Bethel Center Dedication Ceremony

Bethel Center Dedication Ceremony Honors African Americans of Garrett County

Facing total ruin, The Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church has been restored as a heritage destination honoring the African American families who once called Garrett County home. Celebrate this momentous and historic occasion while learning about a missing and important part of local history. 

A distinguished list of guest speakers will share the amazing journey of The Bethel A.M.E. Church, which was originally dedicated in Oakland in 1900. It was relocated in 1935 to an Amish farm in Pleasant Valley, where it served as a wheelwright's shop until 2022. Its final move is to Mountain Lake Park's Historic District on the corner of Maryland Highway and G Street, where it has undergone an extensive restoration.

HALO's four-woman vocal quartet will perform spiritual music from 1:00 to 1:30 PM. The dedication ceremony will follow and include words from the principal people who organized the project, inspiring poetry, and storytelling about the people who once were part of the church's congregation. HALO will also close the event with a final song. 

A complimentary copy of a full-color program will be available while supplies last. Leave a personal hand-written message inside the church that speaks to the past, present, or future to commemorate your visit. 

The Maryland Historical Trust African American Heritage Preservation Program, Community Legacy, Preservation Maryland, and the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) generously funded the relocation and restoration project. Light refreshments will be served. 

The ceremony will be held under a large tent with seating for 200. Tours of the church will be from 1:00-1:30 and following the ceremony. The Mountain Lake Park Ticket Office Museum will also open following the ceremony.