West Family Tree

Rachel & Albert Varnell never had any children. They were missionaries & established churches across the United States.

After Rachel (Teller) Varnell's death in 1957 at Evansville, Indiana, Rev. Varnell sought out Rachel's life long friend, Ruth Seely to marry. Ruth carried on Rachel's loving devotion, helping Rev. Varnell in his work for the Lord. Rev. Albert & Ruth (Seely) Varnell are buried together in Logan Co., Arkansas; Rachel (Teller) Varnell is buried in Evansville, Indiana near the Bethel Temple Community Church, that Rev. Albert & Rachel (Teller)Varnell established, with Rev. Robert Schwambach officiating at her funeral.

My cousin, Delmer Berg, said that Rachel & Ruth went to church together, and were life long friends. According to Delmer, Albert came to California and met his father, Isaac Berg who was then starting Pentecostal Evangelistic tent cities in the Los Angeles, California area, traveling to the black churches at 5th & Main Sts in Los Angeles . Isaac Berg was married to Rachel Teller's sister, Isabel Teller. This is where Albert met Rachel along with Ruth Seely. After Albert & Rachel were married, they also started establishing Pentecostal tent cities preaching in the San Joaquin Valley of Kingsburg, Fresno, Modesto, Manteca, Stockton & Lodi California. At that time, Pentecostal started spreading into other Pentecostal groups, and Albert was interested in going out to preach the gospel. In 1941, Rachel wrote to my brother and gave him a bible as he was leaving for WWII. In it she wrote, "Let this book guide your life. It will lead you to eternal life." "Presented to Clifford Teller by Aunt Rachel, December 4, 1941."

-Arlene (Teller) Duncan

[from Arlene (Teller) Duncan] I have alittle additional information about Rev. Albert Varnell & Rachel: Rev. Albert & Mrs. Rachel Varnell started many churches throughout Ohio, Illinois & Indiana. By the 1940's, they opened the Bethel Temple Church in the downtown area of Evansville, Indiana along with an assisted pastor & his wife, Rev. Robert R. Schwambach. The old site has since been demolished to make way for many new office complex's in the downtown area. In it's place, now stands the new City Hall Complex where once the little church stood. The church purchased property further out, and today, now stands the Bethel Temple Community Church with attendance in the hundreds. Rev. Robert Schwambach still preaches & is now the Pastor Enemeritus with his son Steven Schwambach as the Senior Pastor. In the foyer, there is a hugh bronze plaque. showing Albert Varnell's image. It reads: A. F. Varnell 1895 - 1979 Founder and Pastor of Bethel Temple 1933 - 1951. Reverend Varnell founded Thirteen other churches throughout The nation. He also founded Bethel Baptist Assembly, a National Association For clergymen, now known as the Bethel Ministerial Association. He Preached: "Repent and be baptized every one of you In the name of Jesus Christ for the Remission of sins, and ye shall receive The Gift of the Holy Ghost". Acts 2:38 He Lived: Sir, we would see Jesus" John 12:21