Bethel AME Celebrates Legacy of Faith
Jul 22, 2024 03:17PM ● By Seti Long, photos by Christopher Pedio
Pastor Gilbert V. Richards II rejoices in the foreground as choral members performs songs of worship in the background.
MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - A three-day celebration marked the 170th anniversary of the Bethel AME Church of Marysville.

A robed woman gestures.
Friday, Saturday,
and Sunday, June 12 through 14, the congregation held multiple events to
rejoice with their members and the community and celebrate the livelihood of
Marysville’s first African Methodist Episcopalian Church. Festivities included
a musical tribute, a fellowship dinner and two worship services on Sunday.

Members of the choir’s congregation raise their voices in song during the Bethel AME Music Ministry’s performance, marking the choir’s 46th anniversary and the congregation’s 170th anniversary.
A core component of the church's ministry is music, and Bethel's choir celebrated an anniversary that day, marking its 46 years.
Friday evening kicked off the weekend's events with the choir performing “To God be the Glory” musical program, with an invocation by Pastor Gilbert V. Richards II.

Pastor Gilbert V. Richards II addresses his congregation during the Bethel AME Concert Choir’s performance “To God be the Glory.”
What followed was a glorious compilation of gospel hymns and musical numbers, at times by talented individuals and at other times, the full choir performing. It was studded by the reading of scriptures and a history of the Bethel AME Musci Ministry was provided by Sister Zenobia Brokenbrough, who has lent her voice to the choir since 1978.

Members of the choir’s congregation raise their voices in song during the Bethel AME Music Ministry’s performance, marking the choir’s 46th anniversary and the congregation’s 170th anniversary.
According to the provided history in the program, the ministry was established in 1854, with the current church-house built in 1864. Its first official choir, the Chancel Choir, was formed in the 1940s under the pastoral ship of Rev. Austin. In the 1950s, the choir grew and so did the church's membership. In 1978, the Concert Choir was formed, touring California and Nevada singing the praises of the Lord.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) Choir joined the musical celebrations of Bethel AME.
Today's Bethel Mass Choir is composed of multiple singing groups, including the Young Adults Ministry Choir, Voices of Praise and Sons of Bethel.
Friday, they were joined by fellow ministries from around the Marysville community. The LDS Church’s Choir raised their voices in praise and treated guests and fellow worshipers to violin solos from its members. Nevada City’s community radio station, KVMR presented “Stand Up Together” by Stan Thomas Rose, remembering 40 years of concerts honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Sister Brokenbrough spoke about her time working with the choir and watching generations of church members grow up in its ranks, returning with their own children. She compared it to “grandmotherhood” and that families, despite being in a military area, have made the Bethel AME a strong congregation.
Sunday, a special service was held at 3:30 p.m. with guest speaker Reverand Dr. Rodney D. Smith. They were joined by the First AME Church of Oakland’s family ministry to commemorate the 170th anniversary.

Sister Zenobia Brokenbrough shares the history of Bethel AME’s church and choir with those who gathered to celebrate with the congregation on Friday, June 12.