Bethel Begins / The founding bishops
Bishop Sydney Alexander Dunn
He came to England in 1955 to earn money for a house and a wedding, and spent the rest of his life planting churches. Chapters 6 to 9 of Bethel Begins tell his story.
“Required reading for every member of our church.” Bishop Dexter E Edmund, Presiding Bishop
From the book
Bishop Dunn would never describe himself as the founder of Bethel. As far as he was concerned, he was lost, and the church found him. Bishop Dunn said, more than once: “This is not Dunn's church it is God's church. The day anyone puts up a sign saying ‘Bishop Dunn Founder’ tear it down. No man found this church, it was never lost!”
Yet, there is no doubt that Bishop Dunn was God's special servant, used to plant churches across the UK and further afield. While not calling himself ‘Apostle’, he certainly fulfilled the job description. He was an anointed preacher, revelatory teacher, wise pastor, and spiritual father with an eagle-eyed prophetic insight. Together with Mother Dunn many souls have been snatched from the claws of death and added to the kingdom of God.
Bishop Dunn the pastor was a man full of wisdom, love, and compassion for the people of God. People in the community would make up all kinds of stories that “Pastor Dunn” had a private jet, and so forth. However, Bishop Dunn ploughed his money into the church. His desire was continually for the house of God. It is striking that a man of such renown chose to live next door to the Gibson Road church.
A final memory of visiting Bishop Dunn's house speaks volumes of his fatherly spirit. Although I was a grown man, he asked me if I needed money for a taxi and lunch, reached into his pocket and handed me some cash. I was struck at the care that he showed; I will never forget it.
Bishop Dunn is truly one of the stalwarts of our age, not just in Britain but on the international scene as well.
Bishop Dr Joe Aldred, Chair, Council of Black Led Churches, quoted in Bethel Begins
Edited extract from chapters 6 to 9 of Bethel Begins: The Beginnings of Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic by Nicholas Myers.
Key facts
- Pastor and mentor in JamaicaMother Christine Agatha Walsh (1908-1981)
- Role in JamaicaDeputy Bishop and Secretary, Shiloh Apostolic Church
- Sailed for England18 December 1954, on the S.S. Arega
- Reached Birmingham2am, Sunday 10 January 1955
- First service at Gibson RoadSunday 11 September 1955
- WifeMother Chloe Effie Dunn (née Thomson)
- Went to his restOn the morning of the 60th Holy Convocation, 2017
- AutobiographyBorn For A Purpose