Matthew 28:19-20; Luke 4:18-19)

About us

Church History
Dr. David A. Hampton
Dr William A Jones Jr

Church History stained-glass

The History of Bethany Baptist ChurchIn the BeginningIn the fall of 1883 the Reverend Joseph Bacon organized a prayer meeting at his home, 794 Atlantic Avenue. The persons in that organization were the Reverend Joseph Bacon, Mrs. Charlotte Bacon, Mrs. Mary Loach, Mrs. Eugenia Nichols, Mrs. Martha Jackson, Mr. John E. Jackson and Mr. Fred Rivers.After outgrowing Reverend Bacons home, they moved in 1884 to Cumberland and Fulton Streets, over Westcotts Express Office (entrance on the Cumberland Street side) where they took the name of The Messiah Mission.It now seemed that they were destined to become travelers, for in 1885 they moved to the Fulton Street side and called themselves the Second Baptist Church of Brooklyn. The year 1886 found them on the move again, and under the leadership of Rev. McCoy, they moved to Waverly and Atlantic Avenue, only to return to the Cumberland Street hall soon afterwards. Rev. McCoy was not allowed to remain long and at his expulsion the Reverend Thomas W. Gaines, noted evangelist of Petersburg, Virginia, and a contemporary of John J. Jasper, was invited by the Reverend Joseph Bacon to preach. Reverend Gaines stirred up things in Brooklyn, but being an evangelist and having a charge, he could not remain. Several Councils were called for the purpose of having this body of believers recognized as an independent church. These were all defeated, until the Reverend Kelsey, Pastor of the Sixth Avenue Baptist Church, Brooklyn, with other leading white ministers from the Long Island Baptist Association, sat apart and formerly organized the church as the Bethany Baptist Church of Brooklyn on January 27, 1887. Rev. Kelsey was voted the father of Bethany, and he, with his church, assisted in many ways. The Reverend Ebenezer Byrd was Pastor of the newly organized church from January to June, 1887. In June, 1887 the Reverend Gaines accepted the call and early in his administration the Church became affiliated with the New England Baptist Missionary Convention, the Long Island Baptist Association, and the Baptist Extension Society. The Sunday School, B.Y.P.U., and other auxiliaries were organized during his administration, and Bethany began to show signs of progress and prosperity. When the church outgrew the Cumberland Street quarters, Reverend Gaines moved them to 541 Vanderbilt Avenue, corner of Atlantic Avenue. On April 26, 1895 the church was incorporated, and the Charter bears the following names: Reverend Reuben I. Gaines, Chairman; James Thomas Hamlin, Secretary; John E. Jackson, Charles Gross, Henry Taylor, William E. Gayles and Joshua P. Lee, Trustees. Reverend Gaines served the church for fourteen years and resigned July 4, 1901.On September 26, 1901, Reverend J. Francis Blair of White Plains, New York was called as Pastor. He was installed as Pastor on January 2, 1902. He was conscientious and enthusiastic, and kept alive the work which had been started by his immediate predecessor. He stayed with the church for a period of six years. He was called from Labor to Reward in December, 1907.Reverend H. Holland Powell of Virginia Seminary, Lynchburg, Virginia was called as Pastor on May 15, 1908, and with the assistance of the Official Boards, was responsible for considerable material enterprise. He resigned in 1915.On April 1, 1915, the Reverend Kimball Logan Warren assumed his duties as Pastor after a successful ministry at Union Baptist Church, Hartford, Connecticut.During the first nine years of Dr. Warrens Pastorate, great progress was made. The small membership which formed the nucleus for his program was increased to many times its original size. The auxiliaries and clubs were reorganized, and new ones were added. The roster of Auxiliaries and Clubs for 1924 included the Willing Workers, the Missionary Society, the Pastors Aid, the Sunshine Club, the Brotherhood and the Floral Club. There were also twenty-five Sections in addition to the Official Boards, Sunday School, B.Y.P.U., Choir and Ushers. Under Dr. Warrens inimitable leadership, Bethany purchased the Trinity Baptist Church property, Sumner Avenue and Decatur Street, at a cost of $100,000.00, a tremendous feat in those days. On Sunday, May 18, 1924 upon entering the new Church home, a months celebration was held from May 18, to June 15, 1924. Bethany was the first Negro Church to move into the Stuyvesant area, and therefore, paid the price of pioneering. In 1927 the Bethany Beacon, a weekly Church Bulletin, was born. It was a fine literary piece, but short-lived. Other clubs were organized and specific pieces of work were undertaken by them. They were the Sisterhood, the Utility Club, the Hedge and Highway Society (Foreign Missions), the Lydia Missionary Circle (Home Missions), Boy and Girl Scouts. As the years of Reverend Warrens administration advanced, his health began to fail, and he was unable to continue his effective work. On February 14, 1943, concluding all but two months of twenty-eight years of service, Rev. K. L. Warren was called Home to rest. A bronze plaque, made by Richard Barth and dedicated to his memory, was placed on the front wall of the main auditorium of the church. A club, the Kimball Logan Warren Circle, was organized to perpetuate his memory.In November of 1944, the church extended to Reverend Thomas Jefferson Goodall, Pastor of the Antioch Baptist Church of Houston, Texas, a unanimous call which he accepted. Reverend Goodall brought to us a new philosophy, and it assured progress for Bethany. Our attendance increased from a comfortably filled auditorium on Sunday mornings to a completely crowded church. During nine months of 1945, two hundred and thirty-two persons united with the church; thirty of whom were baptized. Dr. Goodall was one of the Denominations outstanding preacher and educator, being in demand as a lecturer in many schools and colleges of the country. While at Bethany, Dr. Goodall revolutionized and expanded the work in such a way that it attracted nation-wide attention. He departed this life on April 26, 1961.On June 25, 1961, the Reverend Henry W. Mariner, the Assistant Pastor under Dr. Goodall, was elected Interim Pastor. A man of great dedication and glowing Christian Character; he served with great distinction until the election