Bethel Missionary Baptist Church

     In the year of 1867, H.L. Yelverton deeded a tract of land called "Peacock Tract" to the first eight deacons (8) and four (4) trustees. As far as anyone can remember, this land was on the corner of Clio Street and Mobile Road. The name of the church was Second Colored Baptist Church; however, in 1887, it was brought to the attention of the members of the church that the name was incorrect. By a solemn act in a conference meeting, the name Second Colored Baptist Church, was changed to read as authorized and executed by deed to Bethel Baptist Church. Reverend A.J. Knight was the first pastor of the Bethel Baptist Church which would later change to the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church as it has continued to be called today.

​

     From 1902 - 1910, Reverend Isaac Fountain was the pastor of Bethel Baptist Church with few limitations.  By 1909, the church had grown to an impressive membership of 214. Little is known of what happened between 1909 and the fire that consumed the church in 1910. Due to a legal misunderstanding Bethel lost the tract of land and could not rebuild.

​

Because of the the wear and tear of Bethel's situation (having no land, no church, and no money), Rev. Fountain led some of the flock to Holt Street Baptist Church and resigned from the position of pastor of Bethel Baptist Church. The Bethel family went through testing times, but realized that they were getting stronger together. With the mentality of believing and trusting God's promises and understanding that God had a ram in the bush, the Bethel family stayed together and found their faith restored under the leadership of Reverend E.W. Pickett. He was the adhesive that held the congregation together and proof of God's message during trials and tribulations.

​

     From 1908 - 1912, services were held in the "Love and Charity Hall." In 1912, the Bethel Baptist Church was erected again under the leadership of  Reverend Pickett until 1914.