Our First Annual Pioneer’s Day Celebration was held on March 8, 2015. During the celebration, we honored 15 families and individuals that have been with Bethel since its early years and have made a significant contribution to the history of the the Bethel Way Of The Cross Church.
The 2015 Honorees are:
Founding Pioneers Legacy
Brother Wallace and Sister Nellie Gibson Brother Wallace and Sister Virgnia Johnson Brother and Sister Alonzo Mackell Brother Charles Harvey Brother John Moore Brother John Tayor Brother James Dorsey
Heritage Pioneers
Deacon Wardell and Mother Alice Plater Bishop Robert Watts Deacon Walter Spriggs Mother Helen Duppins Deacon Edward Simmons Deacon Percy Spriggs, Jr Deacon John Lane
Pastoral Pioneers
Bishop John Jacob Astor Green Bishop Allen H. Easton Bishop Darnell L. Easton
Living Legacy Pioneers Sister Clarice Jones Sister Shirley Mullins
Mother Wila Mae Plater
Back in 1953 a group of worshippers gathered to glorify the name of our God together. From that gathering, Bethel Way Of The Cross Church was born. Though it started small, many would gather under its name, and form the mighty church that stands today. God has blessed Bethel, and the church has not only forged a spiritual bond with Calvert County, but it remains a special place in the hearts of all who have spent even a little time inside its doors. The beloved church has garnered members from all of its surrounding counties, including the District of Columbia. As Mother Arnetta Green would often remark during the early years, as she and Bishop Jacob Green made the drive with their children from DC, this “little church in the country” has become a huge place of worship, restoration, fellowship, family and love throughout its 62 years. As we take giant leaps into the future, we honor our roots, the building blocks of our existence, our foundation, from which the pillars of history rise, and will continue to do so for the remainder of our church. Great men and women have come and gone, some home to glory, others to fields where the Lord have planted them in the same like manner, for the glory of the Kingdom of God. It is with this in mind the intention of our great church to always remember and honor the memory of our Pioneers, and their contributions forever. It is also our intention, as the pages of time turn, and the rapture of the church has not taken place, to continue to write, and add to the legacy of Bethel. Just as it began unfolding in 1953, we will forever remark, recite, record, and remember the new pages of our history, as it continually unfolds, adding to glory of the Bethel Way Of The Cross Church.
Founding Founding Pioneers Pioneers Legacy Legacy insert charter Brother Wallace Wallace and and Sister Sister Nellie Nellie Gibson Gibson Brother In the beginning, before Bethel would become a church, there were a group of believers who were baptized in Jesus name and wanted to know the Lord more. 9 people and their families gathered together to worship. Sister Nellie Gibson made contact with Elder Alexander Harris, from the Way Of The Cross Church,
Washington, DC, and he began coming to their gatherings and sharing the word of God with them. It was the desire of Brother and Sister Gibson that he become their Pastor, but due to health reasons he declined. They then discussed the issue with the Bishop Henry Chauncey Brooks, Pastor of The Way Of The Cross Church, Washington, DC. He decided that they needed a regular Pastor, which led to the appointment of Bethel’s first Pastor, Elder John Jacob Green. The Lord laid it on the hearts’ of the Gibsons and they donated the land which would house Bethel’s first official church building. We are grateful to the Gibsons for all they shared and done to start our journey towards who we are today.
Founding Pioneers Legacy Brother and Sister Wesley Jacks & Family Brother and Sister John Taylor Sister Ruth Graham and Family Brother Wallace and Sister Virginia Johnson & Family Brother and Sister Alonzo Mackall Brother Charles Harvey Brother John Moore Brother James Dorsey
These Founding Pioneers created the legacy that is Bethel. From meeting in a community hall, to planning and erecting the first church home, to organizing and working new ministries to facilitate the mission, to working with a new Pastor, and establishing roots in the community that would last 62 years and counting, they worked together diilgently and provided the framework of the ministry today.
