How about a story of faith tested by fire? I want to tell you about Bethany Baptist Church. This isn’t just any church. It is a place with a rich history etched in every stone.
Bethany Baptist Church’s story began with settlers seeking solace. They gathered for prayer. Their numbers swelled. They decided to build a church.
October 29 1858 marks a pivotal day. Brother W G McMichael delivered a powerful sermon. It was titled “The Constitution of a Church”. Rev D L Duffey became the first pastor. Rev H C Lewis donated the land. Bethany Baptist Church was born.
The first ordained minister was Rev John T Kimbell. He served twice between 1860 and 1877. Rev J A Jackson was the first minister ordained by Bethany in 1880. He rests where the original pulpit stood. He was also a Confederate soldier. His grave is marked in the Bethany Cemetery.
The original Bethany Baptist Church faced south toward Hwy 81. Tragedy struck in the late 1890s. The building burned down.
But faith is resilient. In 1901 Bethany rose from the ashes. The “Old Sanctuary” was built. It faced west on Bethany Road. This road was originally just a driveway to the church.
From its start Bethany embraced the Baptist movement. It joined the Flint River Baptist Association. Later it became part of the Henry Baptist Association. This transformed into the Southside Baptist Network.
Bethany Baptist Church has seen many changes. Twenty-nine ministers have led the congregation. Some served more than once. Rev Al O’Quinn holds the record. He served as pastor from July 1989 until his retirement in July 2021. Since December 2022 David Rathbun has been serving as pastor at Bethany.
Bethany Baptist Church is more than bricks and mortar. It is a community. It is a family. The church equips families with biblical truths. These truths help them navigate real-life issues.
Bethany believes everyone has a divine purpose. Living out that purpose brings confidence and peace. The church extends an invitation. Join them on a Sunday morning. Discover what God offers at Bethany.
Bethany Baptist Church participates in the Southern Baptist Convention. It is also part of the Georgia Baptist Convention. They are connected to the Southside Baptist Network.