of Dr. Goodalls successor. Moving ForwardBethany was without a Pastor for twenty-six months. During that period, numerous clergymen from across the country were invited to preach. On June 26, 1962, a unanimous call was extended to the Reverend William Augustus Jones, Jr., the twenty-eight year old Pastor of First Baptist Church (Paschall), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A third generation preacher, Reverend Jones was the grandson of the late Reverend Dr. Henry Wise Jones, Sr., who pastored Green Street Baptist Church, Louisville, Kentucky, for thirty-eight years, and the son of the Reverend Dr. William Augustus Jones, Sr., Pastor of Pleasant Green Baptist Church, Lexington, Kentucky, for twenty-seven years. Dr. William A. Jones, Jr. was an honor graduate of the University of Kentucky and Crozer Theological Seminary, Chester, Pennsylvania. He did special studies at the University of Lagos (Nigeria) and the University of Ghana at Legon. He earned his doctoral degree from Colgate Rochester Divinity School where he later served as a visiting professor.After assuming his duties as Pastor on Sunday, September 16, 1962, Dr. Jones was actively involved in many civic organizations and movements for social justice. He led Bethany, with the assistance of highly motivated lay leaders and a congregation of staunch supporters, in the construction of a block-long, stone Neo-Gothic edifice, completed in October 1967. The mortgage was burned in 1977, five years ahead of schedule. Under Dr. Jones pastorate, the Elder; a senior residence, and two additional properties adjacent to the church were purchased. Along with a restaurant, Harvest Manor, was conceived and developed as the churchs Centennial project. Included in the outreach ministries was a national radio and television ministry.Bethanys multifaceted program with a full staff of more than thirty persons was conducted under the full auspices of the Church. Dr. Jones, committed to the principle that the Church should be free from any and all external loyalties, ensured that Bethany never sought nor accepted funds from outside sources. Consequently, Bethany is generally recognized as the base for nearly every New York movement for the enhancement of the race. Dr. Jones stated that A FREE PREACHER IN A FREE PULPIT LEADING A FREE PEOPLE has been our continuing sursum corda. He was cited by the New York Times and the New York Post for efforts to secure employment opportunities for minority groups. In addition to his numerous Radio and Television appearances as spokesman for the Brooklyn Ministers and the community on vital issues which affected every day living, he preached throughout the United States and on every continent in the world. A highly respected minister, family man, teacher, mentor, and author, Dr. Jones was president of the Progressive National Baptist Convention (PNBC) and founder of the National Black Pastors Conference. He also served as National Chairman of S.C.L.C,s Operation Breadbasket and as a member of the General Council of the Baptist World Alliance.On the occasion of his fortieth year as Pastor, his brother in the ministry, Bishop T. Garrott Benjamin, Jr., Pastor of Light of the World Christian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana wrote: ~ Our Pastor ~Dr. William Augustus Jones, Jr.The Reverend Dr. William Augustus Jones, Jr. is to preaching what Wolfgang Mozart was to classical music.He is what Langston Hughes was to literature.William Augustus Jones is to the church what Thurgood Marshall was to the Supreme Court essential.He is a mentor; a model; a major prophet.He is elegant, erudite and excellent.He is sensible and soulful; humorous and humble.He is known as never being too high to stoop low;never too great to be gracious.He has the rare ability to walk with Kings and yet not losethe common touch; to give a great deal and yet not ask for much.He is a brother and a father and a friend to all of us.But most of all, William Augustus Jones, Jr. is a friend to God.After forty-three years of stellar, loving, and loyal leadership; Dr. Jones was called Home to rest.Prior to his transition, Dr. Jones named Dr. Jasper E. Peyton, the Assistant to the Pastor, as Interim Pastor. He served in that capacity for two years with dignity, determination and dedication. A former member of the Bethany Choir, former Chairman of the Board of Deacons, Dr. Peyton is beloved for his continuing service to the Church and conscientious attention and visits to the sick and shut-in members.Entering a New EraAfter two years of hearing the Gospel proclaimed by numerous ministers from across the nation, Bethany called Dr. David A Hampton to be the tenth Pastor of the Church. Dr. Hampton is an exceptionally dynamic preacher who has the ability to reach people of all ages. He is the former Senior Pastor of Zion Hope Baptist Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. He earned a Bachelor of Criminal Justice degree from the University of Indianapolis in 1994. He earned a Master of Theological Studies degree in 2000 and Doctor of Ministry degree (Summa Cum Laude) in 2007, both from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis. He is affiliated with the Progressive National Baptist Convention and the American Baptist Churches. Dr. Hampton is the recipient of numerous honors and awards, including the MLK Human Rights Award. He was a National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice Scholar; a Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholar; listed among Whos Who in Black Indianapolis; selected as an NCAA All-American; and acknowledged by the Center for Leadership Development. He is a member of the prestigious Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.As the Pastor-elect, Dr. Hampton preached his initial sermon on January 6, 2008. The Installation Service, scheduled for April 6, 2008 culminates a series of worship services and a celebration banquet. The Bethany Baptist Church Family and the community warmly welcome Dr. David A. Hampton, his wife Hope and their children, Taylor and Gabriel.The Leadership LegacyReverend McCoy Reverend Ebenezer Byrd Reverend Reuben I. GainesReverend J. Francis Blair Reverend H. Holland Powell Reverend Kimball Logan Warren Reverend Thomas Jefferson Goodall Reverend Henry W. Mariner Dr. William A. Jones, Jr.Dr. David A. HamptonTo God Be the Glory