Heritage Pioneers Legacy Deacon Wardell & Deacon Wardell & Mother Alice Plater Mother Alice Plater
Heritage Pioneers Bishop Robert Watts
Heritage Pioneers Deacon Walter Spriggs Deacon Walter Leon Spriggs was a loving and devoted husband to Missionary Carolyn Spriggs, a wonderful father to Michael, Carla , Tina and Anissa (Buffy), a successful entrepreneur of Walter’s Builders, Inc and Spriggs Construction Company, Inc., baptized in Jesus’name and filled with the Holy Ghost, transitioned from New Jerusalem Church in Shadyside, MD to Bethel Way of the Cross Church.
Bishop Robert Watts made many visits to Bethel before giving his life to Christ in 1957. On May 11, 1957, he was baptized and received the gift of the Holy Ghost in October of the same year. In October of 1963, he was stricken with Tuberculosis. He was later diagnosed with a moderately advanced stage of Tuberculosis and the doctors told him they had to remove the top portion of his lung. As this treatment was pressed upon him daily he used Psalms 127:1 as his final answer, “Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it; except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waket but in vain”. The doctor told him if he refused the operation he would be in the hospital for 3 years, at a minimum. While regaining his strength, he taught Bible Class at the hospital. He was released, after staying only 1 year, in November of 1964. His doctor instructed him to put very little pressure on his lungs. But having obtained help from God, he began preaching in December of 1964, and still does today. Bishop Watts, in his early years, served Bethel as President of the Youth For Christ, Sunday School teacher, co-founder of the Busy Bees, and organized and helped organize many groups to help beautify Bethel within and without. Bishop Watts is also Pastor of the Mt. Gethsemane Holy Church, in Huntingtown, MD. He is one of the first ministers that God gave Bishop Jacob Green and assisted him faithfully. A true pioneer and friend of Bethel Way Of The Cross Church.
Deacon Walter was a member of the Male Chorus and President of the Trustee Board, working hand in hand with Bishop Jacob Green and Bishop Allen Easton. Deacon Walter with his financial ability and budgeting expertise implemented a plan which mapped out a two-year mortgage payoff which resulted in over a $125,000 savings and the elimination of an additional ten-year mortgage. His most famous clichie’ was, “Saints, you can disagree without being disagreeable.”
Heritage Pioneers Brother Joseph and Mother VIola Easton After an invitation to Allen from Brother William and Sister Cora Bishop to hear the word of God preached at Bethel, the lives of the Easton family were wonderfully changed forever. Bishop Allen Easton led his entire family to Christ, and they became members of Bethel in 1954. Brother Joseph and Mother Viola Easton, and their large family, Allen, Joseph, Nathaniel, James, Darnell, Helen, LaVerne, Shirley, and Viola, would add to the families already enjoined to Bethel, and write a long legacy of 61 years and counting. From this family would come 2 Pastors, 2 Assistant Pastors, deacons, missionaries, musicians, songsters, Youth for Christ Presidents and Vice Presidents, teachers, leaders and other workers. Mother Viola served as musician Starlights, which consisted of her player, learned while watching her a stroke in December of 1989 which with limited use of her hands. But this God given gift of music! She continat Bethel until her death. Brother Jothat continues to live on through her would have imagined the plan that tion to the history and the spiritual that they heard the word and humbled has been blessed for it.
for many choirs, and the Bethel children. She was a self taught piano brother and sister play. She suffered left her paralyzed on her left side, didn’t stop her from excercising her ued to play the piano for the choirs seph and Mother Viola leave a legacy children and grandchildren. Who God had for this family’s contribufootprint of Bethel! We thank God themselves and obeyed. Now Bethel
Heritage Pioneers Missionary Helen Virginia Duppins It just so happened, in December of 1952, Sister Nellie Gibson witnessed to Helen Duppins about the Lord Jesus Christ, and living sanctified and holy. Sister Gibson was a woman who believed in God and His Holy Word; so she had to share it with Sister Duppins because she was witnessing for God. Sister Duppins began to believe and receive the wonderful words of Jesus Christ and how wonderful it would be to live for the Lord Jesus Christ. Brother Duppins was out working when Sister Gibson witnessed to Sister. Duppins. Sister Duppins had to share the good news with him when he returned home. A week later, Sister Gibson invited them to church – Oh how wonderful the preached Word of God made her feel. Truly the Lord touched her heart and soul – she told her husband “we need salvation.” They were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ according to Acts 2:38 in February of 1953. It was such great joy in serving the Lord for them. Her spiritual walk made her heart and soul to love Jesus. Serving as Missionary, Directress of the Angelic Voices Choir, Sunday school student and a Missionary, she was indeed working out her soul salvation. Her favorite scripture – “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” – Psalms 1: 1:2 She became a Holy Woman of God, lifting up a Godly Standard.
