Church History

 

Six scores and 18 years ago, an idea was born in the heart of a great soldier. The soldier, Tom Houghton, was inspired and directed by the Holy Spirit to move forward in establishing a meeting house for the Lord.

 

The following Gospel Carriers assembled on the Third Sunday, May 1878 for the purpose of laying the foundation for organizing a church: Rev. A Martin, Rev. C Thommeal, Rev. E. Thommeal, Rev. F. Dawson, Brother Tom Houghton and Brother Aaron Youngblood. However, it was not until four years later, May 1881 that this church was established.

 

Along with Brother Tom Houghton, were other soldiers none of whom were from Pike County:

            Brother & Sister Tom Houghton, Bruceville

            Brother & Sister Ruben Berry, Low Field Baptist Church

            Sister Ann Still, Post Oak Baptist Church

            Brother Ned Debose, Perote Baptist Church

 

At the time of organizing this church, Brother Aaron Youngblood suggested that the newly organized church, this body of believers in Christ, be named the “Bethel Missionary Baptist Church.” Bethel mean hollowed place, for if you remember, it was a Bethel where Jacob saw the Lord.

 

In earlier years, worship services were held under a Bush-Arbor, and later, a dwelling house was purchased on Bush Street for the purpose of carrying on church services.

 

Later, this very spot of ground (where the present church is) was purchased and a wooden structure was constructed. In 1912, a tornado blew down the wooden structure. While the church was deciding on what action was to be taken, St. Paul A.M.E. Church opened their doors to us for worship services. In 1913, this present-day structure was built.

 

We have had 14 pastors to serve at this church. These are the pastors in order as they have served.

• Rev. A. Martin

• Rev. Willie Mullins

• Rev. J. H. Jordan

• Rev. C. A. Clayton

• Rev. W. M. Meadows

• Rev. Days

• Rev. I. Ervin

• Rev. R. B. Ford

• Rev. Scott

• Rev. Gamble

• Rev. Toney

• Rev. E. M. Lowery

• Rev. Dr. L. C. McMillian

• Rev. James D. Oliver (Since 2013)

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We thank the Lord for the great leadership we have had in Pastors, Officers and the Faithful Saints who have gone on to be with the Lord, for they laid the foundation – Let us never forget. We salute them for their sincere loyalty, faithfulness, prayers and work that they have made in the name of our Lord, that we celebrate this day, “IT IS A BLESSING”.

 

Let us therefore, be about out Father’s business with heart for any fate: STILL ACHIEVING, STILL TRUSTING, and STILL PURSUING, learning to labor and to wait, for the battle is not yet over; the end will come after a while, and the victory shall be ours.