Bethany Baptist Church was chartered on September 8, 1828. The six charter members were James Garrett, Levin Collins, Uriah Jones, Lucy Garrett, Catherine Simmons and Mary Jones. The first pastor was John W. Cooper, who served from 1828 to 1847.
By August 7, 1836 there were 73 members. On February 7, 1847 they had baptized 2 members, excluded 1 person, received into the church 7 people by letter, dismissed 4 by letter and had a total of 77 members.
In 1847 the building was constructed on a 7.5 acre parcel deeded by plantation owner Joel Culpepper. The congregation had 101 members. Enslaved people (13) attended with white families and were accepted as members.
On May 2nd, 1850 the church received a letter from Brother Eli Ball asking that they establish a contribution system for foreign missionary work. The system was adopted. On September 1, 1855 the church sent $2.20 to the Association for Missionary purposes. On September 12th 1857 the church agreed to take up a collection for Indian Missions.
By August 31, 1861 there were 106 white members and 46 black members, totaling 152 members.
On July 30, 1862 the Church listed members who joined the confederate army during the Civil War. The members included: James I. Willis, Charle M. Goodman, Dr. Thomas C. Huey, John F. Jenkins, David Zachry, William Middlebrooks, Elias Peel, James L. Goodman, James M. DeLoach, Lewis H. Jenkis, James M. Jenkins, S.G. DeLoach, J.B. Hastey, Permetus Bowles, Stephen Satterwhite, William Killpatrick, Michael De Loach and James T. Gordy.
According to Lillian Champion in “History of Bethany Baptist Church, Pine Mountain, Georgia, 1828 – 1978” :
“On August 3rd, 1874 a deed between Joel Culpepper of six state and County of one part and the members of the Bethany Church of the same State and County of the other part witness that Joel Culpepper for and consideration do give and bequeath to the members of Bethany Church all that tract of land lying and being in the 3rd District of originally Troup County now Harris County known and designated as part of Lot No. 63 lying in the Southeast corner and running due North 40 rods from thence due West 38 rods from thence due So0uth 40 rods making in all seven and a half acres more or less with access to the spring. The members of the said church to have and hold the above described land so long as it is used for religious purposes and burying ground, and the said Joel Culpepper, his heirs and assigns do hereby convey and will forever defend the above consideration.“
All “colored brethren” were granted letters of dismission in 1885 to constitute their own church also named Bethany (now Bethany Missionary Baptist Church).
In 1887, 37 members were granted letters in order to establish Chipley Baptist Church, now First Baptist Church of Pine Mountain.
On October 1, 1898 a motion was made by Brother Cornett that they take a collection every Sunday before the preaching began. Half was used for church expenses and the other half for the preacher’s salary. The motion passed.
Bethany’s early pastors were farmers who preached at several churches with small salaries from each church. Bethany tried to expand their services from once a month to twice a month. They suceeded in 1943 with Pastor T. Lunsford Heath.
In March 1963 they succeeded in getting a full time pastor, Reverend R.D. Tidwell.
The Women’s Missionary Society was organized by Pastor Brady F. Bartley c. 1916. He was assisted by Ada DeLoach (President), Lizzie Saint (Vice President). By 1955 there were 53 participants but by 1968 there were only 6 women.
Many of the ladies were responsible for the Vacation Bible Schools during the summers. They provided the transportation, refreshments, and materials. They assisted with the study courses, Casper services and handicrafts.
The Women’s Missionary Society also raised funds for the contraction of the Bethany Community Building. It started i the early 1950s, and additional space was built as they raised funds through quilting, bake sales, country dinners and barbeqcues.
The building contained a large assembly hall, a full kitchen and 2 restrooms. It was used for multiple purposes until the church annex was built in 1973.
The historical information is from the “History of Bethany Baptist Church, Pine Mountain, Georgia, 1828 – 1978” by Lillian Champion. For more information you can consult the book in our archives.
