History of Bethel

Bethel United Methodist Church was organized in 1856 in the home of Electa Leverton. When devotional services outgrew Mrs. Leverton's living room, the participants moved to a simple frame building on Union Road. Students from Wofford College provided pastoral leadership during those early years.

Bethel Methodist Church 1856 - 1866

In 1879 the first full time pastor was appointed to serve this tiny congregation which was known at the time as either Mission Church or Providence Church. In 1882 Govan Kirby donated a piece of property at the corner of West Hampton and Spring Streets, and for three years the congregation continued to hold services in a hastily constructed brush arbor. In 1885 a frame structure, thirty by fifty feet was completed for use as a sanctuary. This Methodist Mission became a self-supporting congregation in 1888 and was consecrated as Bethel Methodist Church.

Bethel Methodist Church 1866 - 1908

The dreams of the Bethel family were realized in 1907 when the first sanctuary was erected at the present site. The original facility, as longtime members recall, was located at the corner of South Church and Lee Streets on what is now the back parking lot.

Bethel Grade School in 1920

Bethel Sunday School in 1921


Bethel United Methodist Church - Present

Our present sanctuary was completed in October, 1953. The Educational Building was added in 1967 and the Activities Building in 1988, both blending with the colonial architecture of the sanctuary. Bethel continues to expand its ministry by providing meaningful and creative programming both for its membership and the community at large. We look forward to the 21st Century with plans to remain a vital, enduring testimony to the Christian faith.

Highlights from Bethel's History:

1856 - Bethel begins meeting in the home of Electa Leverton.

1910 - Bethel members erect the "One Day Church" which is today El Bethel United Methodist Church.

1920's - Bethel members assist black leaders in the development of the Bethlehem Center which continues today to provide community services for low income families.

1924 - Organization of Boy Scout Troop # 7, one of the first church sponsored troops in this area.

1964 - Organization of Bethel Day Care Center, one of the earliest church operated child care programs.

1967 - Birth of Bethel's Special Education Program which continues to be a model for providing quality religious training and care for exceptional people.

1986 - Birth of Single Adult Life, a community-wide singles organization.

1988 - Birth of Latchkey which provides after school and summer care and learning.

1990 - Rebirth of Bethel's basketball program in our new gym.

All research and photographs for this page courtesy of Joe Locke