Bethel Shiloh Apostolic Church, located at 1621 Iranistan Avenue, in the City of Bridgeport, Connecticut, was instituted, when the Lord spoke to our beloved late Pastor Francis Fuller (R.I.P.) in a vision regarding establishing a Sunday School in her basement at 1910 Park Avenue.  While attending the Shiloh Apostolic Church at 475 Charles Street, Evangelist Fuller followed the leading of the Lord and stepped out in faith! Not seeing any children, she gathered her own grandchildren, who also brought along some friends of their own.  Each week, the Lord added more and more students, until she had enough children to incorporate her niece Michelle, and grandniece Keina, as her first 2 Sunday School teachers. The Sunday School department was now in full swing, thus the conception of Bethel. A few weeks later, with the help of the late Evangelist Tinylyn Nelson (R.I.P.), Minister Otis Nelson and Evangelist Wallace, they were able to include prayer meetings and bible studies on a weekly basis.

  

The church began to expand, and after worshipping in the basement for five months, Evangelist and Deacon Fuller sought diligently for a more convenient and temporary dwelling, until they were able to purchase a permanent place of worship.  Shortly after the 1996 convention, Evangelist Fuller journeyed to Brooklyn in pursuit of the opportunity for the institution of a church in Bridgeport. She met with the then organization’s leaders…Bishops Walsh, Bowerbank and Farr, on several occasions, and during one of their visits, a powerful prayer service triggered which paved the way for the discussion for Evangelist Fuller to work with the brethren as their pastor… she agreed!

  

Many brethren who resided in Connecticut were commuting to New York to worship at the Brooklyn Shiloh Apostolic Church. When they heard the news that a worship center was about to kick off in Bridgeport, they were overjoyed to know that they could relinquish that long commute in exchange for worshipping locally.  The late Bishop Walsh then discussed the matter with Minister Whilby (now Bishop Whilby), then called a meeting with the saints living in Bridgeport regarding the changes.  Minister Whilby was sorrowful, but acknowledged that the work of the Lord must go on.  They began to worship at the Bridgeport assembly with twelve brethren and numerous Sunday school children.

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In August of 1996, a temporary storefront location at 1332 North Avenue was leased to house the first official place of worship for the saints of Bethel for approximately five years.  During those years, the church committee was established, followed by the various departments and the board of Trustees.  To date, the Sunday School, Youth, Brotherhood, Women’s Auxiliary and Usher Departments continue to play an integral role in the furtherance of the work of the Lord.  While at this store front location, the Landlord cautioned Evangelist Fuller that if and when he finds a higher bidder, they would have to vacate the premises.  Evangelist Fuller assured her brethren that - Quote “whenever that time comes, We WILL have our own building” end of quote…and they did!  While at North Avenue 14 candidates were baptized in the name of Jesus, 15 infants dedicated unto the Lord, and 10 received the gift of the blessed Holy Ghost!

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With little or no financial support, money was in short supply, but as a strong and dedicated woman of God, she never gave up. Her unwavering sacrifices, along with those who worked tirelessly by her side, including our current Pastor, Elder Wong Walker, is what we are looking at today.

  

In 1998, an official “Certificate of Incorporation” was established authorizing Evangelist Francis Fuller pastorship. In March of 1999, Bishop Walsh ordained Evangelist Francis Fuller as the Pastor of the Bethel Shiloh Apostolic Church…The Leader of the Flock! During the ordination ceremony, other members of Bethel were also ordained to the ministerial board.

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In June of 1999, a plot of land with an old 2-family house was purchased at 1621 Iranistan Avenue for the new location of Bethel.  This site was perceived in a vision by Pastor and Deacon Fuller.  No one envisioned a church in such an undersized area, but Pastor Fuller believed in 1st  Corinthians 3, verses 6 & 7…and I quote “ I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. (7) So then neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase” Bishop Walsh and Bishop Farr prayed and consecrated the spot, and God made the way!

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After many months of hard struggles, numerous setbacks by the city of Bridgeport building and zoning departments, they were victorious in getting the zoning approval for the construction of the church.  Shortly thereafter, they organized workers and started preparation of the grounds for reconstruction of the building.

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In the first week of November 2000, they were given notice to vacate the North Avenue location by the end of the month and was offered another temporary dwelling by the same landlord.  However, after ardent supplication, numerous meetings and conferences, the parishioners at Bethel came to a unanimous decision to complete the basement and utilize it for the assembling of the saints and well-wishers, until the sanctuary was completed.  The last night of service at North Avenue was unforgettable! The Lord poured out his blessings in a remarkable way as the saints prepared to move to their new church home.

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At the new location there was a great deal of work to be done.  However, with continued hard work, great sacrifices, pledges, and the help of many brethren from all the Shiloh Apostolic churches throughout the US and Jamaica, as well as neighboring ministries, our goal was achieved! Evangelist Francis Fuller pastored Bethel Shiloh for 17 wonderful years.  During her ministerial reign, other churches were established out of Bethel including the Mt. Zion SAC, with whom we have close fellowship and unity.

 

After the transition of our dear Pastor in 2016, she physically died, but her spiritual legacy lives on. Evangelist Mary Fuller became the interim Pastor before our present Pastor, Elder Wong Walker was appointed. Pastor Walker, who, like our founding Pastor, is a man of compassion and very humble beginnings. He cares for his flock and is always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. During the Covid era, Pastor Walker made sure every parishioner received a small stipend to supplement whatever income (or lack thereof) they could salvage during those dark, horrific days. He also had me send a check to every Shiloh Apostolic Church of the U.S. for their major events, which could not be held due to the mandatory lockdown.

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No one can do it alone, united we stand! Therefore, Pastor Walker appointed a team of spiritual workers to assist him in his ministry and to raise the gospel banner to a higher level. They all work in unison along with the board of Trustees, to ensure the smooth running of Bethel. I can assure you that Pastor Fuller is smiling down from heaven, knowing that her labor and sacrifices have not been in vain.

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Twenty-eight long years of service to the Lord have passed, and despite many obstacles and setbacks the Bethel Lighthouse remains a beacon and a tower of strength!