History Of Bethany Baptist Church

Bethany Baptist Church was organized in 1873. The first recorded minutes date from 1881. The following were taken from those minutes:

1881 Minutes of the Navasota River Baptist Association, Philadelphia Baptist Church, Hearne: J.D Walker, Pastor; R. Vancleave, clerk; M. Royal and R. Vancleave , delegates; 43 members.

1886 Little Brazos Baptist Association 12th annual session, October 23-25, 1886. Bethany Baptist Church, Hearne. W. F. McWilliams, Pastor; R. Vancleave, clerk; G. M. Williams, messenger, 9 Baptized, 6 by letter, 3 restored, 25 total members. Following churches presented letters by their messengers. New Providence and Bethany.

1887 B. H. Beall, Pastor; R. Vancleave, clerk; B. H. Beall, A. F. Luts, G. M. Williams, messengers.

1888 B. H. Beall, Pastor; R. Vancleave, clerk; B. H. Beall, A. F. Luts, G. M. W illiams, messengers.

1889 Not listed

1900 Minutes of the 4th annual session of the Robertson County Baptist Association, October 25 - 27. Petitioner letter from Bethany Baptist was read on motion , was received into the Association upon the statement of the Pastor, J. W. Stephens.

These minutes indicate that the Philadelphia Church was predecessor of Bethany Baptist church. Being named Philadelphia Baptist Church first, later changing the name to Bethany Baptist Church.

Mrs. Lilly Timmons Moss was the last surviving charter member of Bethany Baptist Church. Mrs. Moss went home to be with the Lord in March, 1973.

In 1873 the first building was constructed of logs of hewn timber taken from Pin Oak Creek. This structure was both used for church and school. In 1918 the log building was torn down and rebuilt using volunteer labor from the community. During the rebuilding the wives of members provided meals for the workmen.

Bethany Baptist Church has been through two wind storms each storm blowing the building off its foundation blocks. In 1942 it was set on cement blocks.

The building remained the same until half the school building was sold to the church for one dollar. This building was added the church building making the sanctuary and educational building.

1972 August Preparations for new sanctuary were set in motion.

1973 May Ground breaking ceremonies

1973 December Cornerstones were leveled

1974 January First worship services in new building

1992 October Voted to add an education building to the existing building.

1993 Vacation Bible school had grown so large that classes had to held in the unfinished classrooms.

1994 December Remodeled and completed sanctuary. First worship services were held.