Oral tradition says that a Methodist
church existed in the area before 1885. Records indicate that Rev.
John Pipes preached at the Holly Springs Church in the Bethel community
in 1881 or 1882. In 1885, Hilton family from Mississippi arrived
in the area. As other Methodist families arrived, they held services
in private homes. In 1888, the group became organized and set about
building a church. Mr. George W. Mosley donated an acre of land and
the community got to work on the church. Construction began in early
1889. The congregation was known then as the DeSoto Mission.
Pastors in those early days usually made it to town for one service per
month.
By 1917, Bethel became a charge
of its own and needed a large building. A new church was built.
The fundraising drive was led by Mr. Pat Hilton and Mrs. Minnie Stephens.
The foundation timber was donated by Mr. W.E. Stephens, Sr. The timber
was cut and hauled to the site by Mr. Albert Barlow. A large heater
was placed in each corner. Ceiling fans were installed for cooling.
Pastors were supplied at that time from Centenary College.
In the 1940s, the four Sunday
School rooms were partitioned and the first MYF was formed. After
continued growth in the 1950s, three more classrooms were added.
The sanctuary was remodeled at that time, adding carpeting and a new piano.
A fellowship hall was built.
In 1953 and in 1954, Bethel
was named Small Church of the Year. In 1967, Bethel received its
first female pastor, Rev. Fredna Reeves. In 1999, the church received
two pastors, Rev. Charles Freeman and Rev. Frances Freeman.
A new church building was completed
in 1976. As soon as the new church was paid for, a fellowship hall
was constructed in 1990. |
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