Let’s first go back in history before Bethlehem began. In 1770, there were NO Baptists in Chesterfield County. William Webber and Joseph Anthony, ministers from Goochland County, came to preach in Chesterfield. They encountered much opposition which turned violent.

They were imprisoned for spreading the gospel. They would preach through the cell bars to anyone that would come and listen.

In 1771, the General Association of Separate Baptists in Virginia formed twelve churches. The bravery and determination of Webber and Anthony led to the Chesterfield Church organized in 1773.

The pastor of Chesterfield Church was Eleazar Clay, a wealthy landowner. He was converted by the preaching and witnessing of Webber and Anthony. He was able to assist the release of these courageous Christian forerunners.

By 1776, the number grew in the General Association from twelve to seventy-four.

Bethlehem Baptist Church was first known as Cox’s Meeting House, which was organized July 25, 1790. In 1792, the church was named Spring Creek; several churches went out from Spring Creek.

Benjamin Watkins was the founder and first pastor and served from 1790-1831.

Benjamin Watkins was born in Powhatan County; he labored with devotion for forty-one years. Benjamin Watkins was reared by his mother, who was widowed when Benjamin was three years old.

Watkins states that when he was nineteen, “I was brought up strictly and often went to church and said prayers, etc., but after the Lord was pleased to send his glorious gospel in our land, I was convinced that I was a poor sinner, and could never obtain rest but in the Lord Jesus Christ.”

We find the purpose for Bethlehem Baptist Church in 1790 was stated in the by-laws as:

“Its purpose shall be the promotion of an earnest Christian life and service on the part of its members; the instruction of its children to love, honor and serve the Lord; the winning of fellow men to Christ for life and service; the sending of the Gospel to all nations; the establishment of His Kingdom on earth.”

An interesting rule is recorded with the “Articles Adopted” in 1790: “If any male member of this church is absent from three church meetings in succession, it shall be the duty of the clerk to make known the names of such absentees to the church; then they shall appoint a committee to see such members and make their report at the next church meeting.”

As Watkins’ death drew near, a revival of religion again swept the area. A week before his death, a young woman requested church membership. She was brought to his bedside. His last days were described as “perfect resignation to the Divine will.”

Benjamin Watkins was a lover of peace and believed in missions and cooperation. The text of his last sermon was the prayer, “God, be merciful to me a sinner.”

He preached over 6,000 sermons and ministered a span of forty-eight years.

Bethlehem moved to the current location in 1897. Melvin Martin was the first pastor at the present location.

BBC has completed a book on the history with interviews and events of the church from the beginnings to now. Please contact us if you are interested in purchasing a book.

 

 

Sunday Morning Schedule
Contemporary Service 9:00 - 9:50 am
Sunday School 10:00 - 10:45 am
Traditional Service 11:00 am

General Information: bethlehembaptist@comcast.net
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