about us
Beulah Baptist Church is a family of worshippers that is constantly evolving and growing stronger in Christ. The current church grew out of the New Hope Baptist Mission, organized in 1926 by Sis. Sara Higginbotham. The mission eventually became the Christian Beneficial United Protection Association,
with Rev. Asbury Ward as its pastor. The nineteen member society conducted its first services at 96 North Clinton Street. However, after months of searching they moved into a larger space at 88 Main Street on December 7, 1927.
Just before the New Year, the society reorganized as Beulah Baptist Mission with Rev. Ward as pastor and Brothers William Carter, Higginbotham and Wright as the first three deacons. The mission's first clerk was Mrs. Lizzie Ward, Mrs. William Wright was the first treasurer and Mrs. Higginbotham became the mother of the Mission. The Sedgwick family donated the mission's first pulpit set and the mission's children provided the first communion set.
The Beulah Baptist Mission continued to experience gradual growth. In 1928, with a membership of thirty-five, the mission moved to 94 Main Street.
On September 12, 1933, Rev. J.H. Wright convened a meeting to reorganize the mission into a Baptist church. The voting member's names are familiar in the life of the current church as the descendants of those early members continue to play a significant role at Beulah. The voting members at the 1933 meeting were Rev. E.W. Ellis, Rev. James Pittman, Brothers Burden, Cox, Dancy, Exum, Higginbotham, Lancaster, Lyons and Williams.
Presiding Officer Rev. F.H. Wiggins of the Central Baptist Church, Clinton Corners, NY, read the Church Covenant making the Mission a Baptist church. The mission was known from that point on as the Beulah Baptist Church and Rev. J.H. Wright was called as pastor. In addition Brothers Cox, James Higginbotham and Arthur Exum were appointed deacons. Sarah Higginbotham was elected recording secretary; Viola Lancaster, assistant recording secretary and Joe Burden, treasurer. The new church constructed its first regular meeting September 26, 1933.
Early in 1934, Brothers Samuel J. Stokes, Charles Mabry and Jackson were placed on a three-month trial period as deacons. By the following year, it was time to move again and on December 30, 1935, Beulah Baptist Church relocated to 91 Main Street. Eventually, in March 1936, Brothers Stokes, Mabry, Exum and Jackson were ordained as deacons.
In June 1936, the church again relocated to 106-112 North Clinton. It was a particularly active year for this young church because on October 17, 1936, Beulah Baptist Church was recognized by the Central Hudson Baptist Association, (CHBA), under the direction of Moderator Rev. F.H. Wiggins. Several CHBA ministers attended the event. Those in attendance included the Rev. Trussie Johnson, secretary, pastor, Second Baptist Church, Catskill, NY the Rev. Thomas J. Jenkins, Ebenezer Baptist Church, Poughkeepsie, NY, Rev. R.L. Michael, New Hope Baptist Church, Tarrytown, NY, the Rev. Johnson, Shiloh Baptist Church, Hudson, NY the Rev. J.B. Holmes, Kingston, NY; and Rev. L.M. Foster, MT Olive Baptist Church, Peekskill, NY. Rev. Mitchell preached the recognition sermon, "I am doing a great work and I cannot come down," taken from Neh. 6:3.
On April 29, 1938, Napoleon Pittman, John Cox and James Higginbotham were ordained deacons.
On November 17, 1940 Beulah Baptist Church was incorporated.
The following year, the church relocated to 92 Catherine Street and within the year purchased the property and began remodeling the existing structure into a church building. The Christian Beneficial United Protection Association, with Sarah Higginbotham as, president, loaned the church $100 towards the construction.
In August 1942, Rev. Wright died and Rev. Arthur Exum was named acting interim pastor until Rev. M.O. Bracy accepted the call to Beulah Baptist Church in July 1943. The church bought the adjoining property at 94 Catherine Street and converted the building into a church under Rev. Bracy's leadership. He served the Beulah family for almost nine years before leaving in April 1952.
The Rev. W.H. Hill, of Jamaica, NY, became Beulah's next pastor. He served briefly from October 19, 1952 to November 1, 1953.
The Rev. L.H. Foster, accepted the call to pastor Beulah Baptist Church in March 1954, and four months after his arrival the church started renovating for the construction of a new church building. Rev. Foster served the Beulah Family faithfully until his departure in November 1961.
