| Bethel United Methodist Church Upper Marlboro, Maryland |
Our History
The purpose of Bethel United Methodist Church is to adore God, nurture one another, equip members for
ministry, witness to the person and work of Jesus Christ, and to serve all humankind.
Our Core Ministry Values
The people of Bethel United Methodist Church value...
1) ...Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Head of our church.
2) ...The Bible as the Word of God and the foundation of our lives.
3) ...The practice and power of prayer.
4) ...The acceptance and inclusion of all people.
5) ...Being the hands and feet of Christ in the world.
6) ...A willingness to accept innovation and creativity.
History Of Bethel United Methodist Church
Late in 1960, Dr. Oris Robinson, Superintendent of the Washington East District, requested the assistance
of the Rev. Robert Wierer, pastor of Mt. Oak Church at Mitchellville, to find a location for a church near
Upper Marlboro. Rapid growth in the area, along with the fact that it was the only county seat in Maryland
where there was not a church associated with the Baltimore Conference, led to such a search. A suitable site
was located at the corner of Swanson Road and Rt. 301 and the land was purchased from Mrs. Jessie
Swanson.
The first gathering of the congregation was on July 30, 1961 at Frederick Sasscer High School in Upper
Marlboro. Services were held at the high school and the church was chartered on January 6, 1963. The
congregation had a service of ground breaking for a new building on August 8, 1963 and entered the new
building for the first service on August 29, 1965. A service of consecration was held on May 1, 1966 led by
Bishop John Wesley Lord. The church celebrated its silver anniversary on October 10-11, 1987.
Bethel's Pastors:
Robert B. Wierer 1961-1962 Ralph E. McCulloh 1962-1964
Roy E. Moore 1964-1980 Henry C. Thompson III 1980-1989
James M. Hunt 1989-1996 Galen R. Menne 1996-1999
George A. Aist 1999-2004 Chris Owens 2004-2007
Jennifer Fenner 2007-Present
The Old Photo Gallery!
ministry, witness to the person and work of Jesus Christ, and to serve all humankind.
Our Core Ministry Values
The people of Bethel United Methodist Church value...
1) ...Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Head of our church.
2) ...The Bible as the Word of God and the foundation of our lives.
3) ...The practice and power of prayer.
4) ...The acceptance and inclusion of all people.
5) ...Being the hands and feet of Christ in the world.
6) ...A willingness to accept innovation and creativity.
History Of Bethel United Methodist Church
Late in 1960, Dr. Oris Robinson, Superintendent of the Washington East District, requested the assistance
of the Rev. Robert Wierer, pastor of Mt. Oak Church at Mitchellville, to find a location for a church near
Upper Marlboro. Rapid growth in the area, along with the fact that it was the only county seat in Maryland
where there was not a church associated with the Baltimore Conference, led to such a search. A suitable site
was located at the corner of Swanson Road and Rt. 301 and the land was purchased from Mrs. Jessie
Swanson.
The first gathering of the congregation was on July 30, 1961 at Frederick Sasscer High School in Upper
Marlboro. Services were held at the high school and the church was chartered on January 6, 1963. The
congregation had a service of ground breaking for a new building on August 8, 1963 and entered the new
building for the first service on August 29, 1965. A service of consecration was held on May 1, 1966 led by
Bishop John Wesley Lord. The church celebrated its silver anniversary on October 10-11, 1987.
Bethel's Pastors:
Robert B. Wierer 1961-1962 Ralph E. McCulloh 1962-1964
Roy E. Moore 1964-1980 Henry C. Thompson III 1980-1989
James M. Hunt 1989-1996 Galen R. Menne 1996-1999
George A. Aist 1999-2004 Chris Owens 2004-2007
Jennifer Fenner 2007-Present
The Old Photo Gallery!
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