Founded October 1, 1947
This is a condensed summary of our church history.

The Mt. Bethel Missionary Baptist Church was founded in 1947 by three men, Rev. Emanuel Taylor, Bro. Otis Williams, and Rev. Edwards Simms. They met and organized this church; they sang the hymn ,”Near the Cross”, prayer was offered by Rev. Taylor.

The first morning service was held on Sunday, October 12, 1947. Officers were elected as follows: Rev. Emanuel Taylor (Preaching Pastor), Rev. Edward Simms (Teaching Pastor), Deacon Otis Williams (Chairman, Board of Deacons). Others in attendance were Mrs. Bertha Simms, Mrs. Adele Smith, Mrs. Outing, Rose Mary Taylor, Walter Tetchel, Deacon Robert Daniels, and Arthur Henderson. Rev. Taylor preached the sermon.

At the second business meeting the following officers were elected: Deacon Otis Williams, Treasurer; Sis. Winifred Simms, Church Clerk and Organist; and Sis Alice Smith, President of the Missionary Society.

The church was dedicated on November 2, 1947, and the first Sunday School was organized on December 7, 1947, with Bro. Edward White as Superintendent.

The first revival was held February 23-27, 1948, and the first baptism followed the meeting. There were three candidates.

Mt. Bethel remained at 110 Dixwell Avenue until realizing they were unable to pay the rent or to buy the property. A committee was sent out to find a place where a tent could be set up. In the spring of 1948, the church was relocated to the basement of Rev. McDuffy’s house on Foote Street. Later the church was able to have one service a week at Community Baptist Church located at 292 Dixwell Avenue.

When Rev. Taylor became ill and had to step down as Pastor, the Deacons along with Bro. Lee Bowens continue to carry out church services. Rev. Edward Simms was appointed temporary Pastor after Rev. Taylor left. Rev. J.D. Mathews was called but was unable to stay long having to commute from New York. 

In September 1952, the Rev. E.R. Davis of Savannah, GA. was asked to come up and run a 10-day meeting. Without having a leader at the time, Mt. Bethel called Rev. Davis and he accepted the call on October 12, 1952. At the time, there were 13 members and some left, leaving only 5 members. Rev. Davis did not get discouraged, so with 5 members and $86.15 in the building fund, they set out on a mission. Within 2 years the Building Fund had increased to $618.98 and the membership had grown to 32 members. Rev. Davis never gave up hope; he kept the faith and knew the Lord would provide a way for His church to grow.

The church received it charter from Hartford, CT in 1958 as an organized Missionary Baptist Church, and God, who never fails, blessed the church to buy a house and store front at 43-45 Charles Street, New Haven.

In the early 1960’s, the Lord placed on the heart of the late Rev. L. Taylor of St. Matthew UFWB Church to donate space to Mt. Bethel, that they originally occupied. In May 1961, the church marched from Charles Street to 100 Webster St, the Holy place – our present site. The Chief of Police and Mayoral aide led us in the processional.

Rev. Davis worked diligently and constantly as a faithful servant in the vineyard and the membership of Mt. Bethel continued to grow. He remained Pastor until he was called home to rest on December 5, 1989.

The late Rev. Leroy Mabry officiated along with the Board of Deacons until the calling of Rev. Kenneth Boatwright. After Rev. Boatwright left, we were blessed to receive Rev. Delean McRae as our pastor from June 1996 until he resigned in July 2005 and moved to Dillon, SC.

Over the years we were able to establish scholarships for graduating seniors, establish our annual church picnic, buy new pianos for the church, establish an anniversary high tea, elect females to the Board of Trustees, purchase real estate, establish a walk-a-thon, ordain female Deacons, take active roles in the Connecticut State Missionary Baptist Convention, purchase a sound system, start a shoe box ministry, provide a Diaper Bank for the community, and much more, all done in the name of Jesus.

In October 2006 God blessed us with Rev. Jackie H. Williams Jr, along with his lovely wife Karon Williams and their family. Rev. Williams was installed in April 2007. Rev. Williams teaches Wednesday night Bible study and is a strong supporter of the Sunday School.  He was the Moderator and Treasurer of the Levite Association of the Connecticut State Missionary Baptist Convention Leadership Training School, where several of the members graduated with a full cap and gown ceremony as certified teachers. The course was also attended by Rev. Williams. He is a frequent visitor of the sick and shut-in and administers communion along with the Deacons. Rev. Williams was a great encourager and supporter of the members and their families. Sis. Williams taught the Sunday School beginners class, she sung in both the choir and on the Praise and Worshp team.  We were blessed to have Rev. Jackie H. Williams Jr. and his family with us until September 5, 2021, at which time they moved to San Antonio, TX.

On September 12, 2021, Rev. David Penn Sr, came to Mt. Bethel Missionary Baptist Church as the Interim Pastor, he was highly recommended to the Joint Board by Rev. Williams. Rev. Penn stepped in and without missing a beat, continued to teach and preach the word of God.  The membership continued with Noon day prayer on Mondays and Fridays, Wednesday Prayer meeting  which was followed by Bible Study.