It's a small church with a community of worshippers who number only about 50, but what the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Babylon may lack in size and numbers, it more than makes up for in its commitment to God and community.

Almost all of the members have been worshipping at the Church, which celebrated its 100th anniversary this year, since they were born and continue to reach out to those in need.

"We're viewed as a sanctuary where people can come for help," said Joann McCaslin, the church secretary who has been attending the house of worship for 51 years. "We welcome everyone, and because we're small, we really connect with people. This is my second home."

The mini church, which was built in 1907, has seen many changes take place around it over the past century. During the early part of the 20th century, the church was lit with kerosene lamps and indoor plumbing was still years away from being installed. Parishioners huddled around a black pot-belly stove for warmth in the winter in an area that now serves as the place for the church's piano. Instead of wooden pews, congregants sat on hard kitchen chairs and sang their favorite hymns.

Today the church has been updated with heat and electricity and plumbing, but still remains a small church with a vibrant history.

The tidy white church that sits humbly among homes at 50 Cooper Street was burnt to the ground on Halloween night in 1911. It was rebuilt in 1913. In the 1950s the church acquired the property at 46 Cooper and turned it into the parsonage where its current pastor, Rev. Larry D. Jennings and his family resides.

As part of a group of AME Churches, it was not until 1952 that the Babylon church got its own pastor. Prior to that, the various houses of worship shared rotating pastors.

The founding of the Bethel AME Church took place in 1777 when a 17-year-old slave named Richard Allen listened to a traveling Methodist preacher and underwent a religious awakening. He later established the first AME Church, Mother Bethel in Philadelphia. Today there are 2.5 million members, worldwide.

As part of their ministry, the members volunteer

to work with the sick and needy. They offer bible study, a youth program, and make weekly missionary visits to Little Flower Nursing Home. They give what money they have to their student members for encouragement when they graduate from grade and High School, and donate to African American colleges.

At one time, the church had almost 100 members, and while there are fewer now, they said they still feel blessed because they remain a beacon of hope for those who have none, said the members.

"Some people don't have families and we can be there for them," said McCaslin.

The celebration of their 100 anniversary was attended by many friends and public officials. One was Babylon Village Mayor Ralph Scordino.

"It was a pleasure for me to be there," he said. "The church is very much a part of the long and rich history that we have here in Babylon Village."