Who We Are

Our Pastor earned his PhD from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland/United Kingdom, where he studied Comparative Criminal Justice/Criminology, Practical Theology, and Ethics. He has a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) and a postgraduate Master (S.T.M.) from Boston University in Philosophy, Social Ethics, and Religion/Theology. He has earned a teaching certificate as an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA) of the United Kingdom. Dr. Walters is a McDonald Distinguished Fellow at Emory University’s Center for the Study of Law and Religion and an Associate Fellow at the Scottish Center for Crime and Justice Research in Glasgow/Scotland. He teaches Applied Ethics, Introduction to Philosophy, and World Religions at Bunker Hill Community College in Boston. Dr. Walters is the author of four books and several articles, including Locked Up and Locked Down: Multitude Lingers in Limbo Revised Edition (2017); Nuggets from the Night: An Anthology of Poetic Expressions (2020); Prison Chaplains on the Beat in US and UK Prisons (2021); and God in the Name of Jesus Christ (2022). He is presently working on a two-volume book to be published by Wipf and Stock in 2024 entitled The Rush for Black Diamonds: Volume One and Volume Two. Dr. Walters is also a singer/songwriter and gospel recording artist with three albums on Spotify: “I Believe,” “Hold On You Will Survive,” and “Beyond the Blues.” One of his songs: “God’s Been Good to Me” was nominated Gospel Single of the Year in 2004. He has two sons, George, Jr. and William. Read more about him at: www.georgewalterssleyon.com  

  BETHEL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL. CHURCH

Established 1857

A Brief History

A small group of dedicated African American families began meeting at the home of William Roach. They purchased property on Shorey Street in Lynn, MA in 1857, and organized themselves as Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Lynn, Massachusetts. William Roach, William Beckett and John Irving each signed the deed with an X, establishing Bethel as the oldest African American church on the North Shore. Although the early founders had little formal education, they were full of spirit and fortitude, laying a firm foundation upon which others continue to build.

As the African American population in Lynn increased, Bethel continued to grow. A brick house of worship and later a parsonage replaced the original one story wooden frame structure. The spiritual life of the church expanded over the years as did the community activism of its ministers and members. Joining with other leaders, Bethel was a part of the successful civil rights movement in Lynn that opened doors of opportunity in areas of business, banking, education, medicine, law enforcement and fire fighting. 

As with any congregation, there were periods of growth as well as lean times. During the 1970’s the church fell into disrepair, and Christ United Methodist Church offered Bethel its facilities for worship. In 1980 vandals set fire to the Bethel building, and the structure had to be demolished. Rev. Edward L. Green became pastor in 1980 and guided the congregation through this challenging period. His faith never wavered that the church would rebuild. He preached of God’s faithfulness and would often say: “expect a miracle.” The miracle came in 1987 when God blessed Bethel with a new home.  Members of the Friends Meeting House decided to close their doors at 72 Silsbee Street, Lynn and offered the building to Bethel for free. Thus, Bethel moved into a new edifice at 72 Silsbee St., Lynn, Massachusetts. The dedication of this new home was held on November 20, 1987, and since then it is lovingly referred to as “the church with the sweet, sweet spirit”

Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church is a church with a sweet spirit of fellowship and all are welcome.

At Bethel AME Church, we believe in taking our faith beyond the walls of our church and into the world. We are passionate about helping others, spirituality, prayer, and the issues of the world.

Our achievements

Children’s Church for toddlers

Evangelism Ministry

Health and Wellness Commission

Inter-denominational Services 

Prayer Ministry

Prison Ministry

Rites of Passage program for teens

Science in the bible program for children

Social Action Commission

Women and children’s Liturgical Dance Ministry

Youth Book Bag Drive and Back to School Prayer Vigil