Dr. David A. Hampton

Bio and Videos

Dr. David A. Hampton Senior Pastor, January 2008-December 2011

Dr. David A. Hampton served nearly four years as the tenth Pastor of the Historic Bethany Baptist Church of Brooklyn, NY. until God called him back to Indiana in November of 2011 as the Pastor-Elect of the incomparable Light of the World Christian Church.Dr. Hampton hails from Indianapolis, IN and is a gifted, dynamic, pastor and preacher. His mother, Sylvia Hampton, instilled perseverance and a strong work ethic, having raised him as a single-parent. Dr. Hampton grew up at Eastern Star Church, Indianapolis, IN and was ordained under the tutelage of his pastor, Rev. Dr. Jeffrey A. Johnson, Sr. Dr. Hampton successfully served as a senior pastor in Indianapolis, from 2000 to 2007, prior to his call to the historic Bethany Baptist Church of Brooklyn, NY in January 2008. He is honored to follow the 43 year pastorate of the late and legendary Rev. Dr. William Augustus Jones, Jr. Bishop Tom Benjamin, Light of the World Christian Church of Indianapolis, IN is a long-time friend and "father in ministry."Dr. Hampton served as a Field Education Supervisor at Christian Theological Seminary - Indianapolis, IN in 2005 and currently serves as a adjunct professor at New York Theological Seminary. He is author of the book Narrative Theology As An Hermeneutic Approach. He is listed among Distinguished Faith Leaders in the 200307 editions of Who's Who in Black Indianapolis and the Inaugural Edition of Whos Who in Black New York City in 2009. He is a 2011 recipient of the Presidential Call to Service Award, recognized by President Barack Obama. Dr. Hampton and his wife are entrepreneurs and founders of Hampton Companies, LLC.Upon his arrival to New York City, Dr. Hampton took seriously the prophetic call of social justice as he participated in a May 2008 protest of the Sean Bell verdict. He was arrested and jailed for civil disobedience. Dr. Hampton currently serves on the Board of Directors of the National Action Network under its President, and Bethany member, Rev. Al Sharpton. In June 2008, he was inducted as a member of Brooklyn Congregations Together (BCT) by Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood. He currently serves as Vice-President of the New York State Progressive Congress of Christian Education. Dr. Hampton serves on the Board of Directors of Brooklyn City Prep Charter High School, and on the Advisory Board of Boys and Girls High School and maintains a passion for education reform. Dr. Hampton earned a B.A. Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Indianapolis, a Master of Theological Studies Degree, and a Doctor of Ministry Degree in Practical Theology (Summa Cum Laude) from Christian Theological Seminary. Dr. Hampton is husband of wife (Hope), and father of two children (Taylor, 15 and Gabriel, 5). He is member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

Dr. David A. Hampton, Pastor of Bethany Baptist Church to Return to Indianapolis to Lead Light of the World Christian Church

2010-05-09 Bethany Baptist Church, Dr. David A. Hampton Preaching (Part 1 of 5)
2010-05-09 Bethany Baptist Church, Dr. David A. Hampton Preaching (Part 2 of 5)
Dr. David A. Hampton -The Bedroon Is Pure In Marriage Pt 1
2009-03-29 Bethany Baptist Churhc (2), Dr. David A. Hampton preaching
2010-05-09 Bethany Baptist Church, Dr. David A. Hampton Preaching (Part 3 of 5)
2010-05-09 Bethany Baptist Church, Dr. David A. Hampton Preaching (Part 4 of 5)
2010-05-09 Bethany Baptist Church, Dr. David A. Hampton Preaching (Part 5 of 5)
2009-03-29 Bethany Baptist Church (1), Dr. David A. Hampton preaching.
Dr. David A. Hampton Preaching The Young And The Restlesss
Dr. David A. Hampton Preaches-No Pain,No Gain
Dr. Hampton Preaching The Bedroom Is Pure In MarriagePt 2
Dr. David Hampton preaching The Bedroom Is Pure In Marraige3
Dr. Hampton Preaches Sanctified And Saisfied Pt2 At Bethany
Dr. Hampton Preaches Sanctified And Saisfied Pt1 At Bethany
2010-04-04 Bethany Baptist Church - Easter Sunday Service (Part 1 of 3)
2010-04-04 Bethany Baptist Church - Easter Sunday Service (Part 2 of 3)
2010-04-04 Bethany Baptist Church - Easter Sunday Service (Part 3 of 3)
2011-02-06 Bethany Baptist Church: "Sex in the City" Sermon 1, Part 1
2011-02-06 Bethany Baptist Church: "Sex in the City" Sermon 1, Part 2
5/16/10 -Bethany Baptist Church-The Battle Is The Lord' pt 1s-Africa Day 2010
2011-02-06 Bethany Baptist Church: "Sex in the City" Sermon 1, Part 3
2011-02-06 Bethany Baptist Church: "Sex in the City" Sermon 1, Part 4
2011-02-06 Bethany Baptist Church: "Sex in the City" Sermon 1, Part 5

