Carolyn C. Cavaness
53rd Mother Bethel Pastor
We’re joining Philadelphia’s Historic District to celebrate the third annual Red, White, & Blue To-Do!
On Thursday, July 2, 2026, America’s most historic square mile will come together to host the Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade, musical performances, special extended hours at neighborhood museums and historic sites, and so much more!
The Mother Bethel Mass Choir is a dynamic and spirit‑filled ministry of Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church, rooted in a rich legacy of worship, excellence, and sacred music. As one of the cornerstone ministries of the church, the choir plays an integral role in leading the congregation into meaningful and transformative worship experiences. Comprised of dedicated singers who share a passion for praising God through song, the Mother Bethel Mass Choir presents a powerful blend of spirituals, traditional gospel, hymns, contemporary worship selections, and anthems that honor the rich heritage of the African American sacred music tradition. Their ministry reflects both the historical significance of Mother Bethel and the vibrant faith of its present-day congregation.
More than a musical ensemble, the Mother Bethel Mass Choir is a ministry committed to uplifting hearts, encouraging souls, and glorifying God. Through heartfelt praise, harmonious excellence, and Spirit-led worship, the choir continues to inspire congregations within and beyond the church walls. Whether in weekly services, special concerts, or community celebrations, the Mother Bethel Mass Choir remains devoted to its mission: to serve God faithfully and to share the transformative power of music with all who listen.
The nationwide Marian Anderson Scholar Artist Program was founded in Philadelphia by Marian Anderson in 1950. The program cultivates exceptionally talented professional artists as young as age 18 and provides the artist support for the development of their careers at the National Marian Anderson Museum & Historical Society. Scholar artists are supported through private coaching, lessons, performance wardrobe, travel to auditions and contracted performances, as well as promotion. Additionally, Marian Anderson Scholar Artists perform at least six shows every year as a part of the Marian Anderson Historical Society’s concert season. Further, the Marian Anderson Historical Society fosters an outstanding Choral Arts Ensemble which accompanies the Marian Anderson Scholar Artists in performance. The Marian Anderson Historical Society is also very proud of the Arts Empowerment Program which provides education, development, mentorship and performance for all children in the arts in the Tri-State Area from ages 4 -18.
What’s in a name? Everything when it comes to the triple threat artist, singer, songwriter, and producer known as SHOW TYME. The epitome of soul expression, Show Tyme was born and raised in Trenton, New Jersey. Show Tyme began honing his skills at a young age in the church as a drummer for gospel artists. Being the son of a prominent singing/piano duo of parents, it was predestined for him to one day pick up the one thing that would set him on the path before him - the microphone! “Growing up in a household where Johnny Taylor, Al Green and Solomon Burke, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, and James Brown were the order of the day, it was only a matter of time before the Soul Gods paid me a visit,” explains Show Tyme. Show Tyme was bestowed his stage name during a chance encounter with the 90s R&B singer, Case. He has worked with some of the music industry's most elite artists including Case, KC and Jo Jo, Musiq Soulchild, and many more. Show Tyme was the former lead singer of hip-hop legend Big Daddy Kane’s supergroup, Last Supper, and also added his unique vocal style to the R&B powerhouse group Jodeci. With the blessings of many great soul artists that came before him, Show Tyme is next in line. @showtyme2020
4.9 / 5 Ratings
Wawa Welcome America’s Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade is a favorite tradition of the festival every year and is returning in 2026 as the largest professionally produced Semiquincentennial celebration parade in the country.
Taking place on July 3 at 11:00am, the parade will feature 250 elements representing all 50 states and U.S. territories, including all 52 Miss America state and territory titleholders representing their home state or territory with thematic elements.
The parade will also include 50 marching bands, 13 floats, military elements, special units, and historical elements, as well as international groups from countries around the globe – all traveling through the very streets where the nation’s independence was born 250 years ago.
4.9 / 5 Ratings
Music by Jillian Pirtle & Osiris Wildfire, with a reading of the People's Declaration
Talk by Dr. Anthony Monteiro on King's Letter from a Birmingham Jail, discussion, free lunch
4.9 / 5 Ratings
The congregation worshipped in four successive church buildings, each representing growth, resilience, and expanding ministry.
A converted blacksmith shop
A larger building, site of early activism, the founding of the AME Church in 1816, and the authorization of Jarena Lee’s preaching.
noted for its impressive pulpit and community service during the Civil War.
The current building, blessed and dedicated with great ceremony and civic involvement.
