Bethel Baptist Church

I grew up in this area and married in this church in 1977, eight years after this photo was taken. This church was part of the underground railroad and had tunnels under it that ran to nearby homes and beyond.I believe it was torn down in 1978 and the new church was erected just south of this one. They have a building that was made to look very old and was attached to the new church. They continue to try to pass off the new church addition as the "original" Bethel Babtist Church. I have never heard the real reason it was razed, though the rumor was that the county was trying to collapse all of the tunnels that ran under properties around this area. I am tickled that this picture exists! Now the young kids who have always been told that the new church and it's fake "original" was legitimate, will be able to see the truth!

This photo doesn’t show the old schoolhouse south of the church—its location would be just outside the view of this photo. It was closer to the Road you see in the upper right hand corner (Bethel Rd). The new church was built adjacent to the old schoolhouse. It would be nice to see an arial photo of them side-by-side.

Carol, when I married in this church, there was no 'school house.' The first time I saw this church was in 1969 and there was no school house then either. So I have no idea where or when the school house existed or when it was torn down.

It was there because my mother and all her siblings went to school there back in the 1940s. My moms family lived in the parsonage when they were children as well. I have many fond memories of times spent in the old church, the school house and the new church. I can’t tell you when the school house was built but definitely before the 1940s. My mother’s family was Robert and Hilda Burns.

Kelly, Yes!!! The new church was built onto the old school house. Sure wish the picture had included the parcel to the south side.
Bob and Marie Burns used to tell us all about the school and the separate doors for boys and girls to enter! If you are still in the area would love to have you stop by for a visit!

Uncle Bob and Aunt Marie have passed now. My mom was one of his younger sisters. We left the area in 1979 but still have some family in the area. When we come to visit, we love visiting the church. My cousin Debbie was actually the first marriage in the new church all those years ago. My mom and I were talking about her childhood the other day and she was remembering how her father would walk over and get the fire going to warm the old church before services began every Sunday morning. I believe my grandma and the kids used to clean the church weekly for them too. The old church will always be special. It’s where I committed my life to Christ when I was 10. I still remember that feeling!

Awe Kelly what wonderful memories. Thanks so much for sharing some of them! I do miss Bob and Marie, we have many good memories of them before they passed. We do still attend Bethel. God bless you!!

May I ask were you there back in the 70s or before so I can share with my mother that I have been in touch with you and a last name? She has dementia now but the memories from her childhood are not great but things regarding Bethel are strong for her at this point.

I’m so sorry, we were not there at that time. We came the summer of ‘95. Harry (Carol) Lassley was pastor, Bruce (Carol) Bowers was assistant pastor/music minister.
I’ve read some studies regarding people with dementia/Alzheimer’s sometimes respond to familiar/favorite music from their time period. Sometimes helps reconnect memories for a short moments. I wonder if playing some of her favorite hymns would give you a little bit more.
Our last name is McAfee

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