Waynesburg University held a ceremony for the unveiling of a plaque commemorating the former Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church of Waynesburg today.
The ceremony featured remarks from President Douglas G. Lee, followed by special music by the Waynesburg University Lamplighters and the unveiling of the plaque by William Davison.
“In the dedication of this historic marker, Waynesburg University recognizes, in a permanent way, the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church and the significance it played in this community for many years,” said Lee. “We are grateful for the perseverance of Mr. Davison whose great grandfather was a Trustee of this church, and for the research of Marlene Bransom that gave us the history of this house of God.”
As described in “Early African American Life in Waynesburg, Greene County, Pennsylvania,” a book co-written by Davison and Bransom, “Bethel was the center of African American life in Waynesburg for it held numerous camp meetings, cake walks, minstrel shows, plays and other social events which helped to elevate, motivate and bond the African American families of Waynesburg.”
About Waynesburg University
Consistently ranked a best value school, Waynesburg University’s Strategy for the 21st Century affirms its commitment to developing an entrepreneurial mindset and ethical leadership skills for all students. Rooted in its mission of faith, learning and service, the private, Christian university is located on a traditional campus in the hills of southwestern Pennsylvania, with an additional site for graduate and professional programs in Southpointe.