Light of the World
Dr. David A. Hampton, Pastor of Bethany Baptist Church,to Return to Indianapolis to Lead Light of the World Christian Church BROOKLYN, NY, November 1, 2011 Dr. David A. Hampton, Pastor of Bethany Baptist Church since January 2008, has accepted the call to serve as Senior Pastor of Light of the World Christian Church in his hometown, Indianapolis, IN, it was announced last week by both churches. The Senior Pastor Elect will follow the pastorate of Bishop Tom Benjamin, who will retire as Senior Pastor at the end of 2012. Dr. Hampton and his family will relocate to Indianapolis in December. "It is with mixed emotions that my family and I begin this new journey, said Dr. Hampton. While we will miss the wonderful people of Bethany, our many friends in Brooklyn and New York in general, we are delighted that God has set us on this path that not only leads home to Indianapolis, but also to one of the citys greatest churches. I have been blessed to be elected to follow two of the worlds most dynamic preachers and teachers Bethanys Dr. William Augustus , Jones, Jr. and Light of the Worlds Bishop Tom Benjamin. Both pastors served their churches faithfully for more than 40 years and I am humbled to stand in the pulpits of these great purveyors of the Word."The Bethany congregation wishes Dr. Hampton and his family all the best as they return to their hometown and embark on this next phase of their ministry. Information on the search for a new Pastor will be announced in the coming months. Bishop Benjamin stated, "Dr. Hampton is an Indianapolis native whom I had the opportunity to mentor as a young man. He has many unique gifts and a great love for people. His approach to ministry will be well received in the city and particularly at Light of the World. He preaches with the Bible in one hand and the newspaper in the other hand, which makes his preaching timely and relevant. Light of the World is a social justice platform for the Gospel to reach the world. We are blessed to have Dr. Hampton and Hope return to Indianapolis after such a positive and powerful experience with the Bethany Baptist Church family. I never would have dreamed after recommending Dr. Hampton to Bethany and presiding over his installation that he would be returning to the place of his birth, but God never makes a mistake. We must just trust Him. My relationship with Bethany and my long-standing friendship with Dr. Jones are known by many, and in some ways we are actually sharing in the gifts of friendship and relationship that could never make us enemies, but will always make us friends. We must never forget Romans 8:28.... all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."Prior to becoming the 10th Pastor of the historic Bethany Baptist Church, Dr. Hampton served as Senior Pastor at Zion Hope Baptist Church and at Antioch Church, both in Indianapolis, where he was licensed and ordained under the leadership of his Pastor, Rev. Jeffrey A. Johnson, Sr. of Eastern Star Church. Dr. Hampton was Executive Director of Celebration of Hope in 1999, having served under his father in ministry, Bishop Benjamin. Dr. Hampton also served as a Field Education Supervisor at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis in 2005. Upon his arrival to New York City, Dr. Hampton took seriously the prophetic call of social justice as he participated in a May 2008 protest of the Sean Bell verdict. He was arrested and jailed for civil disobedience. Dr. Hampton currently serves on the Board of Directors of the National Action Network. In June 2008, he became a member of Brooklyn Congregations Together (BCT). As an active member of the PNBC, he currently serves on the Economic Development Committee and is Vice-President of the New York State Progressive Congress of Christian Education. Dr. Hampton served as a founding Board Member of Brooklyn City Prep Charter High School and on the Advisory Board of Boys and Girls High School, maintaining a passion for education reform. He is committed to global missions, particularly in Africa, having traveled to Kenya and Egypt. He also works with the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, and has traveled to Israel. Dr. Hampton, who served as an adjunct professor at New York Theological Seminary, is author of the book Narrative Theology as an Hermeneutic Approach. He is listed among Distinguished Faith Leaders in the 200307 editions of Who's Who in Black Indianapolis and the Inaugural Edition of Whos Who in Black New York City in 2009. He is a 2011 recipient of the Presidential Call to Service Award, recognized by President Barack Obama. Reverend Hampton earned a B.A. Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Indianapolis (1994), a Master of Theological Studies Degree (2000), and a Doctor of Ministry Degree in Practical Theology (Summa Cum Laude) from Christian Theological Seminary (2006). He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and Prince Hall F&AM. Dr. Hampton and his wife Hope share in the blessings of two children, Taylor and Gabriel. Bethany Baptist Church is located at 460 Marcus Garvey Blvd., between Decatur and MacDonough Streets in Brooklyn. Worship services are held at 8:00 am and 11:00 am on Sundays as well as at various times throughout the week. For more information on the Bethany experience, please contact the church office at (718) 455-8400.# # #

Dr Hampton Called to Light of the World.pdf

Light of the World Christian Church

Dr William A Jones Jr Dr. William A. Jones Jr.

