About Us
Our Mission
“Is to exalt God; edify believers and evangelize unbelievers through prayer and God’s Word”
Our Vision
Greater Bethel’s vision is to advance the kingdom of God through His Word…as we commit ourselves to the Great Commission. Specifically, we believed that God has called us to focus on reaching those in Riviera Beach and surrounding areas who do not attend church regularly. In order to achieve this, Greater Bethel Primitive Baptist Church will be an equipping center where believers can be transformed into followers of Christ and developed to his or her full potential for ministry.
Church History
Bethel Primitive Baptist Church, located in the city of Riviera Beach, Fl was organized June 1924 through the foresight of Rev. N. Smith, Mo. Betty Johnson, Mo. Rebecca Jefferson, Mo. Viola Smith, widow of the late Rev. Smith, and Mo. Reese. They later joined by the late Dea. John Rivers and family. At the time, church meetings were held in a small building on the 28th Street, which they shared with a Methodist congregation. A few years later a better church was built in Acrehomes Park. There the members worshipped until the church was destroyed by the 1928 hurricanes.
Another church was built on 34th Street; there Rev. Smith resigned after serving from 1924-1928. During the period after his leaving the following ministers served as pastor: Rev. McClendon, Rev. R.H. Butler, Rev. Williams, Rev. T.R. Griffin, Rev. Abram and Rev. White. The church then called Rev. S.P. Kilpatrick, who labored diligently and effectively with the flock and under his leadership moved the church from 34th Street to 33rd Street and Old Dixie Hwy. After a time, Rev. Kilpatrick resigned, and the church called Rev. Townsend, Rev. Martin, and Rev. Williams.
The church was without a pastor; Elder Alex Harrison was called to minister to the flock until he was called home on April 26, 1966.
On June 30, 1966 Elder R.J. Hendley, Jr. was called to pastor. Under Elder Hendley’s leadership, the dream to build a new church became a reality in about 14 years. The church’s name was changed from Bethel Primitive Baptist Church to Greater Bethel Primitive Baptist Church, and later moved to 1340 W. 30th Street. Forty-one years after of faithful service Elder Hendley was called home on July 2, 2007.
On June 30, 1966 Elder R.J. Hendley, Jr. was called to pastor. Under Elder Hendley’s leadership, the dream to build a new church became a reality in about 14 years. The church’s name was changed from Bethel Primitive Baptist Church to Greater Bethel Primitive Baptist Church, and later moved to 1340 W. 30th Street. Forty-one years after of faithful service Elder Hendley was called home on July 2, 2007.
August 2008 the church selected Min. Robert Hendley III to be the pastor. Greater Bethel Primitive Baptist Church entered into “A New Era of Ministry.”