Imagine a metal freight house. This is where the story of Bethany Missionary Baptist Church begins. It is a story of faith resilience and community. Bethany Missionary Baptist Church has a rich history. Its roots reach back to the mid-1800s.
Before 1827 the area was home to Creek and Muskogee Native Americans. Treaties and land lotteries reshaped the land. Harris County was created in 1827. In 1833 Austin an enslaved man joined Bethany Church. Enslaved people worshipped alongside white families. They were accepted into the church and some were buried in the church cemetery. The Civil War then divided the country.
In January 1870 Bethany Church agreed to let the colored use the meeting house. They could use it on the second Sunday of each month. They just needed to keep it in good order. New Bethany Church was formed in June 1877. Black members of the Old Bethany Church created it. They continued to worship at the Old Bethany Church.
However in 1878 Old Bethany Church said New Bethany could only worship there for 12 more months. Reverend J.D. Walker became the first pastor in 1878. He served until his death in 1880. The village of Hood was formed in 1879. It was named after E.C. Hood.
John W. Gore became the new minister in November 1880. He was a farm laborer who could read and write. He was ordained in February 1881. The town of Chipley was formed in 1882. The town of Hood then moved to join Chipley.
In February 1885 Old Bethany told New Bethany to vacate immediately. New Bethany purchased a metal freight house in May 1885 for $125. They placed it across the street from the current church. The congregation had 185 people. They worshipped in this building for four years.
Later a larger metal building was built. It cost $1289.60. In 1897 Reverend R.H. Billinglea became the pastor. In 1900 Reverend Gore returned to lead the church. Eight years later the church had 240 members but no building. A tornado destroyed much of Chipley in April 1908. Bethany lost its walls and roof. Only the floor survived. Bethany then used Mt. Zion Church for worship.
In 1908 a temporary building was built across the street from the present building. Many churches helped Bethany Church. Reverend Gore asked members to raise $103.70. He used it to buy materials to start rebuilding. He remained pastor until his death in 1943.
In 1909 the wooden church was built where it stands today. Tom Davidson became the next minister. His first task was to repair the church building. He renovated it for $1100.25. He also established the Bethany Senior Choir. He made other improvements. These included adding running water pulpit furniture and electric lights. The outside was bricked. A Community Center was built in 1943 for $1000.
In June 1952 the church was dedicated with a new cornerstone. In 1977 the church rebuilt the leaning tower. The new tower stood 75 feet tall. Reverend Davidson retired due to failing health.
Reverend Marsh Gates served from 1979 to 1999. He ordained several more Deacons and ministers. In the Spring of 1977 the church rebuilt the leaning tower.
Pastor William Robinson started in 2001. He celebrated his 20th Anniversary as Pastor in 2023. He has added officers and committees. He has also made improvements to the church. These include landscaping new lights and a baptismal pool. Bethany Missionary Baptist Church continues to be a spiritual leader. It is a pillar of faith and community.