385 Diamond Avenue

Rocky Mount, VA 24151

Bethel AME Church is one of the oldest black churches in Rocky Mount VA. The first church was established in 1873 by Rev. Robert A. Scott and his wife Isabella, who were both descendants of slaves from Franklin County, VA. This church was a place of worship for 40 years before it was torn down to build a new church in same location in 1913. This original church was sold but still stands today at 100 Hale Street, Rocky Mount. 

Under the pastorate of Rev. Reuben Boyd, land was purchased at 385 Diamond Avenue. In October 2001 under the pastorate of Reverend Amy Christine Ziglar the church erected a new facility. The first service in the new building was on April 21, 2002. God blessed the church family and paved the way to celebrate the mortgage burning service on October 8, 2017 under the pastorate of Rev. Grayland Snead, Jr.