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In 1866, with the support of First Baptist Church, the Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church was founded,
and a wooden frame building was erected on today’s location. In 1917, Bethesda constructed the first black church in
the area, built of brick. On November 22, 1936 this sanctuary was almost completely
destroyed by fire. Dedicated members and friends rebuilt the church within one
year with practically no new debt. In the 1950’s an annex was added and neighboring houses were purchased. During the 1990’s, major renovations
were completed in the kitchen, fellowship hall and office areas; space was cleared for expansion and for a parking lot. During the last 5 years, a rental property has been completely remolded for church
activities and the Bethesda Life Center has been completed with a large fellowship hall, commercial kitchen, library, classrooms,
baptismal pool, modern rest rooms, closed curcuit television for the fellowship hall, foyer, pastor's office and kitchen have
been added, along with an elevator lift and beautiful administrative and pastorial offices.
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