On Sunday June 25, 1950 the Bethlehem Baptist Church had its first service under the leadership of Rev. Earnest W. Bothuel. Mr. Gus Davis and his sons Porter and his wife Irma, Jack and his wife Arlene and R.D. opened up their home in the 3200 block of Grant for this service. Pastor Bothuel and his wife Flora and their children Marvin and Ernestine along with the Davis family were the first official members.
Services continued at the Davis’ home until April 1951, the church then moved in a converted garaged of Alphonso and Helen Biggins at 420 Nimons. Finance was raised for the building fund for the future of Bethlehem. Also, Services were also held at the homes of Bro & Sis. Joe Calhoun, Sis. Ethel McGee and Bro. & Sis. Mark Thomas.
The first lot at 3303 Bundy was purchased for $500.00. Alvin Pruitt was the contractor for the building. The Church was completed and the first service was held on October 18, 1951.During the construction of the church our treasure had reach its lowest point of $3.00. The Church treasury was bent but not broken. Praise God!! Our first treasure was Bro. Jack Davis.
Bethlehem stayed in the building 14 years before it was necessary to expand. A new Church was completed at 3309 Bundy with the congregation marching into the new building on Psalm Sunday1971.
After 63 years and 9 months of service as Pastor; Rev. Bothuel retired in March of 2014. The Church then elected Rev. Lafayette Simpson as the Pastor in June of 2014.
As we continue to enhance the Kingdom of God, Bethlehem has witnessed many accomplishments to date helping us adhere to our vision of being a “Metamorphosis of a Beautiful Church”.
This past year along the following enhancements has been completed under
Pastor Simpson’s Administration:
-Beautification Remodeling Project- Phase #1
-Innovative Infrastructure for ministries
-Launched official church website and social media outlets
-Launched our “Membership Retention Plan”
-Yearly Leadership Strategic Planning Sessions.
-Stability Increase with budget and membership
-Launched Bible & Me Bible Study Series
-Launched Power Hour of Prayer & Worship Experience
-Launched Chew N Chat’s with Pastor
Indeed, Bethlehem has a rich history. A church that continues to grow with the blessings of God.
Services continued at the Davis’ home until April 1951, the church then moved in a converted garaged of Alphonso and Helen Biggins at 420 Nimons. Finance was raised for the building fund for the future of Bethlehem. Also, Services were also held at the homes of Bro & Sis. Joe Calhoun, Sis. Ethel McGee and Bro. & Sis. Mark Thomas.
The first lot at 3303 Bundy was purchased for $500.00. Alvin Pruitt was the contractor for the building. The Church was completed and the first service was held on October 18, 1951.During the construction of the church our treasure had reach its lowest point of $3.00. The Church treasury was bent but not broken. Praise God!! Our first treasure was Bro. Jack Davis.
Bethlehem stayed in the building 14 years before it was necessary to expand. A new Church was completed at 3309 Bundy with the congregation marching into the new building on Psalm Sunday1971.
After 63 years and 9 months of service as Pastor; Rev. Bothuel retired in March of 2014. The Church then elected Rev. Lafayette Simpson as the Pastor in June of 2014.
As we continue to enhance the Kingdom of God, Bethlehem has witnessed many accomplishments to date helping us adhere to our vision of being a “Metamorphosis of a Beautiful Church”.
This past year along the following enhancements has been completed under
Pastor Simpson’s Administration:
-Beautification Remodeling Project- Phase #1
-Innovative Infrastructure for ministries
-Launched official church website and social media outlets
-Launched our “Membership Retention Plan”
-Yearly Leadership Strategic Planning Sessions.
-Stability Increase with budget and membership
-Launched Bible & Me Bible Study Series
-Launched Power Hour of Prayer & Worship Experience
-Launched Chew N Chat’s with Pastor
Indeed, Bethlehem has a rich history. A church that continues to grow with the blessings of God.