Page 2 - 2016TVTimes.October30

2 – Saturday, October 29, 2016 – El Dorado NEWS-TIMES
Bethlehem M.B. Church dates back to 1863
News-Times Staff
Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Strong was founded
in 1863 by the Rev. Dennis Hall.
Originally, the church was named Hillsboro Baptist Church, as it is located at 331 Hillsboro Road, but it was later renamed Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church and the church still bears that name.
“I remember people rid- ing in wagons, and walk- ing miles to church,” said Nellie Crew, who has been attending Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church for more than 60 years. “I also remember oil lamps and outside houses (bath- rooms).”
Under the Rev. Hall’s lead- ership, the first church ser- vice was held at Hillsboro Baptist Church, which is called the Old Hillsboro Cemetery today. The sanc- tuary was shared with white people, where whites had church in the morning while black worshipers had to wait until afternoon to hold services.
Later on, some services were held under brush harbors and sometimes in barns.
“I remember preach- ing and singing and din- ners on the grounds,” Crew recalled, “and walking to a spring nearby. And so many people!”
Frank Hudson donated land to the church family. With this land, the first official church building and cem- etery was estab- lished and located where the Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery is today.
In 1944, under the leadership of the Rev. I.J. Thomas, the church building was torn down and on the same site another one was built.
In 1945, the church was completed under the leadership of the Rev. Samuel Morris. The first church was located where the old Hillsboro Cemetery is at today.
Changes that Crew
has seen in her life -time include Bethlehem Mis- sionary Baptist Church building a better place to wor-
ship with padded pews, elec- tricity and indoor plumbing.
The church did not have electricity or indoor plumb- ing. In May 1977 land was purchased from Henry Martin for a new church site which is where the church is located today. On the third Sunday in October 1977, the church held its first service in the new building.
Another big change is
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Civil War Era: Originally called Hillsboro Baptist Church, Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Strong was founded in 1863 by the Rev. Dennis Hall.
women’s apparel. “Women are wearing pants and short skirts and dresses,” she said.
Another big change is the drop in the church popula- tion.
“People have moved away or passed on,” she said.
In 1994, Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church was blessed with the com- pletion of a new church, which is where members worship today. The church
constructed in 1977 now serves the congregation as a Fellowship Hall.
On Jan. 4, 2012, the Awana ministries opened with their first night at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church.
The current pastor is the Rev. Lamont Harris.
During her time with the church, Crew has been involved in a number of ministries, including serv- ing as choir president and
choir director, as well as being active with the food pantry, serving as a recruit- er and deaconess, and help- ing with the mission depart- ment.
The pastor who has had the most influence on her was the Rev. Cleo Gaston, Crew said.
Why does she attend Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church? “To hear the word,” she replied.
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