Bethel Baptist Church // About Us
THE HISTORY OF BETHEL MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
Bethel Missionary Baptist Church was organized in Tuscaloosa, Alabama in 1881 by the Reverend Delaware Jackson. The Reverend Jackson was a local minister and a citizen of Tuscaloosa when he became the church’s first pastor.
Reverend Delaware Jackson along with the other organizing members believed that the name BETH-EL means house of God. These founding members believed in building a spiritual house that worships God, and building a physical house to house God’s worshippers.
The founders knew that they didn’t know all there was to know about God and His word, but they did believe in the progressive revelation of the spirit of God. For they saw then through a glass darkly; but they knew that one day, they would see Him face to face, at that time, they knew in part, but they were waiting for the day when they would know Him even as they were known by Him.
They were walking by faith on the journey; it was a journey of progressive revelation knowledge and a journey of love, peace and power.
The first church building was located on Fifth Street, what is now University Boulevard. On August 1, 1903, the church officials purchased another site for the church building which was at eleventh Street and Sixth Avenue East in the Castle Hill Community. Another frame build was constructed, and the church chose Reverend McDaniel for pastor.
Land was purchased from Mrs. Fannie Garland on which the church home remained for the next 62 years.
The following ministers served as pastor of Bethel:
Reverend Delaware Jackson Reverend McDaniel Reverend Grant
Reverend Wesley Reverend Bailey Reverend Ervin Thomas
Reverend Cross Reverend Jack A. Mosley Reverend H. Lewis
Reverend W. F. Vaughn Reverend A. C. Craig Reverend J. P. McClellen
Reverend J. M. McBoy
Bethel Missionary Baptist Church was organized in Tuscaloosa, Alabama in 1881 by the Reverend Delaware Jackson. The Reverend Jackson was a local minister and a citizen of Tuscaloosa when he became the church’s first pastor.
Reverend Delaware Jackson along with the other organizing members believed that the name BETH-EL means house of God. These founding members believed in building a spiritual house that worships God, and building a physical house to house God’s worshippers.
The founders knew that they didn’t know all there was to know about God and His word, but they did believe in the progressive revelation of the spirit of God. For they saw then through a glass darkly; but they knew that one day, they would see Him face to face, at that time, they knew in part, but they were waiting for the day when they would know Him even as they were known by Him.
They were walking by faith on the journey; it was a journey of progressive revelation knowledge and a journey of love, peace and power.
The first church building was located on Fifth Street, what is now University Boulevard. On August 1, 1903, the church officials purchased another site for the church building which was at eleventh Street and Sixth Avenue East in the Castle Hill Community. Another frame build was constructed, and the church chose Reverend McDaniel for pastor.
Land was purchased from Mrs. Fannie Garland on which the church home remained for the next 62 years.
The following ministers served as pastor of Bethel:
Reverend Delaware Jackson Reverend McDaniel Reverend Grant
Reverend Wesley Reverend Bailey Reverend Ervin Thomas
Reverend Cross Reverend Jack A. Mosley Reverend H. Lewis
Reverend W. F. Vaughn Reverend A. C. Craig Reverend J. P. McClellen
Reverend J. M. McBoy
In 1927, under the leadership of Reverend T. H. Mays, the church was renovated again. In 1931, Reverend I. T. Simpson came for a short period. During his illness, Reverend J. A. Johnson served as pastor until 1932.
In 1933 Reverend O. S. Harvey became pastor. In 1948, the church was renovated and bricked under his leadership. This was the last rebuilding of the church on Castle Hill. January 31, 1965, Bethel Baptist Church put down roots in its present location, 3003 25th Street. After the purchase of Bethel at this location, the educational building was renovated. Additional land was purchased under his leadership. The Reverend O. S. Harvey served as pastor of Bethel Baptist Church for 44 years until his death in 1977.
May 1, 1977, the Reverend Myron Hamner became pastor. Under his leadership, additional property was purchased, renovation of the pulpit and other improvements were done. He served until 1983.
In the year of 1983, the Reverend Schmitt Moore was called as pastor. During his administration, Bethel Baptist Church was renovated again. Also, additional property was purchased. He has inspired a renewed commitment to missions and ministries. The greatest accomplishments of all were the number of souls that have been added to Bethel Baptist Church under the leadership of these pastors.