The Reverend Dr. William A. Jones, Jr.

Pastor, Bethany Baptist Church

September 1962 - September 2005

A native of Lexington, KY, and the son and grandson of Baptist ministers, Dr. Jones was born February 24, 1934, in Louisville, KY, to Mary E. Jones and the Reverend Dr. William A. Jones, Sr. A graduate of the University of Kentucky and Crozer Theological Seminary, Dr. Jones held an earned doctorate from Colgate Rochester Divinity School and completed special studies at the University of Lagos (Nigeria) and the University of Ghana at Legon.A staunch Christian activist, Dr. Jones was for many years a leader in the struggle for human rights and economic justice. As a student at Crozer, he teamed up with Leon Sullivan and was active in the Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC). In 1962 and 1963, he was involved in the construction industry struggle against Downstate Hospital and in the late 60s, he worked with Operation Breadbasket, heading the New York Office and eventually opening up doors for jobs and racial equality in the bread, bottling and other industries. He served as the first chair of the New York Chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, founded by Dr. Martin Luther King. As chair, one of his major undertakings was the fight against A & P, then a national grocery store chain whose policies discriminated against Black people. Dr. Jones led thousands of people in a boycott against the chain store, which temporarily shut down stores and ultimately led to jobs for people of color in that grocery store chain and other places of business. He was the first Black chairman of the Board of Kings County Hospital.Dr. Jones' first pastorate was the First Baptist Church (Paschal), Philadelphia, PA, where he served for three years, beginning in July 1959. Pastor of Bethany Baptist Church since September 1962, he led his congregation in the construction of a Neo-Gothic edifice, completed in October 1967. Bethany conducts a multi-faceted program with a full time staff of 27 persons. Committed to the principle that the Church should be free of any and all external loyalties, Bethany has never sought nor accepted funds from outside sources. The total program is conducted under the sole auspices of the Church. Included in the outreach ministries under the pastorate of Dr. Jones was a national radio and television ministry, which brought thousands of "television members" to the congregation each week to hear the magnificent voice of Dr. Jones preach the gospel.A former president of the Progressive National Baptist Convention and founder of the National Black Pastors' Conference, Dr. Jones also served as national chairman of S.C.L.C.'s Operation Breadbasket and as a member of the General Council of the Baptist World Alliance. He was a Martin Luther King Fellow.Recipient of many honors, he received the New York Urban League's prestigious Frederick Douglas Award in 1972. Last year, he was recognized as a "Living Legend" by the Honorable Virginia C. Fields, former Manhattan Borough President. Commissioned a Kentucky Colonel in 1976, he was listed in Who's Who in America and was cited as "The Dean of New York's Great Preachers" by the New York Daily News. He held honorary doctorates from Benedict College, Simmons University, Cumberland College, Shaw University and Campbell University. In May 1993, he received an honorary Doctor of Humanities Degree from his alma mater, the University of Kentucky. In December 1996, he was awarded the Doctor of Literature Degree by Evangelical Reformed School of Theology, Toledo, OH. In January 2006, the Simmons College of Kentucky (Louisville), which was co-founded by Rev. Henry Wise Jones, Dr. Jones' grandfather, honored him by naming the college's School of Theology, "The William Augustus Jones, Jr. School of Preaching".Dr. Jones preached on every continent and continued to be in great demand as a preacher throughout America and in other lands. Among the preaching platforms where he stood to preach are St. Patrick's Cathedral (New York, New York), the Australian Pastors' Conference (Melbourne, Australia), The First All-Asian Baptist Congress (Hyderabad, India), The Caribbean Baptist Fellowship (Hamilton, Bermuda), The Baptist World Congress (Keynote Speaker - Toronto, Canada), The International Congress on Preaching (The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland) and innumerable gatherings (denominational and ecumenical) across America.He served as visiting professor at Colgate Rochester Divinity School, Wesley Theological Seminary, Princeton Theological Seminary, Union Theological Seminary and United Theological Seminary. His published writings include: The Black Church Looks at the Bicentennial, God In The Ghetto, Responsible Preaching, The African-American Church: Past, Present, and Future and When God Says, "Let Me Alone." He was a contributor to "A Reader's Companion to Crossing the Threshold of Hope", a Protestant response to the Pastoral Writings of Pope John Paul II.Dr. Jones was diagnosed with kidney failure in 1995. Over the next 20 years he pressed forward despite his illness, twice receiving kidney transplants from his children, William Augustus, III and Elsa Elizabeth. Even in illness, Dr. Jones continued to be sought after by churches, colleges, universities and other civic and social institutions. On September 18, 2005, after serving 43 years, Dr. Jones retired as Pastor Emeritus of Bethany Baptist Church. Reflecting upon his union with Bethany, Dr. Jones said, Ours has been a journey marked by accomplishment upon accomplishment. We have sought to minister to the totality of human need. Without a dime of outside funding, we have remained free to raise the voice of prophetic protest against structured sin and institutionalized iniquity while fulfilling the primary mandate to preach the Gospel to every creature. Thanks Bethany for giving me freedom to think and speak the dream. Blessings be yours always.After putting up a long and courageous fight for the Lord and for his health, William Augustus Jones, Jr. passed away, Saturday, February 4, 2006, at his Brooklyn home with his family surrounding him. He was 71.

