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Marking Our History At Bethel AME
June 19, 2009
I love the rich and diverse history of Columbia and know that we must ensure that future generations appreciate the people, places, and events that shape our distinctive city. I was indeed deeply honored with an invitation to speak at the Historic Marker dedication today for Bethel AME Church and join church and civic leaders in the celebration of this remarkable religious institution. The Bethel AME Congregation was first organized in 1866. In 1921 John A. Lankford, one of our nation's first African-American architects, designed the beautiful structure at 1528 Sumter Street. The Congregation moved to a new location in District 3 on Woodrow Street in the Old Shandon neighborhood a few years back and is led by the Reverend Ronnie Brailsford.
The Sumter Street structure, listed on the national Register of Historic Places and a National Register Tour Site, will be transformed into a new Cultural Arts Center under the auspices of the Renaissance Foundation. Restoring Historic Bethel will be an important component of the revitalization of downtown Columbia.