1865- 1904
Bethel Church
Begins
The End of the Civil War Brings a New Church
To The Bethel Community
In the edge of Mooney Swamp records show that Bethel Church was born from the desires of the community for a new church. Those men responsible for the desire becoming reality were John Quincey Long, Sam Long, Martine Duncan, Calvin P Ward and John Wilson Jacobs. This is a group picture of the congregation around 1904. As You can see the people were proud of their church and dressed in their “Sunday Best” while attending for this picture. Uncle Billy Ward ( a prominent figure in the church and community) is highlighted by the arrow point in the picture. In a nostalgic retrospect … this 1904 picture, suggest to this day a friendly debate about the number of Wards or Longs in this picture. The Ward and Long families are still an integral part of the church today.
1904-1959
Bethel Church
“The Church In The Wildwood”
In an article written by Wray Thompson and Mary A. Hinson ( a lifelong member of the church and writer of the Bethel News in The News Reporter), Bethel church was nicknamed “The Church In The Wildwood”. By 1904 the community was growing and so was the church. It was decided to build a new church at the crossroads in front of the Josh Ward home. This is a picture of the finished building that was first constructed in 1904. The church picture represents the 1940-59 era. This building stood until the early 1960’s and for a short time was used as a recreation building for the youth .
1960-Present
Bethel Church
A New Era Begins
"If We want A New Church...It's Time To Do Something About It. "
Pastor Ed Armstrong
1959
To accommodate the challenge put forth by the pastor and the will of the people to build a new church… land had to be decided upon and purchased. Mr. &Mrs. S.P. Gore (Lee) solved that problem by donating two acres to the church. The men of the church ( most of whom owned some amount of farmland) had a fundraiser called ” God’s Little Acre”. The ladies made and sold quilts. Their most successful contribution were the suppers. Their labors in preparation and presiding over the “Bethel Suppers” became a tradition of the church. People from all around came to eat some of that “Bethel cooking”. Therefore, construction was initiated in that same year. On July 10th, 1960, the doors of Bethel Methodist Church were opened for services. The building was dedicated to God for His purpose. The people dedicated their souls and lives to His service. This little log-built church had come of age. The new sanctuary would seat over 180 people. There were 207 members on the church roll. The church was the center and soul of the families that belonged to it. This love and dedication to Bethel Church has endured ever since that day in 1960. Rural churches have seen a decline in attendance and membership over the past decades. Bethel Church has weathered these situations with God’s agape’ love. This love still produces a “caring” for the community that rivals the larger city or suburban churches. The church remains committed to the quest put to them in 1959. ” If We Want A New Church. It’s Time To Do Something About It”. Join Us won’t You? We’re still doing Bethel Chicken Dinners at the church ” In The Wildwood. “