Our Pastor

Bio and Videos

Dr. Jasper E. Peyton Interim Pastor

Reverend Jasper E. Peyton, native of Richmond, Virginia, is the father of one daughter, Rose LaVerne Abernathy, grandfather of six and the great-grandfather of twenty.Reverend Peyton is a Graduate of the Armstrong High School in Richmond, Virginia. He entered the military service while a student at Virginia Union University. While serving in the Philippine Islands, he attended the University of Philippines in Manila and majored in Business Administration. After being discharged from the military he enrolled in City College and graduated in 1952. His education also includes Labor Studies at Wagner College, Staten Island, New York; School of Journalism at Rutgers University and the New York Theological Seminary. Reverend Peyton served as an adjunct Professor in the Black Studies Department at Fordham University, Manhattan Campus.Reverend Jasper Peyton joined the International Ladies Garment Workers Union in 1950 and served in several capacities including: organizer, shop steward, editor of local newspaper, education director locally, assistant education and political director nationally, art class instructor, a founder of the Fulton Art Fair, Brooklyn, New York and ILGWU training institute coordinator. During his Labor career, Reverend Peyton participated in international labor conferences in Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana, Africa. He was listed in Who's Who in American Labor. He retired in 1995.Reverend Peyton is the former President of the Congress of Christian Education of the New York State Progressive National Baptist Convention, and served as Chaplain in the New York State Supreme Court Officers Association, ILA-AFL-CIO.Some of the most unforgettable highlights of his ministerial career includes: participating in a Communion Service in the Upper Room in Jerusalem; conducting a Worship Service on the Sea of Galilee, and preaching from the pinnacle of the Mount of Transfiguration, where the Apostle Peter uttered the words, Lord, it is good for us to be here: If thou wilt, let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah. One of his most cherished memories is that of walking where Jesus walked, along the pathway en route to Calvary. Reverend Peytons many commitments at Bethany Baptist Church have included former President of the Senior Choir, President of the Presidents Council, President of the Virginia Club, Chairman of the Board of Deacons. He is presently the Adult Sunday School Instructor. In February of 2007 Reverend Peyton was presented the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters from the Eastern Theological Seminary. Dr. Peyton served as Interim Pastor at Bethany Baptist Church until January, 2008. He then served as Assistant to the Pastor under Dr. David A. Hampton, the tenth pastor called to the Historic Bethany Baptist Church of Brooklyn until Dr. Hampton's departure in December of 2011 at which time, Dr. Peyton again took the helm as Interim Pastor of Bethany Baptist Church.

Members

Infant Dedication THE SERVICE OF INFANT DEDICATION "So it came to pass in the process of time that Hannah conceived and bore a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, "Because I have asked for him from the Lord." And the man Elkanah and all his house went up to offer to the Lord the yearly sacrifice and his vow. But Hannah did not go up, for she said to her husband, "I will not go up until the child is weaned; then I will take him, that he may appear before the Lord and remain there forever." - I Samuel 1: 20-22"... and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Simeon, a just and devout man took the child up in his arms and prayed to God and said, Lord, now lettest thou servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people." - Luke 2: 25-32 BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR INFANT DEDICATION The infant to be dedicated must be under the age of one (1) year old.Infant dedications can be scheduled for any 3rd Sunday at Bethany, during Pastoral Emphases, at the 8:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. Worship Services. All dedications will take place in the main Sanctuary and the ceremony will be conducted by the Pastor, unless he is otherwise engaged; in which case an Associate Minister will be assigned as a substitute.All requests for Infant Dedications at Bethany must be submitted to the church office at least two (2) weeks prior to the desired date for the ceremony. The REQUEST FOR INFANT DEDICATION form should be filled out completely and clearly. Please make sure that all names are spelled correctly. The infant's first name, complete middle name or names (if those names are to appear on the certificate) and the last name, the names of both parents and the names of the Godparents (limited to four) must be accurate. The certificate is a legal document.At least one parent of the infant to be dedicated must be a member of Bethany Baptist Church, in good standing, for a period of not less than six months. ("Good standing" means that as a member of Bethany, you attend church service and participate in church activities on a regular basis and you pay your Tithes/Offerings, when possible.)It is spiritually ideal for the parents of the infant to be dedicated, to be married to each other. However, it is not required.A Certificate of Dedication is prepared in advance of the dedication ceremony. This certificate will be signed by the preacher, and the Godparents (witnesses) at the conclusion of the ceremony. The completed certificate will then be given to the parent(s) before they leave the church. There is no charge for this certificate. If there is a request for a new certificate because of errors on the REQUEST FOR INFANT DEDICATION form or a replacement form is needed for some reason, there will be a service charge of $10.00.NOTE: There is no charge for Infant Dedications at Bethany Baptist Church.NOTE: Counseling for the parent(s) of the infant to be dedicated is available upon request. Please call the Church Office or visit the "Pastoral Appointment" section of this website to schedule an appointment. The form will be reviewed and given to the Pastor for final approval. You will be notified by mail (time permitting) or telephone on the status of your request.PLEASE DO NOT REQUEST A DEDICATION ON SPECIAL DAYS AT BETHANY BAPTIST CHURCH.

REQUEST FOR INFANT DEDICATION - FLBL.pdf

You may request the form for Infant Dedication from the Membership Clerk in the Church Office or you may download and complete the PDF form on the right and email, fax or mail it to the Church Office.

