Bethel Community Church

Coming up at Bethel

Save the date.

Join us for a special October weekend of worship, prayer and celebration. Everyone is welcome.

Sat24October
2026

6:00 PM

Tell the People to Go Forward

Come and be encouraged at this special evening meeting, hosted by Pastor Eulanda Nelson.

Bethel Chapel · Dunbar Street, West Norwood · SE27 9JY

Watch invitation

Sun25October
2026

5:00 PM

Ordination Service of Lyton Ferron

Join us for worship, prayer and celebration as we gather for this special ordination service.

Bethel Chapel · Dunbar Street, West Norwood · SE27 9JY

Watch invitation

About Bethel

Rooted in Jesus. Open to everyone.

Bethel Community Church, West Norwood, is a Bible-based, Spirit-filled, non-denominational church with a passion to share the good news of Jesus Christ.

We are a community learning to live in the way of Jesus: loving God, loving people and serving others.

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13

Explore Bethel

01Our history

Bethel Community Church was founded by Pastor Pearl Bolton in the early 1970s from her home in New Cross, south-east London. The church was then known as The Assembled Church of Christ Trust.

As the church family grew, it moved to hired space at St Catherine's Church on Telegraph Hill, New Cross. Pastor Pearl Bolton dedicated her life to building a strong, faith-based community church, serving and preaching from sound biblical principles.

Over its lifetime, the church has served hundreds of people of all ages, including members who have been part of the community since its beginning. After Pastor Pearl Bolton's passing in 2025, Assistant Pastor Eulanda Nelson became Lead Pastor.

02Our vision

We want to be a welcoming, prayerful church family where people can encounter Jesus, grow in faith and find meaningful ways to serve.

Our vision is still being developed with our church family, but our direction is clear: to love God, love people and serve others with practical care, hope and generosity.

03Our historic building

We meet at Bethel Chapel on Dunbar Street in West Norwood. The chapel's foundation stone is dated 1867, and local heritage research describes it as a modest brick chapel with a street-facing gable and Gothic windows, built to serve the local working-class community.

A plaque at the chapel names J. B. Wilson, the well-known local undertaker and historian. Church tradition understands J. B. Wilson to have built the chapel; he later recorded much of Norwood's local history in The Story of Norwood.

Before Bethel Community Church, the chapel was home to a Strict Baptist congregation. We remember its first and dearly loved pastor, Frederick Silvester, who faithfully proclaimed Christ for 25 years. His memorial records that he was taken from the pulpit on Sunday morning, 30 December 1888, aged 62, while preaching from Philippians 4:4–5: “Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, Rejoice.”

We are continuing to gather the building's story and will add more as it is confirmed.

04Our leaders

Pastor Eulanda Nelson is Lead Pastor of Bethel Community Church. She serves the church family in the legacy of Pastor Pearl Bolton, with a commitment to biblical teaching, prayer and care for people.

More introductions to our leadership team will be added here soon.

05Charity information

Bethel's registered charity is The Assembled Church of Christ Trust, charity number 1019898.

View our record on the Charity Commission register

06Statement of faith

We believe:

All Scripture is the Word of God, revealed to humanity by the Holy Spirit and given for truth, teaching and godly living. 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21
God is our Maker and the Creator of the world; He is one God, eternally existing as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Genesis 1:1; Matthew 28:19
Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary through the miraculous conception of the Holy Spirit; He died for our sins, rose again, and is the Saviour of sinners. God is the Judge of all. Luke 1:34–35; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4; Acts 17:31
New birth comes through confession, repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. The redeemed are justified by faith through His blood, and sanctified by the truth of God's Word. Romans 10:9–10; Acts 3:19; Romans 5:9; John 17:17
Holiness is God's standard of living for His people. 1 Peter 1:15–16; Hebrews 12:14
In the baptism and infilling of the Holy Spirit following new birth, and in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8; Acts 2:4; 1 Corinthians 12:4–11
In water baptism by immersion for those who repent, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit; and in remembering the Lord's death and resurrection through Communion. Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:4; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26
In the fivefold ministry seen in the early church, and that every person has a destiny in Christ. Ephesians 4:11–13; Ephesians 2:10
In the second coming of Jesus Christ, eternal life for the righteous, eternal death for the unbeliever, and abstaining from things forbidden by the gospel. Acts 1:11; Matthew 25:46; Acts 15:28–29

Plan your visit

Finding Bethel is simple.

We meet at Bethel Chapel on Dunbar Street, in the heart of West Norwood.

Our addressBethel ChapelDunbar Street, London SE27 9JY

By trainWest Norwood station is nearby. Use the journey planner for the best route on the day.

By busUse the public-transport planner to see the most convenient local bus connections.

By roadOpen driving directions for live traffic and nearby parking information.

Driving directions Plan public transport

Bible help for everyday life

Find a place to begin.

Select a subject for practical, Bible-based encouragement. Each guide includes a short reflection and Scripture to read at your own pace.

A place to begin

How can I be saved?

The Bible presents salvation as God’s gift, not something we earn. We recognise our need, turn to God, and place our trust in Jesus Christ—His death and resurrection. Faith begins a new life of following Him.

Scripture to read

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son...”
John 3:16 · KJV

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart... thou shalt be saved.”
Romans 10:9 · KJV

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.”
Ephesians 2:8 · KJV

Would you like a personal reply?

Send your question to Bethel.

A member of the church team can respond privately. For urgent danger, please call 999.

These guides offer general Bible-based encouragement, not emergency, medical, legal or counselling advice.

Prayer at Bethel

You do not have to carry it alone.

Share only what you feel comfortable sharing. A few gentle questions help us care for your request appropriately.

Choose who sees it Ask for a reply—or remain anonymous Treated with care

The Community Door

Church for the whole neighbourhood.

Tell us what would make life better locally. Bethel can listen, connect people and shape practical responses with the community—not simply for it.

01

Belong & connect

Shared meals, welcoming gatherings and spaces where neighbours can meet without pressure.

02

Practical support

Local signposting, listening support and partnerships that help people reach the right service.

03

Skills & wellbeing

Proposed workshops shaped around what residents ask for—from family life to practical skills.

04

Space with purpose

A community venue for responsible groups, conversations, celebrations and positive local action.

What does West Norwood need next?
Your answer could shape Bethel’s next community initiative.

Community ideas

Help shape what happens next.

Tell us what would help people in West Norwood. It could be a gathering, practical support, a course or a partnership.

Your voice matters

Help us become more welcoming.

Contact Bethel

We would be glad to hear from you.

For a general question, a life event or practical support, send a message and the right member of the team can respond.

Life events & church services

Mark an important moment with care.

Ask about weddings, funerals, thanksgiving services, baby dedications, baptism, pastoral conversations, room use, or another church service.

Give with purpose

Help hope take root.

Your giving supports worship, practical ministry, community outreach and the continued work of Bethel Community Church.

01 Ministry & worship02 Community outreach03 A welcoming, useful building

Give securely