About Bethel
On a small residential street, nestled in the community south of Charlottesville West Main Street thoroughfare, sits a little church with a big heart. . . and an even bigger mission. According to the official records, Bethel COGIC conducted its very first worship service on Friday, July 26, 1968, on Hardy Drive at the home of the late Mrs. Evelyn Morton. The first congregation was made up of three or four families, mostly small children and a few adults. Many of those children have grown to become ministers and missionaries throughout the city, and as far away as Africa.
The late Elder Philip A. Darcus, founder of the church, drove back and forth from Staunton with his family for two years before the current building was purchased on July 8, 1970. Countless numbers of people throughout the city and surrounding counties knew Pastor Darcus as a kind and loving person. There is a large number of people that have worshipped at Bethel COGIC over the years. The vision of Pastor Darcus is yet being fulfilled through the ministry of current pastor Elder William Ward, Jr. who is a son of the ministry from the later seventies.
Pastor Ward attended the church prior to leaving the area over 20 years ago. He was residing with his family in Hampton, when a vacancy in the church’s leadership set the stage for his return to Charlottesville. Due to his past association with the church, the bishop appointed him to fill the position.
Since his return, Pastor Ward has been in a state of transition. His wife during this transition was Missionary Florine Ward. At the time of the pastoral appointment, she maintained their family home in Hampton so that the education of their children would not be interrupted. In Hampton, she worked as a high school special education teacher, commuting to and from the coast during the school year. They have three children, Nykia, Eld. William, III, and Dea. Ramon, all of whom they are extremely proud. After 25 years of marriage, Missionary Florine Ward succumbed to cancer in August 2006. Pastor Ward remarried in October, 2007 to Missionary Naomi Green Ward. She has a son, Elder Nathaniel Green.
A plaque hanging prominently in the small but pristine sanctuary holds a gospel verse which is the basis for the church’s mission. It reads: “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness . . . Matthew 6:33”
Bethel Church of God in Christ ministers to the whole person – physical, mental, and spiritual. Pastor Ward believes to be an effective witness, you need to minister to the whole person. Ministering to the physical person is best exemplified by the church’s involvement with health and their efforts to bring HIV/AIDS awareness, education, and screening to the African-American community. Bethel's Outreach Ministry touches the residents of various rehabilitation facilities and the inner city youth through our Community Vacation Bible School and State AIM Conference.
Working with the Charlottesville Thomas Jefferson Food Bank, the Bethel COGIC makes food available for those in need of sustenance. The Charlottesville community has been very kind to Bethel Church of God in Christ. A lot of area businesses have made vitally needed donations. The Charlottesville Fire Department has worked with the church by providing a Fire and Safety Program for Kids in the church parking lot. University of Virginia administrators Dan Wilmer and Donald Blake have assisted the church in getting equipment and materials, even computers have been donated.
With regards to taking on the challenges of ministering to the mental aspect, the Bethel Pastor’s goal is to show his parishioners and Charlottesville citizens that no matter what one’s circumstances, one does not have to have a “negative self-defeating mentality.” He believes in promoting discipline and the desire to strive for excellence in all individuals, especially the young people.
The late Elder Philip A. Darcus, founder of the church, drove back and forth from Staunton with his family for two years before the current building was purchased on July 8, 1970. Countless numbers of people throughout the city and surrounding counties knew Pastor Darcus as a kind and loving person. There is a large number of people that have worshipped at Bethel COGIC over the years. The vision of Pastor Darcus is yet being fulfilled through the ministry of current pastor Elder William Ward, Jr. who is a son of the ministry from the later seventies.
Pastor Ward attended the church prior to leaving the area over 20 years ago. He was residing with his family in Hampton, when a vacancy in the church’s leadership set the stage for his return to Charlottesville. Due to his past association with the church, the bishop appointed him to fill the position.
Since his return, Pastor Ward has been in a state of transition. His wife during this transition was Missionary Florine Ward. At the time of the pastoral appointment, she maintained their family home in Hampton so that the education of their children would not be interrupted. In Hampton, she worked as a high school special education teacher, commuting to and from the coast during the school year. They have three children, Nykia, Eld. William, III, and Dea. Ramon, all of whom they are extremely proud. After 25 years of marriage, Missionary Florine Ward succumbed to cancer in August 2006. Pastor Ward remarried in October, 2007 to Missionary Naomi Green Ward. She has a son, Elder Nathaniel Green.
A plaque hanging prominently in the small but pristine sanctuary holds a gospel verse which is the basis for the church’s mission. It reads: “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness . . . Matthew 6:33”
Bethel Church of God in Christ ministers to the whole person – physical, mental, and spiritual. Pastor Ward believes to be an effective witness, you need to minister to the whole person. Ministering to the physical person is best exemplified by the church’s involvement with health and their efforts to bring HIV/AIDS awareness, education, and screening to the African-American community. Bethel's Outreach Ministry touches the residents of various rehabilitation facilities and the inner city youth through our Community Vacation Bible School and State AIM Conference.
Working with the Charlottesville Thomas Jefferson Food Bank, the Bethel COGIC makes food available for those in need of sustenance. The Charlottesville community has been very kind to Bethel Church of God in Christ. A lot of area businesses have made vitally needed donations. The Charlottesville Fire Department has worked with the church by providing a Fire and Safety Program for Kids in the church parking lot. University of Virginia administrators Dan Wilmer and Donald Blake have assisted the church in getting equipment and materials, even computers have been donated.
With regards to taking on the challenges of ministering to the mental aspect, the Bethel Pastor’s goal is to show his parishioners and Charlottesville citizens that no matter what one’s circumstances, one does not have to have a “negative self-defeating mentality.” He believes in promoting discipline and the desire to strive for excellence in all individuals, especially the young people.