Our Pastor History

Under DIVINE GUIDANCE Bethany has become a beacon light in the city of Columbus, the state of Ohio, and around the world with an outreach of 200 churches in Kenya, East Africa (Bush) carrying her name (1981 and beyond). The Rev. Josiah Oyoo Otweyo, a member of Bethany, directs the work there.

More history can be obtained under the caption of the labor of former pastors who have inspired the church to great heights.

Founder/Organizer,and First Pastor, Rev. R. C. Minor, Lynchburg, Virginia January 1891-1905. There were 8 Charter Members among the first enrollment. Baptismal services were held in a stream on East Fifth Avenue. The Dorcas Missionary Society was organized in 1900 with the Pastor's wife as the first president. The Sunlight Sewing Circle was organized in 1903.

Rev. William Z. Thomas of Indiana (Builder of 2nd Church), 1906-1910. Under his pastorate the project of a new church building was carried to completion. A brick structure was built at the corner of East 4th Ave., & North 6th Street in 1906 replacing the frame building at the rear of the same location.

Rev. William J. Jones of Michigan, 1910-1914. Several clubs were organized to aid the church and community. He served until 1914 when he accepted a call to pastor in the state of New Jersey.

Rev. John Wesley Carter of Xenia, Ohio, 1914-1922. Under his administration the work of the Missionary Society was extended by the addition of the Teenage Guild and Sunshine Band. A daily Vacation Bible School was organized, and the church mortgage was burned. Rev. Carter resigned in 1922

Rev. George Washington of Xenia, Ohio, 1922-1937. He was an educator and a great leader, a lover of young people. He served as State Director of Ohio State Sunday School and B.T.U. Congress until his death.

Rev. L. R. Walker of Georgia, 1937-1946. The Golden Heart Club was organized during his pastorate. He resigned in 1946 to take up pastorate in Huntington, West Virginia at the Calvary Baptist Church.

Rev. A. L. Mason of North Carolina, 1948-1960. A Young Adult Choir and Willing Workers Club was organized. He served until May of 1960. The church was split and Rev. Mason organized Grace Baptist Church on East Fifth Avenue, now located at 1182 N. 6th Street.

Rev. Dr. A. Wilson Sr. 1960 - 2011
Pastor Wood was the Pastor of the Bethany Baptist Church for 51 years. He served as President of the Baptist Pastors' Conference of Columbus and Vicinity for 11 years; Corresponding Secretary of the Ohio Baptist Sunday School Convention, Executive Secretary of the Ohio Baptist General Convention for 22 years. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 31, 2011.