HISTORY OF BETHLEHEM BAPTIST CHURCH

The Bethlehem Baptist Church had its beginning during slavery. It seems that a small group of slaves began to hold prayer meetings under a brush harbor on the old “Box Quarter”, presently known as “Walker Farm.”

            Located nearby was the “old tank” where thousands of souls gave their lives to Christ. It continues to serve as a baptismal site. How or when the church begun is unclear. However, the name Bethlehem was appropriate. Its meaning “House of Bread” gave each person sustaining life.

            There is no record of the first members of the church. Through extensive research it appears the Rev. Jack Yates was the first Pastor. Under his leadership a log house was built for worship. During the year 1855-1903, there were several men who served as leader. It was in 1903 that Rev. J. S. Slaughter guided the trustees into building the present church.

            What a “Great Getting Up Morning” it was in 1918 or 1920 when over eighty candidates were baptized in the Brazos River by Rev. A. A. Lucas. This was the largest baptism ever held by the congregation of Bethlehem. In 1944 Rev. J. E. Dennis baptized twenty-two candidates in the “Old Tank.”

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