Morristown in Morris County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Bethel Church of Morristown
Our Commitment
| — | Letsie Clemons | — |
Photographed by Kevin W., July 9, 2024
1. Letsie Clemons Marker
Bethel is more than a church; since its inception, Bethel has been a cultural, historical, political and intellectual institution, as well as a sanctuary for weary travelers.
Many of the pastors who served Bethel were active in the Underground Railroad and endeavored to spread) the AME Church's mission throughout Morris County, the state of New Jersey, the United States and Canada. Veterans of the Civil War and foreign wars found comfort at Bethel's altar. During the Great Migration, families traveling from the South with aspirations of new beginnings called Bethel their spiritual home.
During the Jim Crow and Civil Rights Eras, Bethel continued to serve as a center for cultural and political expression.
Bethel remains committed to preserving its great history, but also to discovering new ways to serve the community. Feeding the hungry, enriching the lives of children, caring for seniors, providing shelter for the homeless, celebrating recovery, protesting injustice, educating voters, comforting those who mourn and preaching the Gospel are just a few of the ways Bethel contributes to the well-being
this page online
Bethel is committed to the Ministry of Reconciliation, Global Missions and welcoming people from every nation into its doors.
Table of Hope serves dinner five nights a week.
Letsie Clemons
Mother Letsie Green Clemons and her husband, William Martin Clemons, Sr. relocated from Savannah, Georgia to Orange, New Jersey and finally to Morristown in the 1930s during the Great Migration of African Americans from the rural South to the industrial North. Shortly after their arrival to Morristown, they established a successful tailor shop on Water Street. The community also knew Mother Clemons for her exceptional culinary skills.
Mother Clemons joined Bethel in 1933 under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Howard Garcia. In addition to serving on the Stewardess Board and the Women's Missionary Society (formerly the Bethel Mite Society), she also taught Bible Study. People remember Mother Clemons most fondly for her exuberant style of worship.
Mother Clemons had one son, William Martin Clemons, Jr. He attended Howard University and later became Morristown's first African American postal carrier in 1939.
The photo of Letsie Clemons is from the:
Photographed by Kevin W., July 9, 2024
2. Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church Markers
Erected by Bethel Church of Morristown.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1933.
Location. 40° 47.977′ N, 74° 28.75′ W. Marker is in Morristown, New Jersey, in Morris County. It is on Spring Street just north of Bishop Nazery Way, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 59 Spring St, Morristown NJ 07960, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in North Jersey and in the New York City Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Bethel Church of Morristown (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Bethel Church of Morristown (here, next to this marker); Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church (a few steps from this marker); Continental Army Encampments (within shouting distance of this marker); Ford Family Memorial (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); This Morristown Green (approx. 0.2 miles away); The French are Coming (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Presbyterian Church on the Green (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Morristown.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 7, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 7, 2026, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos: 1. submitted on August 7, 2026, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 2. submitted on July 10, 2024, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.
