Annie Craig's Trolley and a Sunday School on Freemansburg Avenue
Bethel Memorial Baptist Church meets on the corner of Virginia Street and Chestnut Lane in Palmer Township, set between the cities of Easton and Bethlehem in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley. The church's motto is "Our Neighbors Here and Around the World," and the congregation describes itself simply: "We are a community of people who have encountered a life-changing God. Our commitment is simple: to love God and to love others." Visitors driving past on a Sunday will find the sanctuary filled with the sound of a blended service that mixes hymns with contemporary praise songs, a nursery humming with toddlers, and a children's church meeting while the adults worship upstairs.
The congregation grew out of a small Sunday school started by one Philadelphia transplant's wife in 1924. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Craig moved from Philadelphia to Palmer Township, and one Sunday morning Mrs. Annie Craig and her two children were on their way to Sunday School when a little girl approached her and asked, "Will you take me to Sunday School, too?" Mrs. Craig answered, "Dear, we'll miss the trolley car now, but you get ready next Sunday and I'll take you." The next Sunday, Mrs. Craig took the girl with her on the trolley. Other children joined them, until between thirty and forty children rode the Palmer Township trolley to the Second Methodist Church of Easton. Mr. Harvey Mack became interested and, for a while, he and other members of the church came out and took the children in their cars. Eventually a trolley car was hired to wait for the children, and for three years that trolley carried a small Sunday school across the township line.
Mrs. Craig then began seeking a permanent place to worship in Palmer Township. After several churches denied her request to hold Sunday School in the afternoons, she asked the school board for the use of one room in the four-room Lincoln School on Freemansburg Avenue. The board requested a paper with 100 signatures, so going door to door with her daughter Ruth, Mrs. Craig obtained the board's reluctant permission after collecting over 200 signatures. April 28, 1927 marked the opening of Highland Park Sunday School in the Lincoln School building, with 124 enrolled and a Sunday attendance of 85 to 90 each week.
Five Senior Pastors on Chestnut Lane
From 1954 to 1964 services were held in the basement of the Lincoln School, while Sunday School classes took over the entire building. In 1960 the church parsonage on Blair Street was built on donated land, and in 1961 ground was broken at the present location of Chestnut Lane and Virginia Avenue. Services were held in the basement of the unfinished church the next year, and in 1970 a faith program was instituted to finish the upper main floor for a sanctuary at an estimated cost of $20,000. Promissory notes from friends and members raised the funds, and after months of hard work the congregation moved "upstairs" into the present sanctuary.
On April 15, 1974, the church changed from a non-denominational Protestant Church to an Independent Baptist Church and took the name Bethel Memorial Baptist Church. A radio ministry began on November 2, 1975 and continued until 2006. Five pastors have served the church. Rev. John Tomlinson, who came as Bethel's first full-time pastor in 1953, resigned in 1968 after fifteen years of service. Rev. Merle Young was unanimously elected as the second pastor and began his duties on October 6, 1968, then resigned in 1978 after almost ten years. Dr. Earl M. Hosler became the third pastor on November 1, 1978 and retired in 1985 after seven years. Rev. Daniel Bergstrom began as the fourth pastor in February 1986 and retired in 2006 after twenty years. That fall, Rev. Brent Robinson was called to be the fifth Senior Pastor. Todd Henley also served on staff as Youth Pastor from 1989 to 1994.
Pastor Brent Robinson's Calling to Easton
Pastor Brent Robinson was born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, in 1962. His family attended a small Protestant church, but it was through a neighborhood Bible Club at the age of five that he was challenged to personally trust in Christ as Savior. During his junior high years he wanted to be certain that Jesus was his Savior. His church did not emphasize the need for a personal response to Christ, but the Bible Club camp he attended was clear that each person must admit their sin, believe Christ died and rose again for their sin, and then pray to receive Christ as personal Savior. He sat alone in his living room that summer afternoon with his Bible and prayed, "Lord, help me to be sure right now through Your Word that I am going to heaven." He opened his Bible to Ephesians 2:8 and 9 and recognized that the gracious gift of salvation is received by faith, and his works had nothing to do with it. From that point on he would not doubt that he had received the gift.
When his parents separated a year later, Brent threw himself into the music opportunities available at his high school, and during his last years of high school he and some friends formed a gospel-singing group that had an extensive ministry in area churches. Sensing God's call to church ministry, he went off to Messiah College as a Christian Education and Music major, later transferring to Lancaster Bible College, where he met his wife Nancy. He became the Assistant Pastor of Calvary Bible Fellowship Church in Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania in the fall of 1985, married Nancy in 1986, and was licensed as a Bible Fellowship Minister in 1988. In 1990 the family moved to Baltimore, where daughters Kelli and Stacie were born. Pastor Brent served as Minister of Christian Education at the Halethorpe Community Church and was ordained and commissioned as minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in 1994. He joined the Bethel Memorial staff in 1996 as Christian Education Director and later became Pastor of Ministry and Development. He received the degree of Master of Arts in Religion from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary in 2000, and in 2006 was called to be the fifth Senior Pastor. The Robinsons count it a privilege to serve the Lord at Bethel "while we wait for the blessed hope - the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:13).
