Bay Area
Bethel AME Celebrates Its 170th Church Anniversary
Founded in 1852, when San Francisco was a main post for the gold rush and before the Civil War, Bethel AME is the oldest African American church in the city and it continues to serve the city’s African American community with great distinction, despite the changing demographics caused by gentrification.
By Lee Hubbard
It has been a long time coming for Pastor Robert Shaw, the pastor of Bethel AME church in San Francisco. In his fourth year at the San Francisco church, Shaw was just getting his feet wet, when it was shut down for close to two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath.
But on a recent Sunday, Shaw was all smiles, as Bethel AME, in its second week of opening, celebrated the 170th anniversary of its founding in San Francisco.
“The church reopening has been a process, but we are glad it’s open,” said Pastor Shaw. “We did all of the safety protocols, and we will continue to make sure everyone is safe.”
Founded in 1852, when San Francisco was a main post for the gold rush and before the Civil War, Bethel AME is the oldest African American church in the city and it continues to serve the city’s African American community with great distinction, despite the changing demographics caused by gentrification.
The keynote speaker for the 170th anniversary service was a friend of Pastor Shaw, the Rev. Marcus Dudley, head pastor at Kingdom Movement Community Church in Coffeeville, Miss. Both Pastor Shaw and Pastor Dudley attended seminary school together and formed a bond.
In his first visit to San Francisco, Pastor Dudley said he was impressed with the members of Bethel. But he stressed there is more to do at the church in the community and in San Francisco.
“After 170 years at this church, God is not finished with this church,” said Dudley. “‘God has more to do with this church and the membership has to make it happen.”
“I think that being able to stay open 170 years is a statement to the faithfulness of the ministry that this church has provided to the community,” continued Dudley.
While the church had been shut down due to COVID-19, the church has a growing Facebook page and a YouTube channel, which has helped to keep the church relevant and has helped to spread the Word.
Now that many of the COVID-19 protocols have been lifted, the church is opening its doors again to San Francisco’s Black community.
“We are back, and it’s only just begun,” said Pastor Shaw. “It’s amazing that this church is thriving in this current climate,” added Dudley.
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of August 12 – 18, 2026
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of August 12 – 18, 2026
To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of August 5 – 11, 2026
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of August 5 – 11, 2026
To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of July 29 – August 4, 2026
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of July 29 – August 4, 2026
To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.
WORK FROM HOME
Home-based business with potential monthly income of $10K+ per month. A proven training system and website provided to maximize business effectiveness. Perfect job to earn side and primary income. Contact Lynne for more details: Lynne4npusa@gmail.com 800-334-0540
Oakland Protesters Rally to Defend Haitian Immigrants and TPS
First 5 Alameda County Celebrates First Year of Measure C’s Implementation
From Palestine to Oakland: Seeds for Liberation Examines Shared Struggles for Freedom
NABJ Convention Brings Black Journalists, Civic Leaders Together in Atlanta
At Sacramento Summit, Becerra Discusses Policy; Uses “Family” Metaphor to Frame Case for National Political Unity
$5 Billion Coliseum Vision Puts Oakland Jobs, Businesses at Center
Gov. Newsom Nominates 3 Black Women Judges to Serve on State Courts of Appeal
Oakland Observes Black August with Block Parties, Film Showings, Workshops
NPRC Elder Justice Symposium Invites Community to Join Effort to Protect Alameda County Elders
Four Candidates, Including Incumbent Barbara Lee, Qualify for Oakland Mayor’s Race
Oakland Observes Black August with Block Parties, Film Showings, Workshops
Oakland Post: Week of August 12 – 18, 2026
COMMENTARY: Why Local School Tax Measure G1 Will Not Be on the November Ballot
California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce Unveils: ‘Powering the Future’ Theme for 47th Annual Statewide Convention
Returning to Its Roots, the Oakland Black-Eyed Pea Festival Partners with the Freedom Farmers Market Sept. 12
Department of Homeland Security Demands California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber Scrub Voter Rolls
New Judge Could Decide if Karmelo Anthony Gets a New Trial
Oakland Children’s Hospital Workers and Patients Rally for Pediatric Medical Care
“The Power to See Threats Sooner”: Gov. Newsom, Safety Officials Showcase California’s Investments in Hi-Tech Wildfire Prevention
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Celebrates New North Atlantic Regional Director
Surveillance Pricing Fight: State Senate Debates Bill Banning Retailers from Using AI to Set Prices Based on a Buyer’s Profile
Mount Zion MBC, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Partner to Bring 29,000 Meals to Alameda County
California Sen. Padilla Joins Colleagues to Introduce Bill Imposing Term Limits on Supreme Court Justices
Less Affluent School Districts, Including Sacramento City, Face Threat of State Takeover
Starting This Summer, California Car Buyers Can Get an Instant $3500 Off the Cost of Electric Vehicles
Car Wash Workers Cope with Lingering Impacts of ICE Raids
COMMENTARY: You Are Already Paying for the AI Boom
California Bill Would Let Abuse Victims Use Trauma as Legal Defense for Violent Crime
Fed Court to Decide Landmark First Amendment Case
Gov. Gavin Newsom Signs Law Streamlining Affordable Housing Rules
The Conversation With Al McFarlane 6/23/26
Media Monday 6/22/26
LIVE! ASK ALMA! — TUES. 6.23.26 7PM EST
Car Buying Secrets: 4 Hidden Checks Before You Sign!
Is This 550 HP Charger Worth YOUR Money? AutoNetwork Review
Celebrating Juneteenth – Frederick Douglass on education and resistance
LIVE! — ASK ALMA! — TUES. 6.19.26 7PM EST
Hyundai Ioniq 5 Parking, Safety, and 360 View #shorts
2025 Ioniq 5 New Wiper & Powerful Performance! #shorts
Electric SUV Range: Is 259 Miles Enough? #shorts
EV Charging: How Fast Can You Charge an Electric Vehicle? #shorts
Biometric Cooling… Messaging Seats…Come on! 2025 Infiniti QX80 Autograph 4WD
Charged Up: Witness the Magic of a Fully Electric Car! #shorts
Range Rover Sport PHEV Included…: See What’s Inside This Luxury SUV! #shorts
Invisible Hood View: Perfect Parking with X-Ray Vision! #shorts
-
Featured2 weeks agoDepartment of Homeland Security Demands California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber Scrub Voter Rolls
-
#NNPA BlackPress3 weeks agoNew Judge Could Decide if Karmelo Anthony Gets a New Trial
-
Business4 weeks agoOakland Children’s Hospital Workers and Patients Rally for Pediatric Medical Care
-
Environment2 weeks ago“The Power to See Threats Sooner”: Gov. Newsom, Safety Officials Showcase California’s Investments in Hi-Tech Wildfire Prevention
-
Black History2 weeks agoAlpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Celebrates New North Atlantic Regional Director
-
Business4 weeks agoSurveillance Pricing Fight: State Senate Debates Bill Banning Retailers from Using AI to Set Prices Based on a Buyer’s Profile
-
Business4 weeks agoMount Zion MBC, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Partner to Bring 29,000 Meals to Alameda County
-
Featured2 weeks agoCalifornia Sen. Padilla Joins Colleagues to Introduce Bill Imposing Term Limits on Supreme Court Justices