53rd Mother Bethel Pastor
52nd Mother Bethel Pastor 2008-2024
51st Mother Bethel Pastor 1993-2008
50th Mother Bethel Pastor 1986-1993
49th Mother Bethel Pastor 1984-1986
48th Mother Bethel Pastor 1972-1984
47th Mother Bethel Pastor 1965-1972
46th Mother Bethel Pastor 1960-1965
45th Mother Bethel Pastor 1950-1960
44th Mother Bethel Pastor 1942-1950
43rd Mother Bethel Pastor 1930-1942
42nd Mother Bethel Pastor 1925-1930
41st Mother Bethel Pastor 1920-1925
40th Mother Bethel Pastor 1916-1920
39th Mother Bethel Pastor 1912-1916
38th Mother Bethel Pastor 1907-1912
37th Mother Bethel Pastor 1904-1907
36th Mother Bethel Pastor 1903-1904
35th Mother Bethel Pastor 1900-1903
32nd Mother Bethel Pastor 1892-1895
35th Bishop 31st Mother Bethel Pastor 1890-1892
29th Mother Bethel Pastor 1886-1888
27th Mother Bethel Pastor 1883-1884
26th and 28th Mother Bethel Pastor 1881-1883; 1884-1886
30th Bishop 25th and 34th Mother Bethel Pastor 1879-1881 1896-1900
29th Bishop 30th Mother Bethel Pastor
24th Mother Bethel Pastor 1877-1879
23rd Mother Bethel Pastor 1875-1877
22nd and 33rd Mother Bethel Pastor 1873-1875 1895-1896
20th Mother Bethel Pastor 1870-1871
19th Mother Bethel Pastor 1867-1870
18th Mother Bethel Pastor 1865-1867
17th Mother Bethel Pastor 1864-1865
8th Bishop 16th Mother Bethel Pastor 1862-1864
15th Mother Bethel Pastor 1860-1862
14th Mother Bethel Pastor 1858-1860
12th Mother Bethel Pastor 1855-1857
11th Mother Bethel Pastor 1853-1855
10th Mother Bethel Pastor 1852-1853
9th Mother Bethel Pastor 1848-1852
5th Bishop 8th Mother Bethel Pastor 1846-1848
7th Mother Bethel Pastor 1844-1846
6th Mother Bethel Pastor 1840-1844
5th Mother Bethel Pastor 1834-1840
2nd Bishop 4th Mother Bethel Pastor 1825-1834
3rd Mother Bethel Pastor 1824-1825
2nd Mother Bethel Pastor 1818-1824
1st Bishop 1st Mother Bethel Pastor 1787-1818
A complete list of the 53 pastors who have served the Mother Church:
Carolyn C. Cavaness 2024-present
Mark K. Tyler 2008-2024
Jeffrey N. Leath * 1993-2008
Richard F. Norris * 1986-1993
Simon P. Bouie 1984-1986
Joseph L. Joiner
Henry J. White, Sr. 1965-1972
Charles E. Stewart 1960-1965
John D. Bright, Sr. * 1950-1960
Eustace Blake 1942-1950
Henry P. Jones 1930-1942
J. Campbell Beckett 1925-1930
Harry P. Anderson 1920-1925
Robert J. Williams 1916-1920
Coleman C. Dunlap 1912-1916
Montrose W. Thornton 1907-1912
R. William Fickland 1904-1907
William H. Thomas 1903-1904
Thomas W. Henderson 1900-1903
Levi Coppin 1896-1900
Theodore Gould 1895-1896
William D. Cook 1892-1895
William H. Heard * 1890-1892
Cornelius T. Shaffer * 1888-1889
John W. Beckett 1886-1888
Joseph S. Thompson 1884-1886
Cethe C. Felts 1883-1884
Joseph S. Thompson 1881-1883
Levi J. Coppin * 1879-1881
George C. Whitfield 1877-1879
Robert F. Wayman 1875-1877
Theodore Gould 1873-1875
Henry J. Young 1871-1873
James M. Williams 1870-1871
Deaton Dorrell 1867-1870
James Hollon 1865-1867
William Moore 1864-1865
Jabez P. Campbell * 1862-1864
Joshua Woodlin 1860-1862
William D.W. Schureman 1858-1860
John Cornish 1857-1858
Richard Robinson 1855-1857
Henry Davis 1853-1855
Henry J. Young 1852-1853
John Cornish 1848-1852
Willis Nazrey * 1846-1848
William Moore 1844-1846
Richard Williams 1840-1844
Joseph Cox 1834-1840
Morris Brown * 1825-1834
William Cornish 1824-1825
Jacob Tapisco 1818-1824
Richard Allen * 1787-1818
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