Batesville in Independence County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)
Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 22, 2023
1. Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church Marker
placed on the
National
Register of
Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion. A significant historical year for this entry is 1882.
Location. 35° 46.294′ N, 91° 38.61′ W. Marker is in Batesville, Arkansas, in Independence County. Marker is at the intersection of Oak Street and South 9th Street, on the right when traveling west on Oak Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 889 Oak St, Batesville AR 72501, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Batesville During The Civil War (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Original Building, Arkansas College (approx. 0.2 miles away); Charles R. Handford House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Arkansas College (approx. ¼ mile away); Peed-Ball House (approx. ¼ mile away); Arkansas Methodist Conference (approx. 0.3 miles away); Lafferty Memorial Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); Independence County Office and Library (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Batesville.
Regarding Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Excerpts from the National Register nomination:
Theoldest church building in Batesville, the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church also houses the first black congregation in that city. …
Click or scan to see
this page online
In 1875, M.F.A. Easton assumed the post of pastor … Fund-raising for a church building was headed by Easton's successor, Reuben Johnson. In the December 8, 1880, Batesville Guard, Johnson thanked subscribers for their donations to the building fund … A frame structure was completed the same month and on Christmas Day, burned as the result of a faulty stovepipe.
Resolved to erect a more resilient building, the congregation borrowed money "for building a church edifice" from Simon Adler, a Jewish merchant and private banker. Stone for the church was quarried locally … In 1881-1882, the new church building was completed.
Also see . . .
1. Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church (PDF). National Register nomination submitted for the church, which was listed in 1986. (National Archives) (Submitted on April 25, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
2. Oldest Batesville church marks 150 years. To its churchgoers in Batesville, the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church is more than a space for Sunday worship; it’s a cornerstone in the community. (Syd Hayman, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, posted Sept. 1, 2016)
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 22, 2023
2. Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 25, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 25, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 84 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 25, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