Following the departure of Rev. Foster, Beulah reached out to Chicago, IL, for Rev. Starling A. Grayson. Rev. Grayson guided the church to many accomplishments from November 1961 until his death in June 1972.
On September 11, 1977, Rev. Jesse Voyd Bottoms, Jr. of Louisville, KY, was called to pastor Beulah Baptist Church and was later installed on November 6, 1977. In a short time it became quite evident that he had abundant pastoral gifts. The church's membership expanded gradually, the budget increased and the mortgage for the church building was burned in April 1986. In addition, the church's organizational structure also expanded and flourished.
During the first decade of Rev. Bottom's pastorate, Beulah experienced the following innovations. Courtesy Committee, Social Action Committee, Nurses Guild, Soup Kitchen, Men's Chorus, Sunbeam Choir, Mass Choir, Jones Boys, Couples' Club, Women's Fellowship, Men's Fellowship and the Christian Education Department.
In addition, the church operated a 42-passenger coach bus. As the Lord continued to bless Beulah financially, the church acquired all of the contiguous properties south of the church building. This included the G.I. Cleaners, which church members operated for some time.
In 1982, Charles Gray, Jr., Franklin Jackson, James Spencer and Malcolm Taylor were ordained as deacons.
In 1988, The Social Action Committee initiated the "Black Achievers Awards". This annual event of great social and civic significance whereby every-year the committee honors individuals of color who have made noteworthy contributions to their communities.
Also in 1988, as part of the church's 55th anniversary, Rev. Bottoms, with the assistance of Gayle Bradshaw and Jean Lyons, organized a fifty-five hour prayer meeting. Groups of members prayed in the building continually from 3:00 a.m., Friday, September 16 to 9:00 a.m. Sunday, September 18 1988. The general consensus among church members was that those fifty-five hours of prayer gave the church renewed spiritual direction from which it has not deviated.
The church was by now experiencing rapid growth. With membership in excess of 400, the need for a larger sanctuary was obvious. Not only was Beulah outgrowing the limited seating in the sanctuary, accommodations were sorely needed for offices, classrooms and meeting rooms to house the growing numbers of educational, social and spiritual programs that had been taking place.
On April 2, 1989, the church broke ground for the construction of a new "Meeting House." Plans for the building called for a 650-seat sanctuary, a lower fellowship hall, a modern commercial kitchen, classrooms, and offices at an estimated cost of $2.25 million.
On June 4, 1989, G. Modele Clarke preached his initial sermon. He joined the staff of associate ministers that then consisted of Rev. Adell Johnson and Rev. Louisville J. McIntyre. Later that year, on October 22, 1989, Deacon Willie C. Knight preached his initial sermon.
In that year of significant changes in the life of Beulah, 103 new members joined the church and the numbers of tithers increased. On Sunday, June 10, 1990, at 10:45 a.m., Mother Cora Exum, as the oldest member of the church, cut the ribbon to officially open the doors of the new sanctuary on the corner of Catherine and Mansion Streets. The congregation, led by Pastor Bottoms and Rev. Johnson, made a symbolic walk from the old building, around the block to North Hamilton Street, and down Mansion Street to the new building. Later the year, on September 14, 1990, the Christian Training Center (CTC) began its operation at Beulah with an enrollment of 65 students in two classes. CTC currently offers 10 classes that have attracted people from outside of the Beulah family. These classes were designed to develop and strengthen the student's spiritual and doctrinal foundation.
On May 12, 1990, the 100-Mile Club was introduced to the Beulah membership. Every spring, members register to complete 100 miles or more of some form of exercise activity such as walking, swimming, running or bike riding.
On January 6, 1991, the first recruit of the Soul Winning Action Team (SWAT) went on active duty at Beulah. These individuals plan the salvation classes that provide counseling to candidates prior to church membership.
On November 24, 1991, Deacons Lawrence Cropp, James Davis and Rossie Lyons were ordained.
In January 1992, the Caretakers Ministry was introduced. This ministry is a network of twelve care groups each led by a deacon. Every church member has been assigned to one of these groups that provide a number of outreach functions.
On April 12, 1993, Min. James Hassell, Beulah's Minister of Music, preached his initial sermon.
On June 19, 1993, under the direction of Bro. Alvin Thomas, Beulah introduced its Street Ministry. This evangelism ministry delivers the message of Salvation to the City streets of Poughkeepsie, particularly those areas where there is a heavy concentration of drug and alcohol abuse. Through witnessing and distribution of spiritual tracks, the ministry also includes a street service, which is conducted every Saturday, in a vacant lot at the corner of Main and Clinton streets. Preachers from Beulah and fellow churches deliver the message of salvation.
