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 Sunday Worship 10:55 A.M.

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History

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.

It was in 1854 that Spring Creek Church made its last report to the Association under the name Spring Creek. The name Bethlehem Church appears for the first time in the minutes of the Association in 1855.

In 1874, the Middle District Association met with Bethlehem in its second location just off Courthouse Road, near the present entrance to Stonehenge. W.S. Bland was the pastor, and his daughter, Nannie Winston Bland, that year married Rev. W.J. David, an African missionary. She returned to Africa with him the next year.

A centennial year was observed in 1890 during the pastorate of J.B. Williams.

At a business meeting early in the year of 1895, the church voted to move its location and erect a new house of worship.

The property known as Lumpkin Hill was purchased – seven acres for $40.00. The new building was dedicated September 18, 1893 and is still in use today. Incorporated in the seven acres was a church cemetery located behind the sanctuary.

When the church moved from its second location, many members elected to continue at the old meeting house.

This branch of Bethlehem Church was known as Spring Creek Baptist Mission until 1900, when these members of Bethlehem asked for their letters so that they might organize an independent church, which is now known as Central Baptist Church.

April 29, 1990 began the Bicentennial Celebration with the dedication of a magnolia tree on the front lawn with an old fashioned picnic on the grounds.

Throughout the three months to follow, members dressed in costumes of the 18th and 19th centuries.

All six daughter-churches were invited to participate. Guest speakers included Fred Anderson, Executive Director of the Virginia Baptist Historical Society; Jean Woodward, Past President of the Baptist General Board; Reginald McDonough, Executive Director of The Virginia Baptist General Board; Paul Vandercook, Executive Director of The Middle District Association; and Doris DeHart, Assistant County Administrator of Intergovernmental Relations for Chesterfield County.

July 29, 1990 brought to a close this momentous occasion with dinner on the grounds and an old fashioned Brush Arbor Meeting by the Bethlehem Choir.

Dr. William D. Dietrick, Jr. served as Interim Pastor beginning May 13, 1990 through September 30, 1990.

Dennis E. Tucker began his pastorate with Bethlehem on October 1, 1990.

Rev. Steven Lalk - 2003

Throughout the years, Bethlehem continues to give praise to God; our help in ages past, our hope in years to come.

General Information:
bethlehembaptist@comcast.net

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