Memorial for Dr. T. Allen Bethel, longtime Portland pastor and civil rights chief, to be held Wednesday

On Wednesday there will be a memorial service for Dr. T. Allen Bethel, a longtime pastor and civil rights activist in Portland.

The celebration of life and heritage for the pastor who pastored Maranatha Church in northeast Portland for 26 years will air online starting at 11:30 am

Anyone can watch the service on the Church’s Facebook and YouTube pages.

Bethel has been hailed as “one of the most influential civil rights activists in Portland history” by Skanner News. And Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Said he was “a strong and eloquent voice in Portland who has brought grace and wisdom into his work for justice and a stronger community.”

Most recently he was pastor emeritus in his neighborhood church in Sabin. He was also President of the Albina Ministerial Alliance, which works to oversee the Portland Police Bureau.

During his career, Bethel served on the boards of directors of the Oregon League of Minority Voters, Portland Parks & Recreation, and TriMet, among others. He has pastored churches in Boston and Kansas.

Bethel died on December 20th according to his obituary. The cause was not disclosed. He was 67 years old.

– Jim Ryan

[email protected]; 503-221-8005; @ Jimryan015