Bethel AME Church, Parkersburg (1887-2005)
Introduction
Text-to-speech Audio
Images
Bethel A.M.E Church in 1999.
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Backstory and Context
Text-to-speech Audio
Built in 1887, this two-story, stucco, Gothic Revival style building served the local African-American Methodist community.
One of three Black churches in Parkersburg and the oldest in central West Virginia, this building served the congregation for a number of decades. So far it is unknown when it was abandoned and the reason for abandonment. The Bethel AME congregation now meets at a newer building on Laird Ave. The original church building was added to the NRHP in 1982 and demolished a number of years afterwards.
***Very little is preserved about the church and more information is sorely needed. Along with information, any photos of the church are needed as well.
Cite This Entry
Admin, Clio and Ke'yleauna Amar. "Bethel AME Church, Parkersburg (1887-2005)." Clio: Your Guide to History. April 25, 2020. Accessed July 29, 2025. https://theclio.com/entry/15567
Sources
Enoch, Bob . Historical newspaper excerpts from the Wood County Historical Society , December 1st 2018. Accessed April 8th 2020. https://www.newsandsentinel.com/opinion/local-columns/2018/12/look-back-area-churches-make-the-news/.
Enoch, Bob . Historical newspaper excerpts from the Wood County Historical Society , December 1st 2018. Accessed April 8th 2020. https://www.newsandsentinel.com/opinion/local-columns/2018/12/look-back-area-churches-make-the-news/.