Service of Baptism ABC’S OF SALVATION:Accept that you’re a sinner in need of salvation (Romans 3:23, 6:23)Believe that Christ died and resurrected unto life (Romans 5:8; John 11:25)Confess with your mouth and believe with your heart (Romans 10:9)HOW DO I BECOME A CHURCH MEMBER?Respond to the Pastoral Invitation during Service, ask an Usher, Deacon, or indicate on visitor card.THE CHRISTIAN SERVICE OF BAPTISMThe Christian Service of Baptism takes place on the 1st Sunday of each month. You will be notified of the date of your Baptism by the Membership Clerk. On the date of your baptism, please report to the Deacons and Deaconesses on the third floor of the Bethany Educational Building. You should arrive no later than 10:30 a.m. Please bring the following items with you:A large towelA pair of white socksA change of underwearA swim cap or shower capIf you are unable to be present, please contact the Church Office as soon as possible at (718) 455-8400 ext. 13

Service of Marriage THE CHRISTIAN SERVICE OF MARRIAGEMarriage is a gift God has given to all humankind for the wellbeing of the entire human family. Marriage is a civil contract between a woman and a man. For Christians marriage is a covenant through which a man and a woman are called to live out together before God, their lives of discipleship. In a service of Christian marriage a lifelong commitment is made by a woman and man to each other, publicly witnessed, and acknowledged by the community of faith. A SERVICE OF WORSHIP All weddings held at Bethany Baptist Church will be officiated by one of the ordained ministers of the church staff. Ministers of other denominations may be invited to participate. The invitation must be extended by the Pastor. Variations in the elements of the wedding services (ceremony) may be discussed with the officiating minister. In every case the order of worship for the wedding will conform to the standards of Bethany Baptist Church. The service begins with scriptural readings and a brief statement of purpose. The man and the woman shall declare their intention to enter into Christian marriage and shall exchange vows of love and faithfulness. The service includes appropriate passages of Scripture, which may be interpreted in various forms of proclamation. Prayers shall be offered for the couple, for the communities which support them in this new dimension of discipleship, and for all who seek to live in faithfulness. In the name of the triune God the minister shall declare publicly that the woman and the man are now joined in marriage. A charge may be given. Other actions common to the community and its cultures may appropriately be observed when these actions do not diminish the Christian understanding of marriage. The service concludes with a benediction. PREMARITAL CONSULTATION In preparation for the marriage service, the minister asked to lead the service shall provide for a discussion with the man and the woman concerning: the nature of their Christian commitment, assuring that at least one is a professing Christianthe legal requirements of the statethe privileges and responsibilities of Christian marriagethe nature and form of the marriage ser¬vicethe vows and commitments they will be asked to makethe relationships of these commitments to their lives of discipleshipthe resources of the faith and the Christian community to assist them in fulfilling their marriage commitments. This discussion is equally important in the case of a first marriage, a marriage after the death of a spouse, and a marriage following divorce. If the minister is convinced after discussion with the couple that commitment, responsibility, maturity, or Christian understanding are so lacking that the marriage is unwise, the minister shall assure the couple of the church's continuing concern for them and not conduct the ceremony. All persons marrying at Bethany Baptist Church will be expected to engage in pre-marital counseling. Appointments for pre-marital counseling should be scheduled well in advance of the wedding. It is the responsibility of the bride and groom to phone the church for an appointment. There is a minimum requirement of two sessions.WEDDING MUSIC Music suitable for the marriage service directs attention to God and expresses the faith of the church. The congregation may join in hymns and other musical forms of praise and prayer. Before the wedding, the bride and groom will be expected to arrange an appointment with the church musician for the purpose of planning suitable music for the wedding service. One of the organists of the church will play for the wedding. All guest musicians must have prior pastoral approval. Because a wedding is a worship service, all music must be appropriate to Christian worship. Ordinarily "popular" music, ballads, love songs, etc., are inappropriate in the context of Christian worship. Wedding music, like all music used in worship, should direct our attention to Almighty God and celebrate God's goodness and love. The church musician can offer suitable and appropriate suggestions for all the music of the wedding including processional and recessional music. Ordinarily the Lord's Prayer will not be sung in a wedding service. This is a prayer for the whole people of God and is more appropriately used as a unison prayer voiced by all of those who are in attendance at the service. The church does have soloists on staff. Vocal and/or instrumental solos are a beautiful way to enhance a wedding. It is strongly recommended that when the couple desires solo music, the church musician be involved in the choice of soloists and music. This assures adequate rehearsal of music as well as a high level of artistry for this significant part of your wedding. However, should a guest soloist be invited, the bride and groom must seek pastoral approval. In all cases the final decisions regarding the music for a wedding will remain with the church musician in cosultation with the pastor. Every effort will be made to provide music which pleases the bride and groom and which is in good taste, as well as in conformity to our standards of worship. DECORATIONS Flowers, decorations, and other appointments should be appropriate to the place of worship, enhance the worshipers' consciousness of the reality of God, and reflect the integrity and simplicity of Christian life. The chapel and sanctuary of the church are designed for worship and incorporate symbols of the Christian faith. Ordinarily large floral arrangements are sufficient decoration for a wedding. Additional decoration is generally unnecessary. Some families may wish to add candles, fabric bunting, etc. If additional decorations are desired, they must not obscure or damage furnishings