View source for Bethpage Methodist Church

The first house of worship in Central Park (Bethpage) was the Methodist Episcopal Church founded by Joshua Powell (great, great grandson of Thomas Powell) in l835.  This church stood on Hicksville-Massapequa Road in the area of the cemetery at the end of Central Avenue.  In l920 the worshippers moved the church to where it stands today on Broadway south of Central Avenue.  Services have been conducted in this building for more than 150 years.
 
(Land donated by Joshua Powell where the Plainedge Cemetery is at the west end of Central Avenue at the junction of Hicksville Road.  It was called the Plainedge Methodist Church and Joshua Powell was the first minister.Submitted by Jack Gifford)