The McAllister era closes at Bethel AME Church in Tallahassee
From my earliest days in the Baptist Church, I recall the moving strains of “If I Can Help Somebody as I Pass Along.” This cherished hymn often graced the homegoing services of those whose lives left an indelible mark. It is often sung as a plaintive elegy of excellence, reserved for those whose impact has been extraordinary—but the lyrics are inspiring because they call the listener to higher service in Christ Jesus for his fellow man.
Today, its words resonate deeply as Bethel AME Church in Tallahassee bids a fond farewell to an era of profound care and leadership under Bishop Julius H. McAllister, Jr., who served faithfully for 16 years.
This summer, in Columbus, Ohio, McAllister was elected and consecrated as the 144th Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the oldest Black denomination in the western hemisphere, founded in 1816. Now entrusted as Presiding Prelate of over 300 churches in Alabama, Bishop McAllister continues his divine calling to serve and uplift.
On Oct. 12, 2008, “Reverend Julius” answered God’s call as the 35th pastor and senior minister of Bethel AME Church, guided by Jeremiah 3:15, “And I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.”
At Bethel, he reignited the church’s commitment to community impact, reminding the faithful that we were charged by God and, “called to make a difference.” Like Nehemiah, McAllister inspired the congregation to embrace the work of the Lord with willing hearts—and truly, important things were accomplished.
In 2008, as director of the Bethel Community Development Corporation, an affiliate of the church, I witnessed his transformative leadership. Despite a collapsing housing market and economic recession, his vision and nonprofit expertise from his previous pastoral leadership in Chicago helped the CDC pivot while continuing to serve southside Tallahassee neighborhoods like Bond, Apalachee Ridge, Providence, and South City.
His steadfast commitment ensured affordable housing, rental options, and rehabilitation projects thrived, resulting in over $15 million in economic impact. Through his leadership, Bethel CDC remains a beacon of “the caring side of ministry.” To God be the Glory!
McAllister’s vision of “making a difference” is equally visible in civic engagement initiatives, such as the long-standing “Souls to the Polls” campaign, mobilizing southside voters and collaborating with other churches to increase voter participation.
McAllister also extended his influence through his roles on various community boards, including serving as chair of A Life Recovery Center, where he supported individuals overcoming addiction, and as a board member for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend, United Way, and the Tallahassee Housing Authority.
His involvement has brought tangible support and spiritual guidance to thousands, enhancing the well-being of his community.
As a church steward and Leon County School Board member, I have admired McAllister’s unwavering commitment to young people. He knows each child by name, age, and grade, and he exemplifies maturity not just within the church but throughout the community. His love extends far beyond Bethel’s walls—mentoring, guiding, and inspiring his own sons, their friends, and teammates with genuine care and wisdom.
My favorite story about his caring heart is about how, after learning from his wife, Deana, about children needing meals on Tallahassee’s southside, he mobilized Bethel to provide thousands of meals in partnership with the Florida Department of Agriculture. His compassion extended to children he had never met, reflecting God’s “call to make a difference.” That type of leadership informs student success during the school year.
I will meet the 36th pastor and the new senior minister of Bethel AME Church on Friday. For 159 years, the Bethel has served the local community, and our next pastor will continue that legacy.
Still, Bishop McAllister’s words will always inspire: “God has a work for you to do that no one else can do quite like you—don’t let God down, and surely God won’t let you down.”
Because of his caring ministry to me and to my family, Bishop McAllister has been more than just my pastor – he is also my friend.
Certainly, the best is yet to come for the Bethel AME Church and for the great state of Alabama. Thanks, Bishop and Mrs. McAllister…” your service has not been in vain.”
Darryl Jones is the co-chair pro tempore of the Board of Stewards and has been a member of the Bethel AME Church since 1988.
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