First known image of Bethel
On May 22, 1834 Elder Elijah Dodson and Elder Moses Lemon organized Bethel Baptist Church. Several of the early members came from the Kane Church. There were 33 baptisms and 49 members in the first report of the church to the Association. The first preaching was in a little log school house just west of the present church. A large brush roof was made over the door to accommodate the overflow of the large crowds they had. Several revivals were held in a grove nearby.
In 1881 the present structure was built "at the cross roads" with $2,000.00 donated by Robert Latham. In 1892 an 8 ft. addition with an alcove was built to the back of the church.
Preaching was once per month until 1910 when it was the 2nd and 4th Sundays. In 1942, Bethel had it's first full-time pastor.
In 1948 Mr. & Mrs. Watson Randolph gave the church 50ft. of land to the east of the church and the parsonage was built and dedicated in 1949.
In 1957 the Christian Education Annex was built and the parsonage was enlarged by adding 10ft to the front of it and the garage was built.
In 1968 the church was redecorated with new pews, pulpit, choir pews and carpeting.
In 1969, Mrs. Augusta Randolph and her sons gave the church 50ft. of land on the south for a parking lot for the church.
In 1983 a new building program was launched that extended the church about 16ft. north. The new vestibule was made 5ft. wider on each side and two ramps were installed at the front of the church. Two side doors were installed instead of the front doors. Two stained glass windows and a cross marked the front of the church.
In 1881 the present structure was built "at the cross roads" with $2,000.00 donated by Robert Latham. In 1892 an 8 ft. addition with an alcove was built to the back of the church.
Preaching was once per month until 1910 when it was the 2nd and 4th Sundays. In 1942, Bethel had it's first full-time pastor.
In 1948 Mr. & Mrs. Watson Randolph gave the church 50ft. of land to the east of the church and the parsonage was built and dedicated in 1949.
In 1957 the Christian Education Annex was built and the parsonage was enlarged by adding 10ft to the front of it and the garage was built.
In 1968 the church was redecorated with new pews, pulpit, choir pews and carpeting.
In 1969, Mrs. Augusta Randolph and her sons gave the church 50ft. of land on the south for a parking lot for the church.
In 1983 a new building program was launched that extended the church about 16ft. north. The new vestibule was made 5ft. wider on each side and two ramps were installed at the front of the church. Two side doors were installed instead of the front doors. Two stained glass windows and a cross marked the front of the church.