Our HistoryThe Bethel Church of Christ had it's beginning in 1910. It first met in the Thomas School building. The first church building was erected on land donated by Polly Ivie on what is now Vancleave Road. Earl Dildine built the original building. The congregation grew and moved to it's present building in 1962, located one mile west of Volunteer Community Hospital at 511 Mt. Pelia Road.
The Bethel church began with a Sunday attendance of 20 and grew over the years to well over 100 in the late 1990's. Due to natural attrition and families relocating, the present Sunday attendance is about 70. This church has never suffered a split or division and has remained united in the one faith and in fellowship with other sister congregations in the area. Charter members were the families of Jim Kennedy, John Thomas, Jim Conley, Jim Leonard, Will Latta, Dow Williams, Mrs. Mary Fuqua, Mrs. Mary Ivie and her daughter Polly. The Kennedy and Jones families have played an instrumental role in this church from it's beginning and have family members who attend here now. Bethel's first elders were, John Thomas, Jim Conley, and Jim Kennedy. Among the first preachers were Basil Overton, A.O. Colley, Graham Etheridge, and Albert Holland. Other preachers have been E.P. Smith, Carl Mills, R.C. Oliver, Glen Montgomery, David Bailey, Max Speight, Tim West, Mitchell Tidwell, Preston Silcox, Atlas Brewer, Earl Manning, Dustin Forthun, Daniel Rogers, and Eddie L. Hutchens. Albert Holland served for 24 years, mostly every 4th Sunday, through 1967. Our minister is Brad Brewer, who has been with the congregation since 2016. The Bethel church then and now stands for the truth as given in Holy Scripture. We love with the love of Christ and exist by God's grace and mercy. We are active in local and foreign mission and benevolent work. Our common goal is to get to heaven and take as many with us as we can. If the Bethel Church of Christ can be of service to you in any way, contact us, or better yet, visit with us. |
First Building
(referred to by current members as "Old Bethel") 
Current Building
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