Worship That Blends Hymns and Contemporary Praise
The music ministry at Bethel blends the old with the new in a deliberate way. Pastor Brent's notes on the church's worship say, "During our congregational singing, we blend hymns and contemporary praise songs, always with the purpose of leaning Scripture and supporting Scriptural truths through our lyrics." For some songs the congregational singing is led by the praise team; for others it is led by an elder. Members also contribute solos or musical interludes. The goal, the church writes, is "to have a variety in our worship services" so that "everyone to be touched through the worship in different ways." Ephesians 5:19 sets the tone: "Speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music with your heart to the Lord."
Elder Scott Heim serves as worship song leader, and Marj Voight leads the Music and Worship ministry. The praise team includes singers and instrumentalists like Mark Campbell on trumpet, with men's chorus Victory Voices and mixed chorus ensembles contributing as well. Bruce Mannon, a member of the praise team since 2009, serves on the music ministry in choir, mixed chorus, or the praise team, while the men's chorus Victory Voices and mixed chorus ensembles round out the music. If a guest would like to join the praise team, the church invites them to contact the office.
Sunday Mornings at Nine and Ten
Visitors can join Bethel Memorial for two Sunday morning options. At 9:00 am, Adult Bible Study meets in Room 211. At 10:00 am, the worship service gathers in the sanctuary, with Children's Church running at the same time so that elementary-aged kids have their own lesson during the sermon. The nursery is provided during the 10:00 am service. There is no dress code mentioned, but Pastor Brent teaches from the pulpit that Sunday morning is for the whole family. A weekly adult Sunday School class using the Bible-in-Life series by David C Cook Publishing runs at 9:00 am, with separate early elementary and middle school classes for children. The senior adult class continues its long-running study in Ecclesiastes in Room 211 with Dave Stauffer and Jeff Barrows teaching.
In case of inclement weather, the church posts on Facebook and on WFMZ Channel 69. Sunday morning bulletins also include a Connection Card that visitors can fill out and place in the offering plate; the card is one of three ways to send prayer requests to the church.
Children, Nursery, and the Inferno Students
Bethel Memorial takes seriously its call to children and students. The nursery is staffed during the 10:00 am service, and Children's Church meets at the same time. AWANA, the international children's ministry program, is part of Bethel's outreach to kids, and a Vacation Bible School registration form is available each year. The Inferno Student Ministry (with its own Instagram feed) is the youth ministry for teens, and Sunday nights at 6:00 pm the VINE Youth Group meets for games, teaching, and fellowship until 8:00 pm. Sunday School Superintendent Joe DeMaio oversees the children's Sunday School program, with the Bible-in-Life series used across the early elementary and middle school classes. The senior adult Sunday School class continues its study in Ecclesiastes for the fall session, taught by Dave Stauffer and Jeff Barrows. The Vacation Bible School program is hosted in cooperation with Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) and runs annually.
Bible Studies Filling the Week
Bible study is at the heart of Bethel's week. On Wednesday nights at 7:00 pm the Prayer Meeting gathers both in person and on Zoom. On Sunday evenings, a Men's Evening Bible Study meets every other Sunday from 6:00 to 7:00 pm. The Tuesday Ladies' Bible Study meets every other Tuesday morning at 10:45 am, currently working through the book of Hebrews under Susan Stefens and Kathy Sullivan. A Men's Fellowship and Bible Study meets the first and third Wednesday of the month at 10:00 am in Room 212. Pastor Brent's recorded sermons are available online, with audio going back several years.
Thirty-Five Missionaries Around the World
Bethel Memorial supports thirty-five missionaries and mission organizations, channeling support through mission boards that span the globe. The list includes ABWE, Africa Inland Missions, AWANA, Baptist Mid-Missions, BCM International, Bible Open Air Missions, Bright Hope Pregnancy Center (formerly CARENET Pregnancy Centers), CAMA Services, Child Evangelism Fellowship, Chosen People Ministries, Christar, Cru, Disciplemakers, Far East Broadcasting, Fellowship International Missions, French Missionary Federation, Friends of Israel, Handi-Vangelism Ministries International, IN Network, JAARS, Navigators, NYC International Project, Off the Wall Ministries, Pioneers, Radio Bible Class, Ramabai Mukti Mission, TEAM, WJCS, Women at Risk, Word of Life, World Venture, and YWAM. Elder Scott Heim oversees the missions ministry, and Jerry Crivellaro's short-term mission trips have taken him to Ecuador, Brazil, and India.
DivorceCare and GriefShare Meet Here
Two nationally known care ministries run cycles at Bethel. DivorceCare is a 13-week program designed to help people find hope and healing after divorce or separation; topics cover the wide range of issues facing people in that season, and groups are designed so anyone can join at any point during the cycle. Most groups charge a small fee to cover books and snacks, and child care is often available. GriefShare runs on Tuesday afternoons from 1:30 to 3:30 pm; it is a 13-week support program for people who have lost a loved one, with the recognition that "everyone experiences grief differently" and "grief cannot be rushed." Both ministries welcome people of any faith background, and registration is handled through the DivorceCare and GriefShare programs.
