BFBC History

I remember the days of old, I meditate on all Your doings,

I ponder on the work of Your hands. – Psalm 143:5

Since the very beginning, Bethlehem First Baptist Church was a community idea. A group of people who lived in the same community and who worked together day to day needed a place where they could worship together in spirit and in truth.

What started out as a simple country church wasn’t meant to be just that. You see, God had bigger plans for Bethlehem First Baptist Church… larger than anyone could even imagine at that time.

However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"

-1 Corinthians 2:9

Property for a church building was purchased on February 25, 1904. From that day, the humble beginning of what would become Bethlehem First Baptist was born. Built by local men in the community, the original building was constructed consisting of only the worship sanctuary. It was all wood. There was one piano. The building dedication was held in June of 1904, with several hundred people in attendance on that special day. After the dedication, everyone went outside to celebrate with dinner on the grounds. From that day forward, the tradition of homecoming began. Each year we continue to celebrate all that the Lord has done through this body of believers.

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! – Psalms 133:1

As quoted from one of the early Women’s ministry meetings in 1912 “We feel that our opportunity is limitless, and that if we are truly walking for Jesus we shall not be careless of those for whom He died, and we shall not dare disobey His Word which bids us preach the Gospel to every creature.”

That original building later included the addition of two Sunday School rooms, and an organ. Although the church started out with tremendous growth and community support, the church went through a relatively inactive period – during the depression years. But, true to her faith in the Lord, one faithful church member would go every Sunday morning and pray by herself. There were no services during this time. But gradually, the membership built back up.

Once services began again, there was a period of time where the Baptist church would meet one Sunday a month, and the Methodist church would meet on a different Sunday of the month, and members of both churches would attend both services, keeping the spirit or worship and unity alive in the Bethlehem community.

The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body – 1 Cor. 12:12-13

By the Sunday school records, it is determined that Sunday School played and continues to play a huge roll in the growth and relationships of Bethlehem First Baptist. Although the records are sometimes sketchy, they do tell of a continuing presence of worshipers who were faithful to their church and who felt a need to learn more about God as His promises. This principle holds true to this day.

Over the years, the church building was added on to, renovated, changed, remodeled, updated, reconfigured, and eventually rebuilt in 1956 and continued to be remodeled again and again as it grew. No matter the time frame, year, date, or hour, one thing is for sure – Bethlehem First Baptist is not a building, but the body of believers that have been connected to this community for over 100 years.

Then, one dark and stormy night, September 2, 1994, everything changed.

A fierce storm roared into the area, and lightening struck the steeple of the church building, caving in the roof and colapsing the bell tower.

"Just before the roof caved in, the stained glass windows were so bright, they were just beautiful" says member Claire Brown.

"It was as though the stained glass windows weren't being touched at all by the fire. There was a glow about them. It was a miracle to know that once the fire was out, the stained glass windows were still there." says member Debbie Teal.

Shortly after the fire, the church gathered together in the fellowship hall building for a special prayer service. Rev. Autry Waters told us to take courage from Romans 8:28; “And we know that all things work together for good to those that love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose!”. Pastor Waters said, “A place of wood and brick and mortar and blood and sweat and tears did burn, but our church did not burn because we are the church!”

What started out as a tragedy at the time was really God opening the door to the beginning of the next phase of Bethlehem First Baptist.

"God had a different plan for us. A much bigger one." says member Clay McDaniel.

During this time, BFBC members rallied together with a “whatever it takes” attitude, and the community opened its doors wide with support so they could keep on going. Church services were held at Smith’s Funeral Home, Sunday School was held at Eastside Baptist, Baptisms were held in swimming pools, and Gods’ word continued to be tested, learned, and shared. Before the new building was even completed, members gathered together to celebrate Homecoming under the exposed rafters and concrete floors that were the makings of the new fellowship hall. Even through these hard times, God was still faithful.

From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. – Ephesians 4:16

The first services were held at the new location on November 2, 1997. What began as a giant leap of faith has continued on in that same spirit, leading the way for God to work through this body by putting into the hearts of His people the undying dreams that have connected over a century of believers that have the strong passion in their hearts to make God known in this area. God continues to bless and grow and lead the members and Pastors of Bethlehem First Baptist, growing His church to record numbers of baptisms, Sunday School attendance, and more over the years.

He has also provided us with:

An incredible youth building and an inspiring group of students who are hungrily seeking after Him,

An amazing union of leaders who teach our children about the promises of the God that they know and serve,

An unstoppable group of senior adults who pass on His knowledge and wisdom from generation to generation,

A preschool, elementary school and middle school that exists to share His truths to the next generation of our community, raising up warriors to defend His Word and share the truths that are found within,

All contained within a building that no one could ever have even imagined at the time.

We are forever grateful to those who have gone before us and who have stepped out in faith and have trusted, pursued, leaned on and stood on the promises if God. Praise the Lord for leading His church for over 100 years and counting!

From some of the earliest services, dating back to 1913; the verses of the song “Jesus Paid it All” have filled the mouths of members and the halls of the church, telling of His promises. “I hear the Savior say, Thy strength indeed is small; Child of weakness, watch and pray, Find in Me thine all in all.”

Even with as much as the church has done in the community, it pales in comparison to what He has first done for us. We love this community, because Christ first loved us. As we usher in the next century, may we continue to be faithful to our first love.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. – Col. 3:15-17

The First Church Building