Heritage Pioneers Deacon Edward Simmons
Heritage Pioneers Deacon Percy Spriggs, Jr
Heritage Pioneers Deacon John Edward Lane, Sr
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. “ Psalms 37:23 Deacon John Edward Lane, Sr., was a dedicated long-standing member of Bethel Way of the Cross Church for 42 years, under the leadership and guidance of Bishop Jacob A. Green, Founder. Deacon Lane was involved in several ministries such as; a faithful Deacon, a prayer warrior, assist with the flow of church parking lot traffic, senior choir member, grave digger, van and/or bus driver for the Vacation Bible School, church van driver, an active senior member of the Youth
Ministries (supporting their services, bike riding as a group, attending amusement parks, and roller skating events), provided landscaping assistance, accompanying Bishop Green to speaking engagements, and a devotional leader. He would open up Testimony Service singing one of his favorite songs “Shine On Me”. That was his heart’s desire. Eventually, Deacon John Lane, Sr. was appointed as the Senior Top Deacon. He wore that title with dignity and honor. Deacon John Edward Lane, Sr., was called to glory on Monday, May 26, 2008.
PASTORAL LEGACY
Pastoral Legacy
Bishop John Jacob Astor & Mother Arnetta Green (1953 - 1998)
Many words can be shared to introduce and summarize the life of Bishop Jacob A. Green, however, the befitting words are “obedience” and “faithful servant”. Bishop Green’s lifestyle always silhouettes a spiritual direction. For it was at his birth on July 24, 1914, that his mother dedicated him to God, prior to her death. As a young child growing up in Franklinton County, North Carolina, his life continued to be plagued by unusual circumstances. However, they proved to be valuable lessons and experiences that would later play an important part in the role and purpose God had established for his life. Encouraged by Sister Lovie Brown, sister of the Late Bishop H. C. Brooks, Bishop and Mother Green traveled North to Washington, DC, where he made his acquaintance with Bishop Brooks, in 1936. In 1937, he acknowledged his call to the ministry and preached his initial sermon on October 23, 1938. In 1944 he was ordained Elder. Through the acquaintance of Elder Alexander Harris and Sister Nellie Gibson, Elder Green was one of 3 ministers Bishop Brooks sent to share the word of God with the mission in Calvert County. When the members later gathered to decide on a Pastor, they chose Elder Green, thus setting into motion 45 years of excellent, anointed, and devoted service by the Greens. He was consecrated to the Bishopric in 1970 by The Way Of The Cross Church of Christ, and would later serve as Middle Atlantic Diocesan, First Vice Presiding Bishop, and Senior Bishop. Mother Arnetta, by his side every step of the way, became endearing to the membership of Bethel, and serve alongside her husband in building the ministry and the church, serving on the Floral Club, the Helping Hand Club, a member of the Senior Choir, Usher Board and Missionary Board. Mother Green was also a sharp dresser, who loved wearing her “church hats”. The memory and legacy of Bishop and Mother Green lives on through their 4 children, the late Mattie, Jacob, Jr, Bishop James Thomas and Robert Lee, and their children. Bishop Green’s grandchildren continue the legacy of Bishop Green at Bethel as they continue to be a vital part of the ministry. We thank God for sending us Bishop and Mother Green. They moved from labor to reward, Mother Green on October 2, 2002, and Bishop Green on December 23, 2006, leaving an everlasting legacy behind that will always be cherished and honored.
