Community News

Commissioners honor Bethel Wesleyan on church's 100th anniversary

The Rev. Tim Clark accepts resolution honoring Bethel Wesleyan Church's 100th birthday from Rebecca McCall, church member and vice chair of the Henderson County Board of Commissioners.

By Lightning Reports, Published: October 22, 2022

The Henderson County Board of Commissioners honored Bethel Wesleyan Church this month for its 100th birthday.

Founded on Nov. 22, 1922, under the leadership of the Rev. E.W. Black, the church began with eight charter members: Willie Capps, Ella Capps, Vanena Capps Kilpatrick, Mr. and Mrs. S.M. McCall, Volley Corn, Katie Duncan Corn and Mrs. M.M. Duncan.

Milestones and major events in the church's 100-year history include:

• 1926: the property for the church building was donated by James Adger Smyth, and a frame building was erected.
• 1933: The school property consisting of two acres was purchased.
• 1947, under the leadership of Pastor L.A. Harvey, the parsonage was renovated and Sunday School classrooms were added to the original building
• 1957: Moultrie H. Smythe donated land for a new sanctuary, built when the Rev. Wilbur Groce was pastor.
• 1964: Under the direction of the Rev. Roy Nanney, the building was brick veneered and the two buildings were connected with a passageway
• 1970: The Rev. Marlin Mull led the construction of a new parsonage.
• 1997: Under the direction of the Rev. Tom Smith, the church sanctuary was updated, including the addition of a choir loft and enlarging of the stage and pulpit.
• 1999: Construction was begun on the new Family Life Center, which was dedicated to Brisco and Jeanette Anders in December of that year.
• 2019: The church bought an additional seven acres, giving Bethel Wesleyan room to expand in the future.

In the resolution, the Board of Commissioners expressed its congratulations to Bethel Wesleyan Church on "a momentous milestone in the church’s history."