Events at Bethel

Bethel Celebrates Golden Anniversary

    Bethel Baptist Church celebrated its golden anniversary on October 4, 2009, exactly 50 years to the day it was begun by a small group of Pleasant Grove residents. At first the young congregation met in individual homes but within 14 months, moved into a new building. Since that time, the Lord has blessed the church with a larger sanctuary, additional educational space, and a Christian Family Life Center that is the hub of numerous activities for not just Bethel, but for various community functions as well.

    Bethel’s celebration was a time of reunion and remembrance for many current and former members. Other honored guests included Pleasant Grove resident and State Representative Pat Moore, who presented Pastor Rick Cato with a certificate to document House legislation commending Bethel’s history of ministry. Linda Rogers from the Alabama Baptist Historical Commission was also on hand to present a plaque commemorating the church’s milestone. A roll call of Bethel’s 123 charter members honored those whose vision led them to start the new church in 1959.

    Dr. David Potts, president of Judson College, was the guest speaker for the day. He cited numerous ways Bethel had “held the rope” of ministry through the years, and thanked members “for being faithful, for seeking to bring God’s kingdom into your heart, into your church, into the world.”

    Bethel’s mission to further the cause of Christ remains as urgent as it was when the church was born. But those who serve through Bethel now have the benefit of being blessed and encouraged by the example of others who led the way during the church’s first 50 years.