BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH

A Brief History....

    This is a church with a unique history that began about 230 years ago, when it was organized in 1780 under the ministry of Solomon Thomas and the leadership of High Hills Baptist Church (one of the first Baptist Churches formed in this area in 1772).  In 1782, Bethel was accepted in the Charleston Association and was helped for many years by this, the first Baptist association.

    Over the years, the church had had turmoil and trials, but also growth.  From is beginning, during the Revolutionary War period, the church has been a factor in the life of this community.  It suffered as others during periods of war, such as the War of 1812 and the Civil War.  Yet, it still has survived as the culture and economy of the area has changed over the years.

    The first church is believed to have been built of logs, but later was destroyed by fire and was located about 200 yards west of our present building.  The present sanctuary is the third building that has been used by the congregation and was built in 1849.  Additions to the Church and construction work on the present Educational Building were done in 1956, 1969, and in 1979.  The sanctuary also was renovated in 1998 and we added a fourth building, the Family Life Center in 1999.

    From the founding of the Church in 1780, to the present, the church has been under the leadership of 39 different pastors who have served the Lord and the Bethel Community.   As the Church enters the 21st century, its strength and fellowship serve as a foundation of God's love to the local area.  By His grace, it will continue to grow and bless the Bethel community.