Little Bethel AME Church (Greenwhich)
The congregation of Little Bethel A.M.E. Church was established in 1883, the first African American church in Greenwich. A first sanctuary was built the following year. As formerly enslaved people gained their freedom and Black neighborhoods established themselves in town, the congregation grew into a vital spiritual and civic anchor. The present Greek Revival church dates to 1921, built when the congregation outgrew its original structure. Today, Bethel A.M.E. continues to serve as a religious and social center for Greenwich’s African American community.
Quick Facts
- Location: 44 Lake Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830
- Phone: (203) 661-3099
- Founded (congregation): 1883
- Current sanctuary built: 1921
- Type: Active historic church; CT Freedom Trail site
Visiting Information
This is an active congregation. Please be respectful of services and community activities. For the most current worship times, accessibility questions, or to arrange a group visit, call the church office at the number above. Exterior viewing is welcome from the public sidewalk.
Accessibility: Street parking is available in the neighborhood. Please call ahead to inquire about ramp access and interior accommodations.
Why It Matters
Bethel A.M.E. reflects the formation of a distinct African American community in Greenwich in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The church provided (and continues to provide) spiritual leadership, mutual aid, and a gathering place for civic life—an enduring concept of freedom rooted in faith, family, and community.
Brief Timeline
- 1883 – Little Bethel A.M.E. congregation organized.
- 1884 – First church building constructed on purchased land.
- 1921 – Current Greek Revival sanctuary completed as the congregation expands.
Plan Your Visit
- Address for GPS: 44 Lake Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830
- Public transit & walking: Check Greenwich transit options; the site is walkable from downtown.
- Nearby Freedom Trail sites: Explore additional sites in Fairfield County to build a day itinerary.
This site is open to the public.