Bethel A.M.E. Church and School

Front: Bethel A.M.E. Church was established in 1865 and held its early services under a brush arbor. Bethel was the first A.M.E. Church in Lewisville (now St. Matthews). Trustees Robin Amaker, Jack Dantzler, and Frank Keitt purchased land from Jacob G. Keitt to build the first permanent sanctuary and school house in 1867. The church was dedicated in June 1867 with Rev. Abraham J.C. Hamilton serving as the first pastor. Reverse: The Freedmen’s Bureau contributed $250 to aid in the construction of a school for use by African American students. Known originally as the African Methodist Episcopal Church School, it was later renamed Bethel School. Mary Spiessegger was the first teacher, followed soon after by Charlotte S. Riley in Oct. 1867. The school served African American students from 1867 until the early 20th century.