After 128 years, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church still opens its doors every Sunday. Bethel is the oldest African-American church in Manhattan.

JohnElla Holmes, coordinator for multicultural recruitment and retention at K?State, said she has attended the church for two years.

Along with attending on Sunday mornings, Holmes is the church clerk and sings in the church choir.

"When I transferred from the University of Missouri to teach here at K-State, the church was so welcoming and helped with my transition into Manhattan," Holmes said.

Also a professor of American ethnic studies at K-State, Holmes said she speaks proudly to her students of the culture and history of her church.

"The church was founded by 21 freed slaves during the Exodus Movement to Kansas, and the land itself was purchased for only $20," Holmes said.

Holmes also said the church survived a major flood in 1951 and was active in the civil rights movement.

In 1916, the church brought in Bishop Handy, a prominent revival speaker from Kentucky.

Holmes said he led numerous rallies and revivals for the people in Manhattan and was a prelude to many of the civil rights movements that were to come.

Six years prior to the civil rights movement, the clergy formed an organization, which worked toward a human rights commission.

One of the members, James E. Butler, still attends Bethel at age 94.

Many families of the congregation have been in the church for generations.

"I was raised up in the church, along with my mom and her mom's mom," said Ashley Morgan, former K?State student now working at Northview Elementary. Morgan said though she was raised in Manhattan, her involvement in the church has made her more active in the community.

"Last Friday was the 128th anniversary of the founding of our church," Morgan said. "I helped with the Fun Night for the kids. We made cards for the soldiers in Iraq."

She said the annual celebration of the founding of Bethel is always a big celebration, and members of the community participate in the events.

While some have a long line of history in the church, others have only been attending for a few years.

Terry Petrie Jr., senior in social sciences, has been going to the church for two years with his mother, Holmes.

"I went to other churches, but this one felt like home when I went," Petrie said.

The congregation is small, he said, but the members are all strong in their faith.

"The sermons are eye-opening, they relate to life, and the people are very welcoming," he said.

The pastor, Penny Pitchford, has served the church for five years, and many members of the congregation - including Petrie - said they enjoy her sermons.

"Pastor Pitchford has the best sermons ever," Petrie said.

Morgan said the church is like a family.

"If your family is far away, the church embraces you and makes you feel at home," Morgan said. "We would love to have more K-State students come and join us on Sunday mornings."

Sunday school at Bethel is at 9:30 a.m., and the worship service is held at 11 a.m. every Sunday.