On August 29, 1993 Min. G. Modele Clarke and Min. Willie C. Knight were ordained as preachers of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
On October 10, 1993 Robert Clark, Charles Davis, Theodore Johnson and Seaton McKenzie were ordained as deacons.
In June 1994, Min. Veronica Eggleston joined the staff of associate ministers at Beulah.
In 1995 the church theme for the year was "Building on the Basics" (Eph 2:19-22).
On May 7, 1995, Min. Evelyn Clarke preached her initial sermon and was subsequently licensed on Aug. 20, 1995.
On May 12, 1995, Thornton Blanks, Fred Cockerham, Howard Goins, William Muse and Charles Williams were ordained as deacons.
In June 1995 "Project 2000" was conceived. The program was initiated to pay off our mortgage by the year 2000.
On June 25, 1995, Min. Theodore Johnson preached his initial sermon and was subsequently licensed on November 7, 1995.
In August 1995 Pastor Bottoms was elected and installed Moderator of Central Hudson Baptist Association.
On August 27, 1995, Rev. G. Modele Clarke was installed as pastor of the New Progressive Church, Kingston, NY.
December 1995, the Sr. Choir and the Gospel Chorus were combined to continue singing for the Glory of the Lord and renamed the Toni Lee Graham Choir, (T.L. Graham Choir).
In 1996 the church theme for the year was "A Church under Construction" (Matt 16:13-19).
During 1996 a number of ministries were added to the life Beulah. Those ministries included the Beulah Baptist Senior Pearls of Wisdom Ministry, Bereavement, Children's Church, Clothing Bank, Drama, Food Pantry, Free Time, Midweek Mid-day Bible Study, Naomi/Ruth Connection, Praise Dance and Scholarship Committee College Tours.
On July 14, 1996, Sis. Regina Stroman preached her initial sermon.
In December of 1996, Beulah Baptist Church held its first Leadership Retreat was held at Green Acres Camp, Dover Plains, NY.
During 1997, the Abundant Life, Women's Ministry and a twelve-week New Members Orientation was instituted.
On June 15, 1997, Sis. Sara Streeter-McRae preached her initial sermon.
During the year of 1998, leading up to our 65th Church Anniversary Celebration, we had numerous activities.
1 - In May 1998, during for our week revival
Monday, "Pack a Pew Night"
Tuesday, "Bring A Friend Night"
Wednesday, "Good Neighbor Night"
Thursday, "Work Associate Night"
Friday, "Teen and Children Night".
2 - In June 1998, we had a week revival lecturer series on the church's theme "Better Business Then Usual". The following topics were taught.
Monday, "Better Business Then Usual in Worship"
Tuesday, in "Our Stewardship"
Wednesday, in "Church Leadership",
Thursday, in "Church Membership"
Friday, in "Our Discipleship".
3 - In September of 1998, the celebrated our 65th Church Anniversary and we had a sixty-five hour Prayer Meeting.
April 28, 1999, "Praise God" the Beulah Baptist Church made a final payment on our $1.2 million dollar church mortgage, 16 years ahead of schedule. God is truly good!
In June 1999, the church purchased a Prevost fifty-five seat passenger bus.
On September 12, 1999, the Beulah Family enjoyed a Gala Mortgage Burning Celebration at the Casperkill Country Club, Poughkeepsie.
God continued to bless the Beulah Family. On October 3, 1999, Rev. James Hassell was ordained as preacher of the Gospel of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
On November 21, 1999 Eduardo Vann preached his initial sermon and on August 16, 2000 Wade Ashe, Henry Barnes, Charles Bennett, Ron Bright, Taylor Harris, Donald Medley, Myles Pinkney, Albert Stroman and Fred Suitt were ordained as deacons.
In January 2001, Alfred Bush, Evangela Davis, Douglas Vincent and George Watts were added to the Trustee Ministry.
In April 2001, Beulah Baptist Church celebrated Easter/Resurrection Sunday service at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center in Poughkeepsie, NY. The guest soloist was Lorraine Stancil.
In June 2001, the church purchased a 2001 Dodge twelve passenger van.
