First United Church of Jesus Christ (Apostolic) would be renamed and registered as Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ (Apostolic), and would be led by 2 young men who acted as co-pastors, Evangelist E.H. Walters who emigrated from England in the spring 1976, and Evangelist R. Barnett. During this time, Sister Brown was elevated to the office of Missionary, and later an Evangelist and would work with Evangelists Walters and Barnett. This was also a year where families flowed into the church and Evangelist Barnett and Family, Evangelist Walters and Family, The Wright’s Family and the Daniel’s Family joined in the work that was now becoming a labour of love.

Under the leadership of Evangelist Walters and Evangelist Barnett, Bethel grew exponentially and had fast become a household name in the city of Edmonton and indeed, across the country.  At the same time, Bethel adapted a more formal structure and established the Youth, Men, Women, and Sunday School Departments, and a youth choir.  Bethel was on its way!

Bethel was ready to stand on its own, and after many trips from England to Edmonton, Bishop Dunn was ready to install a permanent pastor; and a humble young minister in Wolverhampton, England, Minister O.G. Simpson (now Bishop Simpson) was ordained as pastor. 

Bishop Simpson emigrated to Canada (1977) and while working a full-time job and pastoring, he dedicated himself to building on what he came and saw.  With the economic upturn in Alberta, a few families from Eastern Canada re-located to Edmonton, to becomes members of Bethel; there were also significant migration from England, and Jamaica. We welcomed 3 new young people in the first half of 1977 - Sis Hyacinth Barrett, Sis. Kerine Cameron and Sis. Ena Sterling.  These young ladies came to Bethel and immediately became active with this emerging ministry.  Sis. Hyacinth brought with her the gift of playing the tambourine; and mesmerized many with this gift.    

In 1977 Gospel Centre built and moved to its new location, and Bethel purchased the building – a bold, significant, and strategic move for a young church.

In these earlier years, Bethel would establish a warm and lasting relationship with the black Apostolic churches in the west, and eventually it would host the first Western District Congress in August of 1981.

Cementing its position as a church in the community, many community events were held at Bethel, most notably, Edmonton's first Black History event in 1978-1979.  This was spearheaded by now, Sister Dolli Booth, the first Honorary Consul to Western Canada, appointed by the Jamaican High Commissioner, and Sister Shirley Robertson. Sister Shirley did extensive research, selected the music and wrote the script, while Sister Dolli was responsible for advertising and securing politicians, professional athletes and business influencers in the city.  The event was a huge success that saw politicians and members of the Edmonton Eskimos take an active role.   

Bethel was not through growing, and it had become apparent, the little building was not large enough, especially when we hosted larger services.  1996 was the year that the hard work would pay off.  September 1996 the newly expanded building was re-dedicated in the Western District Convocation.  Bethel also held their mortgage burning ceremony during this historic meeting. What an accomplishment for a church that was barely over 20 years old. 

Since the first renovation of the church, Bethel has had to look for a larger space to accommodate the growth of its congregation.  That is still a work in progress.

Here we grow again!

A new generation of members have graced Bethel, and we are so blessed to still have many of those who were a part of the early years.  

So much has changed since the early days.  Bethel Edmonton has birthed a number of churches in the west: Surrey, British Columbia (1991); Regina, Saskatchewan (1999); Stony Plain, Alberta (2016) and Yukon Territory (2019)!!!

Many of the soldiers who started with us have transitioned to their permanent home, and we thank God for their legacy and contribution to Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ (Apostolic).  We also honour and thank Bishop O.G. Simpson & Family, for the labour of love they have given to Bethel since 1977; and although she is no longer with us, we also appreciate the late Evangelist Pearline Simpson for her role as the First Lady from 1977-2005. 

Bethel today owes a great deal to so many who tirelessly worked putting hearts, minds, souls, and money into ensuring the success of the church.  We recognize the following founders and pioneers for their contribution to this ministry prior to the installment of Pastor Simpson in 1977:

• Bishop S.A. and Mother C. Dunn (deceased)
• Bishop and Mother Thompson & Family (Toronto)
• Mother and Brother Brown (deceased) & Family 
• Mother and Father Barnett (deceased)
• Sister C. Shaw (deceased)
• Sis. Dolli Booth
• Bishop C. and the late Pastor C. Francis & Family
• The late Father Lewis and Mother Lewis
• Elder E.H. and Evangelist C. Walters & Family
• Pastor R. and the late Dr. N. Barnett & Family
• The late Bro & the late Sis Wright and Family
• Sis. Sonia Thomas Wedderburn
• Sis. Ivena Barzey (deceased)
• Sis. Yvonne McEachern
• Sis. Sally McLaren (deceased)
• Sis. Serie Sterling
• Sis. Everest Wiggam
• The late Deacon W. Daniel & Family
• Evangelist Hyacinth Barrett
• Sis. Kerine Cameron
• Sis. Ena Sterling
• Sis. Sonia Davy Barham