Pastoral Legacy
Bishop Allen Henry and Mother Emma Easton (1998 - 2002)
Born July 26m, 1936, the eldest of 9 children, to Joseph and Viola Easton, Bishop Allen Easton became a trailblazing pioneer at Bethel. He enjoyed playing in his school’s band, and was an avid fan of boxing. He served 5 years in the Unites States Air Force, and was employed by the U. S. Census Bureau. While home on leave he met the love of his life, Emma Morsell, and they were later married on July 6, 1968. They had one son, a step son to Bishop Allen, Michael, and with his Sadie, they gave Bishop and Mother Easton 3 grandchildren, Rayshawn, Michelle, and Timothy. They also became great grandparents of 3 children. In 1954, Bishop Easton accepted an invitation by the late Brother and Sister William Bishop to attend a worship service at Bethel. After hearing the word of God, he was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and later received the Holy Ghost the same year. Being fully persuaded in the gospel, and sharing his new love....Jesus Christ...Bishop Easton led his enitre family, his father, his mother, and all of his siblings to the Lord. Bishop Easton would continue to grow in the Lord, as he was mentored by the late Bishop Henry C. Brooks, and the late Bishop Harry C. Eggleston. He would later accept God’s call to the ministry, and received his credentials from The Way Of The Cross Church Of Christ. He would also continue his spiritual development by taking courses from the Church of Christ Bible Institute of New York and the Northwestern Training School in Caldwell, ID. Being the servant he was, Bishop Easton became involved in many ministries at Bethel. He served as President of the Youth for Christ, Sunday School Superintendent, President and Director of the Youth Choir, President of the Deacon Board, Secretary of the Board of Trustees, and many more auxiliaries. He was the founder of Bethel’s Children Church, and implemented Bethel’s weekly television broadcast, “The HarvestTime Broadcast”. He also would make use of his talents in The Way Of The Cross Church and serve as Co Chair of the General Convocation Committee, Sergeant-at-Arms and Third Vice President of the National Youth for Christ, and Superintendent of the National Sunday School Department. In honor of his leadership and servitude, Bishop Jacob Green, then Pastor, would appoint him over all of the auxiliaries at Bethel. In 1995, Bishop Green would consecrate Bishop Easton to the dubious honor of Co-Pastor, mentoring and caring for the flock alongside him. Then in 1998, as Bishop Green would retire, he consecrated him as Bethel’s 2nd Pastor in 45 years. Mother Emma would labor along with Bishop Easton, as she too would help shape the ministry and with a warm, endearing, and loving spirit, endear herself into the hearts of the membership, a trait which she still fulfills until this day. We thank God for Bishop and Mother Easton’s contributions to Bethel. Bishop Allen, who departed from labor to reward on October 12, 2002, touched the hearts of every one who was blessed to know him.
Pastoral Legacy Bishop Darnell Larry and First Lady Margo Easton Bishop Darnell was trained by his parents in the way a child should go. At the early age of 10, he was a baptized believer, and was filled with the precious gift of the Holy Ghost at 13. He loved church and carried zeal and devotion toward ministries in the church. As years past, God continued to order the steps of Bishop Darnell, preparing him for a greater charge. Bishop Darnell met First Lady Margo in 1971, and the two wed on September 14, 1973. They have 3 children, Shawn, Monica, and Cherise, 1 son-in-law, 1 daughter-in-law, and 4 grandchildren. It was in April 1975, when Bishop Darnell Easton was called into the ministry. He answered the call and later preached his trial sermon in June 1977. He was ordained a minister by the late Bishop Jacob A. Green. One of Bishop Green’s favorite scriptures concerning Bishop Darnell’s life was – 2 Timothy 3:15 – “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” Having served loyally, faithfully, and with integrity in his calling, in August 1996, God saw fit to elevate him to the ministry of an Elder. Shortly thereafter, in July 2000, he was consecrated to the office of First Assistant Pastor, blessed to serve under his brother, the late Bishop Allen H. Easton, until the Lord called Bishop Allen home. Bishop Darnell has served and assisted in enhancing and developing many ministry curriculums. He has taught the New Members Class, served as the Youth Department’s Advisor and Coordinator of the Prison Ministry. He has been called upon to instruct and present many seminars. In addition to his responsibilities and duties of a Pastor, he has had a strong involvement and leadership role in the Intercessory Prayer Ministry, Care Ministry and Trustee Board. His commitment to the Pastoral Care of the Chaplin at the Calvert Memorial Hospital was one of his many services to the community. In January 2003, Bishop Darnell was installed as the 3rd Pastor of the Bethel Way of the Cross Church of Christ. He had to undertake the charge of God, to activate the vision of Reaping the Harvest, Church Building Expansion, Community Relations and Out-Reach. As he leads Bethel forward into the future, Bishop Easton continues to create a legacy that has Bethel poised to achieve the vision that God has given him for such a time as this, and to continue to be a church that is poised to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to all. First Lady Margo Easton, serving as the leader of our Women’s Ministry and as head of our Missionary Board, has become know as a “warrior” in the spirit, in both prayer and spiritual warfare, She constantly encourages the church to “know” the God they are talking about, and shares her testimonies of the victories God has give her in her life, and as she prays and ministers to others. Bishop Darnell has assumed the roll as Bethel’s modern day “Joshua” taking the mantle from Bishop Green and Bishop Allen, and leading the saints into possessing what God had blessed Bethel in its 50 plus years, now 62. We thank God for Bishop Darnell and First Lady Margo, as they lead Bethel in the 21st Century and beyond.
