Pastor Bobby B. Cox Jr.
Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church will celebrate a historic milestone during its Mortgage Burning Worship Service on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. The service will be held at Bethel A.M.E. Church, 819 Woodrow Street, Columbia, South Carolina.
Bishop James L. Davis
The theme for this momentous celebration is “Paid in Full: Walking in Freedom and Favor,” inspired by Romans 13:8 and Isaiah 10:27.
The Right Reverend James L. Davis, Presiding Prelate of the Seventh Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, will deliver the message. Mrs. Arelis B. Davis, Episcopal Supervisor, presiding elders, clergy, community leaders, former pastors, members, and friends are expected to attend.
Under the leadership of the Reverend Bobby B. Cox Jr., who was assigned as the Pastor in January 2025, led the congregation in the retirement of a $500,000 mortgage in 16 months. This will be Bethel’s first mortgage-burning in approximately 80 years.
“Paying off this mortgage is a testament to the incredible faithfulness of God and the sacrificial generosity of our congregation,” said Pastor Cox. “Eliminating this debt is not just about financial freedom, but it allows us to expand our community outreach and make generational impact.”
The service will include worship, music, historical reflections, recognition of those who contributed to the mortgage journey, and the ceremonial burning of the mortgage document. The celebration will honor past sacrifices while embracing the future of expanded ministry and service to the community.
Bethel A.M.E. Church has served as a center of worship, Christian education, community outreach, and social engagement for 160 years. Freed from this financial obligation, the congregation looks forward to strengthening its ministries and continuing its legacy of faith and service.
The public, former members, community partners, and friends of Bethel are invited to attend this historic celebration.