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Milestones

1730     Bethlehem Presbyterian Church was founded

The original church was a log cabin meeting house located on old Route 513, just west of Race Street in what is now the northeast corner of the old graveyard. Bethlehem means 'house of bread' in Hebrew.

1760     Frame Church built

Thirty years after the original church was founded, the growing congregation took down the small log church and built a frame church on the same site. There was no bell, so Reverend Hanna would sing on the front step to call his flock to worship.

1770s     Revolutionary War Period

The Bethlehem Presbyterian congregation supported the Continental Congress. They opposed England's tax laws and worried that a State Church would be established. Many members served in the Militia.

1830     Stone Church built

By the late 1820s, the old Frame Church needed repairs. Members subscribed $1,800 and decided to build a new structure. They purchased an acre of land on the other side of Race Street for $120 and quickly built a stone church. From start to finish, it took only 14 months and the final cost for labor and materials was $2,700. This was also the Church's 100 year anniversary.

Mid 1800s

Railroads brought settlers and trade goods and supplies to the area. Several Civil War veterans who were members of Bethlehem Church are buried in its graveyard.

1870     New Frame Church built

During the 1850s and 1860s there was a period of revival and population growth. The Stone Church wasn't big enough and could not be enlarged; so, the members subscribed $15,000 for a new building. They took apart the stone and used it for a foundation on the same site. They built the wonderful frame church which we now use. The building's cornerstone is located in the southwest corner of the building.

1895

The Church organ was built and installed.

1930     200 year anniversary of the Church

1954 - 1960     Christian Education Building built

In 1954, the growing congregation knew they needed more room. The Christian Education (CE) Building was proposed, constructed, and dedicated. The CE building is near to, but separate from the Church building. It has a cornerstone with a time capsule.

1957 - 1959

Renovation of the interior of the church was proposed and completed. Photos and information for further study are available in a history notebook kept by the Church.

1970

Rev. Frederick L. Black was called to be pastor of Bethlehem United Presbyterian Church. He was installed on June 21.

1971

The congregation approved the purchase of a Rogers Electric organ to replace the pipe organ.

1980     250 year anniversary of the Church

1989

In January 1989 a second renovation of the interior of the church took place.

1999     Time capsule from CE Building cornerstone opened

1999 - 2001 New Building Project

Once again the growing congregation needed more room. A building project to unite the Sanctuary with the Christian Education Building was begun in 1999 and completed in 2001. Part of the construction included improved parking and the addition of more spaces. The connecting building was dedicated in 2001. It too has a time capsule in the cornerstone.

2003     Reverend Frederick Black retires

2004     Reverend Cynthia J. Strickland called as Interim Minister

2005     275 year anniversary of the Church

November 1, 2005

Reverend Michael R. Burkley begins serving as pastor of BPC.

June 11, 2007

Reverend Paul F. Rack called as Interim Minister