“…And upon this Rock, I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
Mathews 16:18
In February 1953, the approval of the Alameda Housing Authority and the Alameda Council of Churches was given for a Baptist church to be organized in Alameda, California. This was the first Baptist church to exist in Alameda, California. The name “Bethel Missionary Baptist Church” which was submitted by the late Pastor, Reverend Herbert Guice (Pastor Guice) and accepted by the entire membership.
Pastor Guice, the first Pastor of Bethel, taught the newly formed congregation that “A BIG FAITH IN A BIG GOD GETS BIG THINGS DONE!”
Nothing is impossible with God
Pastor Guice and the congregants desired and prayed for God to bless them with their own building where they would have a permanent place of worship. In November 1958, the church membership purchased a 40,000 square foot lot on 69th and Rudsdale Street in Oakland, California. The ground breaking service was held on August 30, 1959 and construction was underway. The building was complete and on August 7, 1960 the members of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church entered their newly built edifice and held their first worship service at 6901 Rudsdale Street, Oakland, California. In 2008 the street was renamed “Herbert Guice Way.”
Where God Guides, God Will Provide
Over the many years of laboring together God has guided and provided Bethel with continued spiritual growth and influence in the community, city, and county.
Well Done Thy Good and Faithful Servant
Bethel has been blessed to have had one pastor, Pastor Herbert Guice for over 57 years, until the Lord called him home to Glory. On February 13, 2008, after 57 years and 8 months of faithful service the Lord called Pastor Guice from labor to reward.
“And the Lord said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee.” Joshua 3:7
On June 5, 2009, the Lord blessed Bethel to elect Reverend Frank Darby, Jr. as Pastor. He was an assistant to Pastor Guice as Joshua was to Moses. Pastor Darby teaches the congregation to keep our focus on Jesus who is the “author and finisher” of our faith, to stay spiritual in our thinking and living; get off the bench and do our part in building God’s Kingdom through personal evangelism.
“I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” John 9:4
We continue to do the work of God in building His Kingdom, as souls are being saved, lives are being changed, spiritual growth is being experienced, God is being glorified and His Holy and Righteous name is being praised.
“To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee forever.” Psalms 30:12
We thank and praise God the Father for the fellowship with Him through God the Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and God the Holy Spirit who indwells us and is constantly keeping us in His care.