It is estimated that the first church
was built about 1814. An exhorter visiting the area in 1824 noted
that it had been in use for a number of years. The first church was
constructed on property donated by John O. Denham and his wife, Sarah Dyer.
The original church and cemetery were located across the road (opposite
and north) of the present church. A larger frame church replaced
the log structure in 1832. It was 20'x30' and was used as a public
school and community meeting house. In 1865, after Union soldiers
burned down the church (in 1863), it was rebuilt at a cost of $600 (donated
by John B. Powers).
This church was destroyed by
a storm in 1909. It was rebuilt, slightly larger. The single
room church was used as a sanctuary and as the Sunday School room.
Additions were made to the sides
of the church under the leadership of Rev. James L. Beasley in 1941.
The parsonage was built in 1946 under the leadership of Rev. J.P. Bonnecare.
In that year, the church, parsonage, and cemetery were now under church
ownership.
In 1952, plans began on a new
church. Curtis Jones and Percy Bullock gave a piece of land to the
church in 1953. Construction on the new church and educational building
began in 1956 under the leadership of Rev. Ted Smith. Services were
first held in the fellowship hall (which was completed first) while the
sanctuary was being built.
The new church was completed
in 1959. The first service was held on March 8, 1959, and was led
by District Superintendent D.W. Poole. Air conditioning and
carpeting were later installed, and the parking lot was paved. Two
lots in the Indian Mound subdivision were purchased.
SOURCE: Eleanor Jones, Bethel
United Methodist Church |
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