2010-08-08 Bethany Baptist Church 145th AnniversaryPITTSYLVANIA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
2010-08-08
WHEREAS, the Bethany Baptist Church was dedicated in 1865 and was an old log cabin located on the
Tonkin Oliver Farm; and
WHEREAS, in 1896, under the leadership of the Reverend Newton G. Ferguson, Bethany Baptist
Church added new choirs, ordained deacons and provided a great worship atmosphere for its
congregation during those tempestuous social times; and
WHEREAS, the Reverend Edward L. McLaughlin was called to be the pastor of Bethany in 1937 and it
was under his pastoral leadership the church name was changed from Bethany to Bethel Baptist Church;
and
WHEREAS, during the 1960'. -.enormous growth occurred for ~~Bethel Baptist Church. Membership
grew by more than 300, new deacons were added and a building fund was initiated that led to the
purchase of land where Bethel _is currently located. And,,in 1.966, Reverend McLaughlin retired after 34
years of dedicated service`to the church, and was elected Pasfor Emeritus in 1967; and
WHEREA, worship services were expanded to.every Sunday irr,Jariuary 1968 when the Reverend John
B. Doe, Jr. took charge as pastor and it was through his leadership `the -church constructed the current
worship facility that opened for .worship on June 29, 1971; affording opportunities to begin Vacation
Bible School, a day care center; scouting programs as well as many other activities for its members; and
WHEREAS, Bethel Baptist Church continued to grow under the pastoral leaderships of the Reverend
William Spencer, Jr., Reverend Bravell Dodd, Sr., and Reverend Thomas D. Johnson, Sr.. After
Reverend Thomas ,Johnson's resignation on November 27, 2005, church members banned together
under the leadership of the deacons to search for a new pastor, and built a new fellowship all, kitchen,
restrooms and classrooms to accommodate many programs for which to do the Lord's work; and
WHEREAS, on June 26, 2009 the congregation elected the Reverend Clarence D. McLaughlin as
pastor of Bethel Baptist Church who continues to lead the church in the Lord's work; then
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED, that the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors congratulate the
Bethel Baptist Church on its 145 year anniversary of faithful worship, their unwavering spirit for
continuous growth despite social pressures and economic limitations of each era, community service and
missionary works, and wish the Bethel Baptist Church and its congregation many more years of
blessings.
Given under my hand this 17th day of August 2010.
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eery A. avis, Jr., Chairman
~~1 Pittsylva 'a County Board of Supervisors
William D. Sleeper, Clerk
Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors