Our Story

Bethel Baptist Church has a long and interesting history, beginning on June 4, 1847. Most of the charter members had been members of the Sandy Run Baptist Church, established in 1772. At that time, there were only two other known Baptist churches for miles in all directions. In November 1846, a request to form a new meeting house called Bethel came because there was not church for the people of that neighborhood. In March 1847, Sandy Run Church in conference on Sunday, sixteen members requested letters of dismission to form a new church at Bethel. Requests were granted. 

Eventually, membership grew exceed the capacity of the original structure, so Bethel rebuilt a larger structure, complete with a wood stove and wooden benches.

And just forty years later, growth once again exceeded the capacity, so this brick structure was built in the exact location of the present church. The sanctuary featured folding accordion doors that were pushed back after Sunday School and an in-ground baptistery. Eventually, services were held with standing-room only.

In 1958, the present structure was built to accommodate continued growth. The stain glass window above the double front doors features an open-armed Jesus saying, "Come unto me." The church had the choice to vote to spend funds to include this window or a steeple. They voted for the window instead. Jesus's invitation is the bedrock of Bethel's mission.