OUR HISTORY

105 Years

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In the year 1919, soon after the Reverend Benjamin Johnson came to New York City, he gathered a few followers who, like himself, had a desire to continue the Christian fellowship they had known. It was because of this need and desire that Beulah Baptist Church had its humble beginning. The services were held in the living room of one of the followers, Katie Bryan, who lived in a railroad flat on Fifth Avenue, Harlem, New York. Her husband, Alex, was the first candidate for baptism.

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The church had three locations before purchasing a building on 140th Street, New York. Despite the depression of the 1930’s the members worked hard and succeeded in burning the mortgage in 1945.

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Just about this time, Reverend Johnson’s health began to fail. After a few months of confinement, he was called home to rest.

 

Reverend Gadsen became our pastor after the death of Reverend Johnson.

 

Thirteen months later, we began seeking a new location and found our present home at 125-127 West 130th Street, Harlem, New York.

 

Pastors:

1953 - 1960:                 Reverend Hillsman

1961 - 1965:                 Reverend A.F. Campbell

1967 - 1967:                 Reverend Willie J. Smith

 

Interim Leadership

1967 - 1968:                 Reverend A. K. Smith

1974 - 6/1980:              Reverend Clarence Rayford

1980 -12/1980:             Reverend Francis Lagree

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1981- 2019:                  Reverend Timothy U. Ryals

2024 - Present:             Reverend Dr. Wendy J. Kelly-Carter

 

In July 1981, our prayer was answered. God sent us Timothy U. Ryals, Pastor and Teacher. Our Pastor Timothy U. Ryals began his ministry at Beulah Baptist Church with messages of love: love of and for God and His word, love of and for our Risen LORD AND Savior Jesus Christ, love for his flock here at Beulah, and love for his fellow man. A teacher of Grace, he admonished his flock to “Grow in the Grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

 

On February 29, 2020, our beloved Pastor Timothy U. Ryals resigned as Shepherd of Beulah Baptist Church due to illness.  On May 3, 2024, Pastor Emeritus Rev. Timothy U. Ryals, transitioned from his earthly home to his heavenly reward.

 

With fervent prayers and patience, Beulah awaited the God-given assignment of our next Shepherd for his flock.

 

Once again, God answered our prayers on January 21, 2024.  Our amazing God and Father, through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, sent His representative with Promise, Pastor-Elect, Rev. Dr. Wendy J. Kelly-Carter.

 

Rev. Dr. Kelly-Carter professes her belief in the power of prayer and her love of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and God’s people. She is a servant of the Lord, a community-minded pastor who believes in hard work, and is dedicated to God. In the words of Rev. Dr. Kelly-Carter, “New Beginnings and Possibilities.”

 

On Sunday, May 19, 2024, almost 200 persons witnessed the installation of our new pastor, Rev. Dr. Wendy J. Kelly-Carter.

 

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah! To God, Be the Glory!

 

Rev. Dr. Wendy J. Kelly-Carter

Pastor, Beulah Baptist Church

January 21, 2024 - Present