It's very motivating to see kids and teenagers devote themselves to the teachings of God by choice. Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, located at 411 S. Governor St., is the oldest Black church in the city. Bethel AME's long history of serving the Black Iowa City community, includes a well-remembered social ministry under the Rev. Fred Penny who served as pastor for 32 years until he passed away. The Rev. Willie Clements took over in the fall of 1994, but was soon reassigned and the Rev. Reginald Blount became pastor in spring of 1996. Just before Christmas of 1998, Blount was called to Chicago and the Rev. Orlando R. Dial began his first year at Bethel.
Dial lives and works in Waterloo as a teacher in the public school system.
He brings a wealth of spiritual and educational knowledge to his new position. He says that Bethel's focus is to recruit members into the church universal, being mindful to celebrate what people have in common, no matter what their religious background is. Adult and children choirs are a strong part of the church's ministry with choir practice scheduled Friday nights. Bethel has a membership of 50-plus, with up to 75 attendees weekly. Choir Director Francine Thomas, who came from a church with a much larger congregation, says she enjoys worshipping at Bethel.