Rescue Bethel AME Church

The Bethel AME Church established 1868 in Chillicothe, Missouri was the first AME Church built after the Civil War North of the Missouri River; Circa 1868. It was the first of a "Circuit of Churches" - Located in Trenton, Brookfield, Utica, Cameron & Plattsburg.  Bethel, which closed in 2010, was the last remaining church in the circuit with a congregation. At 150 years old the church building, and more importantly, its history needs to be preserved.

The purpose of our request is to rescue the church since the land it's currently on has been purchased by another party for a parking lot.  The current owner has donated the church to the Grand River Historical Society and Museum to be moved to another location close to the Museum.   We plan to move, restore and repurpose the 150-year-old Bethel AME Church as part of the Grand River Historical Society Museum.  After repositioning on a new basement the church sanctuary will remain intact, acting as a historic site in its own right.  To also include exhibits on regional black history.  The new basement will be finished at a later date to be utilized for additional exhibit and much-needed classroom space.