Chestertown in Kent County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
Founded circa 1872
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 13, 2026
1. Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church Marker
The original structure was built on Kent and Calvert Streets in 1878 and remained there until it was destroyed by fire. A new church was erected on this site in October 1910, becoming an anchor throughout the struggles of the local Black community: a place of worship, an annex of classrooms for Garnet School, and a center in the fight for equal rights, welcoming the Freedom Riders to Kent County in 1962. Rev. Frederick G. Jones Sr., serving from 1953 to 1969, was co-founder of the local chapter of the NAACP.
In 2002, this building underwent renovations and expansions that included an elevator, commercial kitchen, fellowship hall seting 314, classrooms, and ventilation. The sanctuary pews on the upper level were installed on the original 1910 flooring, supported by columns observed on the lower level. The interior maintains certain original designs that include the carved altar rail, pulpit chairs, and communion tables.
In testament to 150 years of the unmatchable power of God, this edifice stands on faith, the foresight and perseverance of preceding generations, and devoted servants of Christ. With God's help, let this declaration be the foundation for future generations.
Erected 2023.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans
this page online
Location. 39° 12.819′ N, 76° 4.229′ W. Marker is in Chestertown, Maryland, in Kent County. It is on North College Avenue south of Prospect Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 237 N College Ave, Chestertown MD 21620, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on the Eastern Shore. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic, on the Delmarva Peninsula, in the Tidewater, and in the Chesapeake Bay Region. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies and also the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Uptown Club (within shouting distance of this marker); Henry Highland Garnet Elementary School (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Site of the Kent Manufacturing Company (approx. Ό mile away); Washington College (approx. Ό mile away); George Washington (approx. Ό mile away); The Kent County Free School (approx. Ό mile away); a different marker also named George Washington (approx. 0.3 miles away); First Methodist Episcopal Church (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chestertown.
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 13, 2026
2. Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
Credits. This page was last revised on June 14, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 14, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 2 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 14, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