The overall emphasis, for Beulah Baptist Church, from September 2000 to September 2001 was Evangelism. Crusades, Seminars, Revival and Street Ministries witnessing led 337 persons to give their lives to Christ.
In February 2002, the church sent Rev. James Hassell and D.I.T. Gerald Ward to Uganda for two weeks with enough funds to complete the construction of the Kabalagala Pentecostal Church.
In April 2002, Beulah Baptist Church we officially began our Property Acquisition Project in the response to the parking space shortage. The church secured 136 Mansion Street and 108 1/2 - 110 Catherine Street.
In October 2002, the Beulah Family celebrated our Pastor's 25th Anniversary.
In January 2003, Rev. Fredrick Mills was added to the ministerial staff at Beulah.
In March 2003, we began demolition work on 108-114 Catherine Street. In addition we also ordained 9 Deacons and consecrated 20 Deaconess.
In August 2003 we sent Rev. Willie C. Knight to South Africa to do ministry with David Wood in Evangelism.
As part of the 70th Anniversary Celebration Rev. Bottoms, with the assistance of Shelia Brown-Butler and Gayle Hodges organized seventy hours
of prayer. Ministry leaders along with our church members prayed in the sanctuary nonstop from Wednesday, September 17th at 9:00 a.m. till Saturday, September 20th at 7:00 a.m.
THE 2004 CHURCH THEME: "Perfecting the Church For Purpose, Patricipation and Power". (Eph 4:11-12).
In 2004, the church purchased two fourteen passenger vans, extended the church parking lot to handle the growing number of parking spaces needed for the congregation and completed renovations at 136 Mansion Street, where the church will extend its Sunday school facilities and Christian Education activities. In addition, the Media Ministry began radio broadcasting on Sunday mornings at 7:30 am, and the Sunday morning worship services are aired on local television Sunday and Thursday evenings
THE 2005 CHRUCH THEME: "Labor for the Harvest". (Matt 9:35-38)
In March of 2005, Kenneth Brower, James Jones, Dennis McConnell and Gary McCray were ordained as deacons. Along with Doris Brown, Deborah Bush, Barbra Cockerham, Charlotte Edwards, Nicole Herring, Lartharee Jones, Sharon Knight, Denise Epps-Motley, and Frances Owens were consecrated as deaconess.
In May of 2005 three ministers were ordained, Rev. Theodore L. Johnson , Rev. Sara Streeter-McRae and Rev. Regina Stroman. The Five Fold Ministry was introduced, Faith, Finance, Family, Fitness and Fellowship. Beulah Baptist Church was the overseer in organizing The Kingdom Baptist Church, located in Yonkers, NY with Rev. James Hassell, as pastor.
In July 2005, Andre Herring preached his initial sermon.
By Design Consultants were hired to implement and assist the pastor with his visions.
In November 2005 Sheila Brown-Butler preached her initial sermon. The Elim House Education Building, located directly across from the church, was officially opened.
The 2006 Church Theme "The Biblically Level Church" (Acts 2:14-47) In February 2006, James Epps, AKA Tarrence Motley, Minister of Music, preached his initial sermon.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the church adopted the Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church in Covington, Louisiana where the Rev. Clayton Neal is the Pastor. You, the church, also paid the salary for six month of a pastor whose church was completely destroyed. This endeavor kicked off "Operation Loving Hands" making it possible to send a 65ft. trailer filled with needed necessities to the Feed the Children organization.
On April 2, 2006 Rev. Fred Mills was installed as Pastor of the Star of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Beacon, New York.
Beulah became a satellite of the Nyack School of Adult and Continuing Education College and begun offering a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Organizational Management.
On September 3, 2006, Min. Eugene Phillips joined the ministerial staff.
During the year the Christian Education Department implemented into the Sunday School curriculum Biblical Principles of Financial Management.
In November the church held a Gala Black Tie Affair for the membership at Anthony's Pier 9, New Windsor, NY. It was a glorious affair.
The Beulah Evangelism Ministry traveled to Rocky Mt., NC to conduct a 3 day training for the Evangelism Ministry of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Rocky Mount.
The Body and Soul Ministry hosted a HIV/AIDS forum here with testing.
We thank a merciful and benevolent God for blessings He has bestowed on this church family over the years. We also thank the tireless and devoted efforts of officers, members and friends who have toiled in the vineyard from Beulah's inception to this day.
The 2007 Church Theme "Being Fully Persuaded" (Romans 4:21)