For livestream of service please visit https://www.bethelbythesea.org/ and click "Watch Online"

Reverend Mark Green, Sr. answered the homeward call of his Heavenly Father during the early morning hours of August 30, 2024. Mark was born in Meridian, Oklahoma on March 18, 1932 to the late Bell Lee and Alice B. (Stewart) Green. He was the fourth of ten children.

In 1952, Mark was drafted in the U.S. Army and sent to his first assignment in Germany. He served as a gunner in the Infantry Brigade and Field Artillery. He also was a cook and baker. After serving in the Army, he graduated from Armstrong High School specializing in Automotive Repair. He thebn was employed by the Government Printing Office, in Washington D.C.

His favorite scriptures are "For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him" (II Chronicles 16:9) and "The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them" (Psalm 34:7).

Reverend Green was ordained an Itinerant Elder in 1967. His pastoral ministry began in Salem and Blacksburg, Virginia and DuPont Heights, Maryland. Followed by pastoral appointments to Marietta, Easton, Mercersburg, Cito, Lebanon, Harrisburg, Steelton, Coatesville, Waynesboro, and Greencastle, all in Pennsylvania. His remaining pastoral appointments were in Slaughter Neck, Delaware and the Historic Bethel A.M.E. Church in New Bedford, Massachusetts from where he retired and is a Superannuated Itinerant Elder.

Reverend Green was honored with a citation for being one of two persons of color who made a significant impact by increasing ethnic diversity in many events and by bringing more peace and unity to the city of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania.

In 2006, the Inter-Church Council (ICC) of Greater New Bedford honored him with the "Sydney Adams Award for Distinguished Service in Ecumenical Ministry."

Pastor Green was always involved in the community. He worked with the Southern Leadership Conference with the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. On August 28,1963, he participated in "March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom." He was on the school board in York, PA. He, other pastors, and leaders were instrumental during the Race Riots of 1968 and 1969 in York, Pennsylvania in bringing peace to an otherwise hostile city. A White police officer, who was the father of a daughter and a young black mother of two were murdered. Pastor Green was the Group's Treasurer that raised money for the three children. He boldly went door to door throughout the community to ask for donations to help the fatherless and motherless children.

He was the President of the New Bedford Branch of the NAACP, a member of Inter-Church Council of Greater New Bedford,and a member of the Chaplain's program at St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford, MA.

Pastor Green was an active member of the Clergy Ride-Along Program with the New Bedford Police Department. During his ministry of preaching, teaching, and evangelizing, many souls received their salvation in Jesus Christ and were baptized. He married many couples, some even in his own home. He administered the Sacrament of Holy Communion to hundreds, dedicated many children to God, and eulogized many, including his mother, siblings, and son.

Pastor Green has many interests including appreciating nature, viewing educational programs, beautiful cars, and nurturing families. He is truly a "Kid Magnet. "He enjoys participating or watching sports. He loves any kind of fishing, basketball, football, baseball, golf and track. He was a bowler in various leagues. Pastor Green was known as the "Pool shooting Preacher " beating young and old alike in any setting he could find a pool table. He was supportive in anything involving his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He was their biggest supporter.

Pastor Green was an encourager who cheered and encouraged everybody's child. He would travel across county lines to support other kids, whether or not their parents could attend He gave kids confidence in their God-given abilities. It didn't occur to him, if others were suspicious of what was in his heart.

Pastor Mark Green was bold. The day the law came into effect allowing African-Americans to eat in the front of restaurants all over America, he brazenly walked into the closest diner. He sat down at one of the front barstools, ordered coffee and a displayed piece of pie, paid for his order, then tipped and thanked the waitress. He walked out of that restaurant like the American he had the right to be.

This "Gentle Giant" had a philosophy of life. "No little people, no big people, just people of the Way, serving the Lord together."

Pastor Green is preceded on his heavenly travel by his parents, his son Gordon Green (Jacquline), his grandson Marcus Green, and siblings Roosevelt Stewart, Annabelle Douglas, Levada Lindsay, Patricia Clark, Emory B. Green, Rev. Sesil Green, and Zoetta Herron.

He leaves to cherish his memories - his loving wife, Reverend Dannie Mae James Green of New Bedford and six children: Mark Wright of Des Moines, Iowa; Joyce Carol Matthews (Elijah)of Clinton, Maryland; Marcia Terry (Deon) of York, PA; Marilynne Mixon (John)of Woodbridge, VA; and Mark Green, II (Tabetha) of St. Augustine, FL.; nineteen grandchildren Anthany, Taniya, Madison, Brenton, Amber, Garrett, Chase, Tatjannah, Travis, Daniel, Elijah, Elisha, Jay-Von, Markese, Valarie (Marshall), Shaquanda, Markeisha, Mark Jr., Joe; fourteen great grandchildren; two sisters; Queen Esther Macon of Oklahoma City, OK; and Maezola Hicks of Tulsa, OK; loving brothers and sisters-in-law Patsy Ann Cherrie Payne, Pat Abner (Tommy), Nettie James, William James (Debra), and Johnny Jam (Vera); his former wife Dorothie Marie Bishop, significant friend Lilly H. Johnson; many nieces and nephews that he loved as his own, relatives, and friends.

His visiting hours will be held on Friday, September 6th from 4-7 PM at the Bethel A.M.E. Church, 532 County St. New Bedford.  His Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, September 7th at 10 AM in the Bethel A.M.E. Church.  Burial will be held on Monday, September 9th at 1:30 PM in the Massachusetts National Cemetery.

PARKING IS AVAILABLE ON FRIDAY AT;

ST. LAWRENCE CHURCH, 565 COUNTY ST. NEW BEDFORD

(Between St. Lawrence Rectory and Holy Family High School housing is a private parking lot for "121 North" do not park there or you will be towed.)

DRAYTON HOUSE, 549 COUNTY ST. NEW BEDFORD

PARKING IS AVAILABLE ON SATURDAY AT;

ST. LAWRENCE CHURCH, 565 COUNTY ST. NEW BEDFORD

(Between St. Lawrence Rectory and Holy Family High School housing is a private parking lot for "121 North" do not park there or you will be towed.)

DRAYTON HOUSE, 549 COUNTY ST. NEW BEDFORD

THIRD DISTRICT COURT, 75 N 6TH ST. NEW BEDFORD