JOY Club, Salt Shakers, Men, and Women
The JOY Club, which stands for "Just Older Youth," is led by Mfon Adedoyin. The group normally meets on the second Thursday of the month around noon for fellowship, food, and fun. There is no lower or upper age limit, just a desire to gather with other Christians during the day. Salt Shakers, led by Susan Harrison, is a monthly get-together for all members and friends of the church: a host makes the main dish, and other attendees bring salads, desserts, and side dishes.
The Men's Ministry is led by Pastor Brent Robinson. Its goal is "that the men of Bethel Memorial Baptist Church will consistently honor the Lord Jesus Christ in all areas of their lives." Through Bible study, fellowship, and accountability, the ministry seeks to develop "Biblically-grounded men of faith who feel equipped to lead their families in worship, explore the Word of God in study and reach out to others in their communities and workplaces with the Gospel." Activities include a Men's Breakfast at a local restaurant at 8:30 am and a Bible Study at the church at 10:00 am, meeting every other Wednesday. The Women's Ministry, led by Susan Stefens and Kathi Sullivan, is open to all women no matter their age, background, or life stage. Through Bible study, small groups, and fellowship events, the women grow in faith and demonstrate Christ's love and grace in their relationships.
Elders, Deacons, and Trustees Who Lead Bethel
Bethel Memorial is led by a board of elders, with deacons and deaconesses serving alongside, and trustees caring for the building and grounds. Dayo Adedoyin serves as Elder Chairman; he came to Bethel Memorial with his wife after settling in Western New Jersey, and BMBC has been their church home since. Scott Heim, who grew up in a small farm community in central Pennsylvania, also serves as an elder. Nick Cornelius, born in Easton, joined the praise team and seeks to build his family life with Jesus Christ at the center. Mark Campbell, born in Easton in 1959, has been part of the church since around the age of fourteen, has taught Sunday School, served on the Board of Trustees, and currently plays trumpet on the praise team. Dave Sullivan and his wife Kathie spent ten years in Thailand with New Tribes Mission before joining Bethel. Jerry Crivellaro is the elder assigned to outreach, with prior service as a trustee and treasurer. Pastor Brent also serves as an elder.
Sam Bodder, Bruce Mannon, Helen Tielmann, Hollie Mannon, Janice Fritts, Susan Harrison, Cheryl Heller, and Freida Smith serve as deacons and deaconesses. The board of trustees includes Jeff Barrows, Rod Harrison, Edward Lear, Tom Malcolm, Ken Sun, and Julie Butler, who became the first woman to serve on Bethel's Trustee Board. The building is accessible: an outside ramp and an elevator are available for those who need them, and the church is ADA accessible.
What Bethel Believes
The doctrinal basis on which Bethel Memorial Baptist Church was founded is laid out in its Statement of Faith. The church believes that the Bible, composed of the Old and New Testaments, is inspired by God and is the supreme and final authority in faith and life. It believes in the supernatural as the vital element in the revelation and operation of the Christian faith, in one God eternally existing in three Persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and that Jesus Christ was begotten of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, that He is true God and true man, and the only Mediator between God and man. The church believes in the literal, physical death of Jesus Christ, "the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world," in the resurrection of His body, in His ascension into heaven, in His personal visible and premillennial return to earth, and that salvation is received only through personal faith in His shed blood. The church believes in the personality of the Holy Spirit and His ministry to reveal Christ in the regeneration and sanctification of souls, that man was created in the image of God and sinned, and that only those who through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ are truly righteous in His esteem. The church believes that baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and that the Lord's Supper is a commemoration of His death until He comes, observed regularly by those born again and walking in fellowship with Him. A New Testament church, the Statement of Faith concludes, is a body of believers associated for worship, service, and the spread of the Gospel.
Visiting Bethel Memorial Baptist Church
The church sits on the corner of Virginia Street and Chestnut Lane in Palmer Township, with driving instructions available for those approaching from I-78, from Phillipsburg via US-22, from Allentown, from Philadelphia, and from the Poconos. The church office is open Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, and can be reached at 610-253-2565 or info@bmbceaston.com. Sunday morning begins at 9:00 am with Adult Bible Study in Room 211, followed by the worship service at 10:00 am with children's ministry running at the same time. Wednesday night prayer meeting is at 7:00 pm in person or on Zoom. Visitors are welcome to fill out a Connection Card in the pew on Sunday or use the contact form. The sanctuary, nursery, and Children's Church rooms are all accessible, with an outside ramp and an elevator available. The church's sermon archive is on YouTube. Electronic giving is available through the church's giving partner. Each participant fills out a card in the pew on a Sunday morning, the prayer team receives it, and within 24 hours a note has been sent out across the email prayer chain asking the Bethel Memorial family to lift up the request. The "New Here" section includes a form for those who would like someone from the church to reach out, as well as the Roman Road scriptures and a sample prayer for anyone wanting to trust Christ as Savior.