ABOUT US

Mount Bethel Baptist Church was established in 1905 in a store on Chestnut Street under the

leadership of Reverend A.J. Hubbard, our first pastor. With support from Calvary Baptist Church

in Paterson, NJ (our mother church), Mount Bethel began its journey of faith and service.

Over the years, Mount Bethel has been shaped by strong, visionary leaders. After Reverend

Hubbard’s 20 years of service, the church was led by a series of dedicated pastors, each

contributing to its growth and spiritual richness. These included:

1925: Rev. Ward D. Yerby 1929: Rev. Charles Shelton

1938: Rev. George Reed 1945: Rev. Henry Grant Jones

1955: Rev. J. Beebe Jowers 1959: Rev. Jesse Truvillion

1965: Rev. Hosea Howell 1971: Rev. Stanley B. Long

In 1976, we called upon Rev. Dr. Thomas Johnson to serve as our 10th pastor. He was installed

on May 29, 1977, and his 40-year tenure significantly transformed Mount Bethel. Under his

guidance, the church flourished, launching ministries like Bible Studies, Vacation Bible School,

Intercessory Prayer Services, and Revival Services. Rev. Dr. Johnson also established the

Youth Department, Church Choirs, and the Men’s Fellowship, while expanding our reach

internationally with a seed church in Uitenhage, South Africa. Our church facilities also grew,

with the addition of a Fellowship Hall and extra classrooms.

In 2008, we moved into a newly expanded sanctuary to accommodate our growing

congregation. We also continued to honor our roots, with the church bell—once part of the

village firehouse—calling our members to worship, reminding us that

“Whosoever will may come.”

Following the passing of Rev. Dr. Thomas Johnson in January 2018, Reverend Gloria Nobles

began serving as Interim Pastor in October 2019. Her leadership has continued to guide Mount

Bethel through a period of transition and spiritual growth.

On August 10, 2025, the congregation voted to elect Reverend Alan Lawrence as our new

Pastor. This marks an exciting new chapter in the life of Mount Bethel, as we prepare to

welcome our 12th pastor and continue the legacy of faith, service, and growth that has defined

us for over a century.

Looking ahead, we remain committed to expanding our Bible Studies, Men's Fellowship,

Women's Fellowship, Community Outreach, and Youth Programs. We proudly carry forward the

legacy of those who came before us, confident that our history of faith, service, and growth will

continue to shape our future.

At Mount Bethel, we honor the dedication and contributions of all the pastors who have served

before us, grateful for their leadership and the spiritual foundation they laid. As we move

forward, we stand united in faith, ready to embrace the boundless possibilities ahead.