BETHEL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Established in 1892, the Bethel A.M.E. Church of Merritt Island was the first African Methodist Episcopal church on North Tropical Trail, located on land James R. Ragan originally acquired in 1895 through the Homestead Act. The little wooden church sat on brick piers close to the road, and was referred to as “The Little Church on Courtenay.” The pews were made of rough-hewn cypress, worn smooth from years of wear and lined with fans advertising an insurance company. In front of a small altar was the Communion rail, a 4 ft. section of 2x4 wood. Rev. Lawrence Walton was one of the first pastors and Rev. L.R. Catlin, Jr. was the pastor when a cornerstone was added in 1959. The congregation numbered 49. The church was in existence for 76 years before burning down in the spring of 1968. The adjacent cemetery was originally known as the “White Lilly Cemetery.” Graves date back to the early 1900s, and many are unidentified. Among pioneer families buried here are the Gillins, McDonald, Williams and Anderson. Renamed the Bethel-Greater Mount Olive A.M.E. Church Community Cemetery, and still in use, it is managed by the Greater Mount Olive A.M.E. Church, 1240 N. Tropical Trail, Merritt Island.