and symbols in the worship area. Specifically, no arrangements may be placed on or in front of the Communion Table. A floral arrangement may be placed on the retable if it is no taller than the cross. No furniture or symbol will be moved from its usual location in the worship area. The following precautions will be observed in the decoration of the church: Generally, the facilities will be available for decorations no more than twelve hours prior to the time of the wedding. Pending availability, alternate times may be approved through the Church Office. No nails or screws shall be driven into walls, floor, or furnishings. Preferably, candles should be used with drip cups, and carpets and other surfaces will be protected from wax drip by a protective cloth. Protective cloths or plastic must be placed under all plants containing moisture. No candles or arrangements are to be placed on the organ console, pulpit, lectern or baptismal fount Floral arrangements must not be taller than the cross. No theatrical lights shall be used, nor any other lighting than that which is already part of the sanctuary lighting system. All non-church owned decorations must be removed from the facilities immediately following the wedding. The church has no storage areas for such items and will not be responsible for loss or damage. If families wish to leave wedding flowers for use in worship on the Sunday following the wedding, arrangements should be made through the Church Office no later than two weeks prior to the wedding. PHOTOGRAPHS/VIDEOTAPES No flash photography will be permitted during the wedding ceremony. Pictures may be taken from the narthex through the double center doors and/or from the balcony. If the wedding party desires pictures in the chancel area, these may be staged either prior to or following the service. If the wedding party desires pictures in the chancel area during the service they must receive pastoral approval. Video cameras may be used to record the service in its entirety if the following guidelines are observed: The equipment shall be placed in the balcony. The equipment shall not obstruct the view of the worshipers sitting in the balcony. THE REHEARSAL The Church Wedding Coordinator will be responsible for directing the wedding rehearsal. All members of the wedding party are asked to be punctual; a rehearsal should take no longer than 45 minutes. All members of the wedding party are expected to be present at the time set for the rehearsal. Since the rehearsal cannot proceed without all members of the party, latecomers cause the entire party inconvenience and delay the other events of the evening. The Wedding Coordinator will remain 30 minutes after the appointed time for the rehearsals commencement. If all participants have not arrived by that time, the Coordonator will depart, and the rehearsal will be canceled. RECEPTION The Fellowship Hall is available for receptions following weddings at Bethany. Arrangements for the reception, if held at the church, are to be made in consultation with the Church Office, as arrangements must be made to oversee and/or assist the caterer and the use of the kitchen and other church facilities used for the reception. Fellowship Hall can accommodate approximately 250 persons. As a matter of policy, no alcoholic beverages or inappropriate music are allowed at wedding receptions held in church facilities. Receptions at Bethany "move" more freely if guests go directly into the Fellowship Hall following the service (rather than wait outside while the wedding party has pictures taken). If a receiving line or a bride's book is used, they should be placed so as not to cause a backlog of persons waiting to enter. The cost for catering service is negotiated by the parties involved. When outside caterers are employed, the caterer will be charged a fee if church dishes are used. The caterer is responsible for clean-up of kitchen facilities and dishes. The church kitchen matron is required to be present for supervisory purposes when outside caterers are used. This fee is $35.00 and is to be paid by the parties involved. This fee does not include any food preparation or clean-up of facilities. If the church kitchen is used, an inventory of kitchen items will be taken before and after. Should there be any items missing, the contracted party will be charged accordingly and this amount will be added to the total as stipulated by the contractual agreement. The party assumes responsibility and liability, including but not limited to judgments, awards for damages, equitable relief and defense costs, for any and all claims or causes of action that may be brought against Bethany Baptist Church as a result of the conduct of the partys event at the hall, including the conduct of any of the partys guests. The party releases and holds Bethany Baptist Church harmless from and against all such responsibility and liability.SMOKING IS PROHIBITED IN THE HALL AND ALL CITY BUILDINGSFACILITIES In order to rule out the possibility of conflict of dates, the sanctuary or chapel may be reserved for particular dates only after staff consultation. A tentative clearance may be given by phone, but a final reservation can be confirmed only when the contract is returned to the church administrator and the date is entered on the church's Master Calendar. WEDDINGS MAY NOT BE SCHEDULED FOR THE FOLLOWING DAYS AND TIMES: Sundays ThanksgivingChristmas Eve or Christmas Day New Years Eve or New Years Day Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday, Good Friday or Easter After 3:00 p.m. on SaturdaysReservations for weddings are scheduled on a "first¬-come, first-serve" basis at Bethany Baptist Church. The church is available on a limited basis to non-mem¬bers for weddings. Therefore, please be advised that Bethany members are given preference. Generally, reservations cannot be confirmed for non-members more than ninety days prior to the date of the wedding. No confirmed date will be given to non-members until there has been a consultation with the pastor, the contract has been returned and an initial deposit of $250.00 has been returned to the Church. The deposit is non-refundable after confirmation is given for the wedding date. The chapel seats approximately 65 persons; the sanctuary approximately 2,000. As a matter of policy, no rice or confetti may be thrown by members of the wedding party, either in the church buildings or on the church grounds. For more detailed information on Weddings at Bethany Baptist Church, please contact the Church Office at 718.455.8400For more detailed information on obtaining a marriage license, please visit: www.cityclerk.nyc.gov

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