LEADERS OF THE PAST

We reflect on the past with respect and appreciation for the legacy left by our forefathers. 

- In 1931, Elder Ben J. Goode becomes the pastor of the Church shortly after the move to First Avenue. It was during this period that the church moved into the old Union Baptist Church building for just a short while, after which Bethel moved to Fourth Avenue and remained there for several years. After moving to a building on Central Avenue, Elder Goode ceased to be the Pastor. Several men stepped up to be Pastor at various points in this period, including Elder Moses Bradley, Elder Chester Williams, and Elder Roscoe Stevens.

- In 1923, Sister Daisy Patterson would hold prayer meetings out of her home. After 7 years the meetings were moved into a building near the highway, on First Avenue.

- Elder Clifton J. Fulton (1936-1941)
	Elder Clifton J. Fulton becomes Pastor of the Church that had just finished being built at 3500 First Avenue, Urbancrest, in 1936. It was during this period the Church was named Bethel Apostolic Church of Christ. Elder Fulton served as Pastor of Bethel until 1941, when he was called to be the Assistant Pastor to Bishop Karl F. Smith at the Church of Christ of Apostolic Faith, Columbus, Ohio.

- Elder Richard E. Aden (1941-1975)

Elder Richard E. Aden becomes the Pastor in October 1941 after Elder Fulton's departure, and it was during this period that Bethel Apostolic Church of Christ, the Church which now stands at 2809 Maple Street, Urbancrest, Ohio was purchased. Other surrounding land was purchased during this period as well to serve the Church's purpose. Elder Aden remained the Pastor of Bethel until his death on June 25, 1975.

- Elder Robert L. Mitchell (1975-2001)

Elder Robert L. Mitchell becomes the Pastor following Elder Aden's passing. He was elected as his successor in July 1975, and installed as Pastor in January 1976. It was during this period that, under his leadership, the front edition to the church was built and additional land was purchased. Due to health complications, Elder Mitchell retired as full-time pastor on December 2, 2000. He served as Pastor Emeritus until his passing on July 12, 2003.