OUR HISTORY
HISTORY
1896 - Founders of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (Known as Bethlehem), Belton, South Carolina.
The History is complied from records that were founded and statements from some of the older
members of the church.
The first meeting was held on the present site about 1890, under a Brush harbor. The owner of the
property gave the congregation an opportunity to buy the land. The Deed Records at the Anderson
County Courthouse show that on October 19, 1896, Brother Major Gordon, Bro. Alford McGee and
Bro. Coloney Clinkscales purchased the tract and served as the first Trustees.
The next few years were rough and hard. In 1909, a white frame building was erected. On May 5,
1933, a Tornado came through here and destroyed the church and its records, only the Bell and a few
benches were saved.
Two years later, 1935, the church was rebuilt. Trustees at that time were Bros. Lewis Anderson,
Arnie Kennedy, W.L. McDavid, Lewis Logan, Harvey Jackson and Sister Tilla Payton.
The Life of The Church
Bethlehem was first designated as a Station church, and services were held each Sunday. Later
the name was changed to the Belton and Denver Circuit Services then were held on the First and Third
Sunday night. Later Fairview and Jefferson Chapel was added to the circuit, and the name changed to
the Anderson Circuit. Services were held at Bethelhem on the First Sunday, the other three Sundays,
services were held at Fairview and Jefferson Chapel.
Under the administration of Rev. W.S. Hawthrone, a Building Fund was begun to remodel the
Church. In 1950, some repairs were made on the church. In 1960, the roof began to leak and due to the
size of the roof, was difficult securing a contractor to make the necessary repairs.
Being a small membership church (30 members), some members thought it would be best to
merge with one of the other churches on the circuit. There were some who felt that building a new
building was impossible. Thank God there were others who said, "We can build a new Church".
In 1967, Rev. James F. Pope was appointed Pastor, and a Building Committee was formed to
explore the possibilities. The Building Committee, Bros. Robert Thompson, M. Hunter, Harvey Jack-
son, Ed Dixon and Thamus Hunter worked and raised $4,000.00.
In 1970, Rev. Murray Hunter was appointed Pastor. He continued working with the Committee. In
1971, Rev. Dallas Jones was appointed Pastor. On March 4, 1973, the committee met with Walker &
Scott Builders. Plans were drawn and construction began on June 4, 1973. On Sunday, October 5, 1975, we held the Dedication Services. The Right Reverend D.W. Nichols, Presiding Bishop, dedicated the building. The Presiding Elder was Rev. T.P. Baylor.
During the 1980's Jefferson Chapel was made a station. In 1991, Fairview was made a station. In
1991, our present Pastor, Rev. Roy A. Houston was assigned. Under his administration the church once
again, became a station church. Worship services are held every Sunday. On the Fifth Sunday, we have
fellowship service and a big cookout and invite members of the Community. Under the leadership of
Rev. Houston, Bethlehem has grown in membership and spirit. We are grateful and thankful for this
occasion. May God continue to bless us.
Former Pastors
Rev. G. S. Reed |
Rev. Roy A. Houston, 1996 |
Rev. Boyd McCraney, 1989 |
Rev. James Rouse, 1989 |
Rev. W. W. Adger, 1986 |
Rev. Phillip Washington, 1978 |
Rev. D. Jones, 1972 |
Rev. W.S. Hawthorne |
Rev. Crawford |
Rev. Dent |
Rev. Weatherspoon |
Rev. Rice |
Rev. Hopper |
Rev. Murray Hunter |
Rev. Curry |
Rev. Brockman |
Rev. J. F. Pope |
Rev. Douglas |
Rev. Young |
Rev. Janerette |
Rev. W. S. Hawthrone |