Our History

The Bethel Missionary Baptist Church was organized in 1870 on the Adams Farm. The church at that time was known as Jehovah. It was later changed by Rev. Brunch, to Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. At one time the church was located across the street from this location. The Grand Entrance Ceremony into this building was held on Sunday, September 18, 1982. The Fellowship Hall was dedicated on Sunday, March 18, 1990. It was named Ray Bates Fellowship Hall in honor of Sis. Ray Bates, who served in many capacities during her lifetime. The dedication of the Julia Lathon Education Center, and Samuel Miles Strickland, Jr., Memorial Library, was held on December 14, 1997. some of the former pastors of the church include: Rev. Branch, Rev. W.M. Jones, Rev. W.M. Sykes, Rev. M..C. Williams, Rev. H. Thompson, Rev. A. Marshall, Rev. Walter Hanks, Jr., Rev. Ike Marshall, Rev. King, Rev. Tredville, Rev. Anderson, Rev. Nash, Rev. Turner, Rev. W.H. Snow, Rev. Clave Randle, Rev. Tommie Sherman, Rev. J.H. Langston, Rev. E. W. Cooper, and Rev. I. H. Harvey. Rev. Gus Hunter officiated until Rev. O.J. Jackson became pastor, October 5, 1987. The Pastor was succeeded by Rev. Robert L. Turner, Jr. on August 22, 1999. The first choir was organized in 1920 by Rev. Sykes with Sis. Heddie Shaw as the director and pianist.