Living Pioneers
Living Pioneers Sister Shirley Mullins Faithful Member since 1953
Living Pioneers Sister Clarice Jones Faithful Member since 1953
Living Pioneers Mother Willa Mae Plater Faithful Member since 1959
“Despise Not the Day of Small Beginnings”
A hunger to know God in a more complete way drove a few believers to start a prayer group. This small group would meet at the old ‘Hall on the Hill’ for prayer and bible study. These meetings were the genesis of Bethel Way of the Cross Church of Christ. Brother & Sister Wallace Gibson, Sister Virginia Johnson, Brother & Sister Wesley Jacks, Brother & Sister John Taylor, Sister Ruth Graham, and Brother John Moore and their families were introduced to the baptism in Jesus’ name, yet they earnestly sought the LORD for leadership. God answered their prayers. Sister Nellie Gibson met with the late Elder Alexander Harris, the Assistant Pastor of the Way of the Cross Church in Washington, DC. The Gibson’s desired he pastor them, but his ailing health hindered him. Hence, he petitioned Bishop Henry Chauncey Brooks, pastor and founder of the Way of the Cross Church of Christ for this group. In 1936, Elder Green and his young wife Arnetta were endeavoring to settle in New Jersey, but were convinced by Sister Foster to visit Washington, DC. There Sister Foster further introduced them to her brother Bishop Henry C. Brooks. Three elders were sent to serve in Huntingtown, and of the three, “the long headed” was chosen … Elder Jacob Green. The subsequent seventeen years Elder Green served until he was inaugurated as the pastor of Bethel Way of the Cross Church of Christ. Elder Jacob Green’s trial sermon entitled, “Surely the LORD is in this Place,” won them over unanimously. By 1953, Elder Green was no novice with the scriptures, and was as serious as he was skilled. God had given him strong lungs that he might “Cry loud and Spare not.” A native to Franklinton, North Carolina, Elder Green often recalled the story of his dying mother’s prophesy over his life saying, “That is the LORD’s baby and Henry’s baby.” Services were held at the ‘The ‘Hall on the Hill’ from February 1953 to September 1953. ‘The Hall on the Hill’ was a small fellowship building parallel to Patuxent United Methodist (which is now route 4). Shortly thereafter, a block basement building was built, on land donated by Brother & Sister Wallace Gibson. Brothers Wallace Gibson, John Moore, Thomas Davis, and John Long laid the foundation. In the fall of 1957 the cornerstone was laid to the finished product and the services were moved to the upper floor sanctuary. This building would have been where the lower level parking is today. During these years of construction, God used various members to share the love of the Lord Jesus Christ. Sister Julia Freeland who was said to be radical. Brother & Sister William Bishop who witnessed to a young Allen Easton. In February of 1954, Allen Easton accepted the Lord by water baptism. He carried a zeal home that would win his entire family to Christ. This young man would grow in grace and later precede Bishop Jacob Green as pastor. It was only a matter of time that this small congregation would out grow the building they were in and thus built the current edifice in 1979. Ten years later, marked another huge milestone. A plan was proposed by Deacon Walter Spriggs to burn a 30yr mortgage in 10 years. Bethel held their first mortgage burning ceremonial service on September 9, 1989. Needless to say, this assembly has been monumental to the saving of souls since its inception. Countless souls have gone down in Jesus’ name, filled with the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and have and are impacting the entire community near and far. Composed and Compiled by Bro. Shawn Harrod