Bethany Christian Church

A beacon of faith in Washington, Indiana, Bethany Christian Church has a story to tell. It’s a story of growth, generosity, and God’s guiding hand. Bethany Christian Church’s journey began during a period of spiritual revival known as the “Second Great Awakening”. Officially founded in 1830, the church’s early members constructed a modest wooden structure in 1842. This small building held a congregation of 124 souls. The church’s influence expanded beyond its walls as Bethany helped establish First Christian Church and Antioch Christian Church between 1864 and 1897. Both are located in Washington, Indiana. Decades later, from 1955 to 1999, Bethany Christian Church thrived under the leadership of Ben Ray Bean. His people-focused ministry fostered a strong sense of community. The year 2000 marked a new chapter. Matt Merold became Lead Pastor, bringing with him a vision to transform Bethany into a “spiritual hospital” for Daviess County. This vision led to a bold relocation to Washington, Indiana between 2007 and 2010. The move unified the congregation, setting the stage for Bethany Christian Church to become a regional influence. The church continued to grow, completing the second phase of its facility expansion between 2014 and 2017. In 2018, Bethany extended its reach by purchasing a building on Willow Street in Vincennes, Indiana. This new campus opened its doors on Easter Sunday 2019. The spirit of expansion continued in 2021 with the launch of the Princeton Campus. Initially held at the Showplace Cinema, the Princeton Campus eventually found a permanent home on Princeton Square. Most recently, in the fall of 2024, Bethany Christian Church launched the ALL IN initiative. This initiative calls for generosity of time, talent, and treasure, reflecting the church’s long-standing commitment to giving back. From a small wooden structure to a multi-campus ministry, Bethany Christian Church’s story is one of unwavering faith.