The birth of Bethel Methodist Church was in 1962 as a choral group under the leadership of Bro. E. K. B. Sarquah who was assisted by Brothers G. A. K. Aidoo, S. C. K. Dadzie and C. K. Graham. Bro. Sarquah became the first caretaker of the Ayigya Society.

Forming the nucleus of the groups were Bros. E. K. B. Sarquah, S. C. K. Dadzie, Joseph Dankwa, C. K. Mensah, Agyapong, Benjamin Frimpong, Joseph Amon Dabanka, J. O. Abraham, Moses Dapaah, Albert Nimoh, Edward Poku, Kwaku Berchie, Sisters Grace Mensah, Grace Adjei, Hanna Serwaa, Elizabeth Adjei, Grace Adjei, Georgina Danso, the late David Asamoah, the late Agnes Adusa and the late Hanna Yeboah to mention a few. Through cantata performances and evangelistic works around in the surrounding towns by the group, significant numerical growth was recorded. The founding members of the group being Methodists themselves resolved to turn the growing choral group into a Methodist Society under the Kumasi Circuit of the Methodist Church of Ghana.

The late Rev. Bart Addison the then Chairman of Kumasi District of the Methodist Church, Ghana was duly informed about the newly established Ayigya Methodist Society. Rev. Addison personally undertook the nurturing of the newly created Society, frequently visiting it unannounced on Sundays. Tribute must be paid to this great servant of God to whom Ayigya Bethel Methodist Society owes its existence.

The rapid growth of the Ayigya Society necessitated the acquisition of a permanent place of worship. Therefore, in 1964, a delegation under the leadership of Bro. Moses Dapaah negotiated with Nana Ayigyahene and his elders for the plot of land on which the present chapel stands. Before the construction of the present chapel, a temporary concrete structure was erected and commissioned in 1965. With the continued growth of the Society over the years, a permanent chapel became a necessity. The construction of the chapel therefore began in 1970 and was commissioned in 1980.

The construction of that chapel was financed through voluntary contributions in the form of the well-known “So Mu Bi” organized every Sunday and was supervised by Bro. S. T. Adu-Ansah and F. L. Adonteng. The following persons who are not members of the Ayigya Society but contributed immensely towards the building of the chapel derserve mention. The late Papa Arko who supplied us electricity free of charge, Mrs. Tachie, Mensah and Oko of Essential Services (electricity section) of the University of Science and Technology, Kumasi. These men helped to extend electricity to both old and new chapels without any charge except charges from the Electricity Corporation.

Also deserving mention are Mr. J. O. T. Ansah, founder of the College of Arts and Industry, who kindly allowed us the use of his organ for church services on special occasions and Nana Agyeman, popularly known as “MOKA” of the construction unit, U.S.T, who also assisted in the construction of the new chapel in the early stages. Special tribute must also be paid to the following: the late Papa G. O. Ewool, then a member of the Amakom Calvary Methodist Church, the late Papa Turkson, donor of one of our communion trays and cups and Mr. G. M. Ghansah, former accountant of the U.S.T. who all gave us much inspiration through their wise counselling.

The following founding members of the Society must also be mentioned: Bros. Moses Dapaah (chapel Steward from 1962), Joseph Amo Dabanka, J. McForson, Edward Poku, Albert Nimoh, Kwaku Berchie and Sisters Elizabeth Adjei, Grace Adjei, Mary Danso and Grace Mensah. Special mention should be made of Bro. S. H. Appiah who initiated the formation of the church choir and also allowed the society to use his own organ for church services.

A number of Catechists and Ministers have been part of the Ayigya Society and deserve mention: Brother T. K. Toku and his successor, E. O. L. Asiedu. Both of them, one time catechists stationed at Anwomaso and Amakom took charge of the Ayigya Society during the formation stages. Rev. J. K. Nketsiah then in charge of the Asawasi Methodist Society took responsibility over Ayigya in 1967-1968 period. Others are Rev. S. K. Asamoah (1969-1971), E. A. Boateng (1975-77), M. O. Antwi (1981-82) and Dr. E. H. Brew-Riverson (1983-85).

Rev. Assuamah Thompson was responsible for the formation of local branches of such church associations as the Methodist Women’s Fellowship in 1967 and Girls Fellowship in 1968. Rev. D. B. O. Rockson enriched membership of Ayigya Society with special prominent members from the university. Under the pastorate of Rev. Thompson, the Ayigya Methodist Society was firmly established and a new chapel building began.

In 1978, when Asawasi Circuit was created, Ayigya became one of the Societies forming the Circuit. When the Amakom Circuit was created in 1987 under the superintendence of Rev. John E. Hammond, the Bethel Society was the second largest society.

Bethel Society had grown both numerically and spiritually. Under Rev. S. F. Kusi Appiah, a chapel expansion programme was initiated. Bethel presently has almost all organizations of the Methodist Church.

The Ayigya Bethel Methodist Society has come this far by faith and total dependence of the Lord. Let us always rely on His strength and guidance. We should remember that the Lord’s work can only be accomplished through hardwork, kindness, love and perseverance. With one accord let us pray to God saying: