About Us
Who We Are: Rooted in Faith, Led by Love, Growing Together
Theological Foundation
What We Believe
At Bethany Missionary Baptist Church, we believe in one true and living God, revealed to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe the Bible is God’s inspired Word—our guide, our comfort, and our call to action. We believe that salvation comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, and that through Him, all people can be made new.
We believe in the power of prayer, the importance of fellowship, and the mission of the church to love, serve, and uplift our community. We strive to live out our faith not only on Sunday mornings but in every part of our lives, from the pulpit to the parking lot. We are committed to growing in grace, honoring our elders, encouraging our youth, and building a legacy of love and faith that reaches across generations.
Meet Our Pastor
Pastor Raymond H. Allen has faithfully served as the Senior Pastor of Bethany Missionary Baptist Church since 2006, bringing over 25 years of ministry experience and a heart devoted to spiritual growth, community service, and intergenerational leadership. A native of Bainbridge, Georgia, Pastor Allen was ordained in Niagara Falls in 1997 and has become a beloved spiritual leader in Western New York. Under his leadership, Bethany has seen tremendous growth—tripling its membership, expanding ministries, and relocating to a new church home to meet the needs of a growing congregation.
Pastor Allen holds a Doctor of Ministry (DMin) from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary (2024), a Master of Divinity from Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Houghton College. He combines theological depth with practical wisdom, overseeing both the spiritual and administrative life of the church. His ministry has birthed vibrant programs, including a thriving youth ministry, an adult praise team, and a 12-member male chorus. Beyond the pulpit, Pastor Allen also serves in various community organizations.
A dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, Pastor Allen shares his life and ministry with his wife of 44 years, Rev. Lora Allen, who also serves as the Niagara County Elections Commissioner. Together, they are the proud parents of four daughters and grandparents to ten grandchildren. Known for his powerful sermons, steady leadership, and down-to-earth humor, Pastor Allen remains committed to guiding Bethany with faith, love, and a forward-looking vision rooted in the Word of God.
Meet The Bethany Team
Rev. Lora A. Allen
Associate Minister and Director of Community Outreach Ministry
Rev. Cheryl Y. Myles
Associate Minister and Director of Youth Ministry
Deaconess W. Lee Whitaker
Director of Trustees & Hospitality Ministry
Deacon Clyde Coleman II
Director of Music & Pastoral Aide Ministry
Deaconess Esther Mason
Director of Prayer Ministry
Deacon Sylvester and Patricia George
Director of Men's and Women's Ministry
Deacon Curtis Griggs
Director of Deacon's Ministry
Bro. Theodore "Teddy" Williams
Director of Security Ministry
Sis. Janice Maye
Director of Usher and Greeter Ministry
Sis. Marlene Crutchfield
Director of Hospitality and Culinary Ministry
Dr. Laura L. Allen
Director of Technology Ministry
Bro. Alik Matthews & Sis. Marlene Crutchfield
Directors of Health Ministry
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Our Church History
Bethany Missionary Baptist Church was born in the summer of 1981, when a small group of believers came together with a shared vision: to create a new church home for those who had none and for those who longed for a fresh start. They first gathered in homes, united by prayer, fellowship, and faith. On December 6, 1981, the name “Bethany” was chosen—named after the biblical town where Jesus found friendship, healing, and rest. The founding members were Reverend Robert and Sister Eliza Laster, Deacon Johnnie and Sister Emily Ridgeway, Deacon Rochelle Gandy & Deaconess Betty Gandy, Deacon Charles Crymes & Deaconess Mary Crymes, Brother Porter C. Owens, and Deacon Eugene and Deaconess W. Lee Whitaker. These nine charter members covenanted together to form Bethany, creating a church built on faith, love, and community.
The church’s early years were marked by hands-on service and sacrificial giving. After acquiring a building on Calumet Avenue, members worked together to prepare a sanctuary, raising funds for pews, making repairs, and dedicating the space with worship and joy. Under the leadership of Reverend Robert Laster, Sr., who was installed as the church’s first pastor in 1982, Bethany grew in spirit and number, launching ministries, hosting revivals, and celebrating annual Founder’s Day services. Reverend Laster served faithfully until his retirement in 2005, after which he was named Pastor Emeritus. That same year, Reverend Raymond H. Allen began serving the church and was officially installed as pastor in December 2006, bringing compassionate leadership, new vision, and continued spiritual growth.
In 2011, the church relocated to its current home at 2002 Forest Avenue, marking a new chapter in its history. Under Pastor Allen’s leadership, Bethany has expanded its ministries to include the Youth Ministry, Praise Dance Team, Women’s Drum Team, and Bethany Security Team—while remaining grounded in scripture and guided by tradition. Through challenges like membership transitions and the COVID-19 pandemic, the church has remained faithful to its mission. Today, Bethany Missionary Baptist Church continues to be a welcoming, worshipful, and working church—“building on the foundation of past generations, living with intention from the past into the future.”