The beginning September 10, 1966-a group of believers acting on faith joined together and conceived BethelBaptistChurch. One hundred and twenty years after the FranklindaleBaptistChurch was built the building was purchased by BethelBaptistChurch in 1967 for $7,500. The dedicated faithful worshipped God, held Sunday School and other meetings in the church basement, where a potbelly stove was the source of heat. They worked feverishly removing mounds of debris, replacing broken windows with stained glass, and beautifying the sanctuary as they readied the "ole ship of Zion" for the dedication of a new church.
On Sunday afternoon, October 15, 1967, the congregation gathered with community people in attendance for the official dedication of BethelMissionaryBaptistChurch, the new name of the church. The seeds to grow spiritually as well as physically were sewn during the first decade of worship and praise under the first three pastors: the Reverend Clarence T. Carson (1966); Reverend Gordon E. Henderson (1967-74); and Reverend Willie L. Hardin (1975-78). These leaders were the "foundation builders" during BethelMissionaryBaptistChurch's first decade of worship and praise, as they served the congregation in a part-time capacity. The church was incorporated on September 18, 1976.
Church growth The second decade was punctuated with the need for a full-time pastor to minister to the growing congregation and to nurture new programs. The Reverend Eddie L. McBride was installed as the first full-time pastor serving from 1979-81. In August, 1982 the Reverend Dr. Edward L. Hunt affirmed the offer to serve as pastor. On November 28, 1982 he was installed as the fifth pastor. Pastor Hunt has led the church through the second and third decades of worship and praise and is embarking on the fourth decade. The Glory of God has touched the Bethel family with continuous blessings, which is reflected today through the work of those connected to the church. The Deacon Ministry has twelve ordained deacons; five associate ministers; thirteen deaconess; two deaconess emeriti, seven trustees and eight church officers. There are five choirs, an Usher Ministry, weekly Prayer and Bible Study meetings in addition to SundaySchool, which includes age/grade level classes as well as adult specialty classes. There are a myriad of ministries: AIDS, Audio, Black History, Drama, Education, Health, Hospitality, Liturgical Dance, Men's Fellowship, Missionary, Pastor's Aid, Prison, WIRED Media, Young Children's Bible, and Youth Advisory. During the year there are spiritual retreats for men, women and youth as well as a summer Vacation BibleSchool.
Since 1982 the Music Ministry has presented the annual Christmas concert. In January the church has hosted the Martin Luther King, Jr., Community Commemorative program since 1988. Three annual favorite events are Family and Friends Day (May), Scholarship Luncheon (June), and the Church Picnic in July. Christian Chronicles, Bethel's bi-mothly newsletter, has been published since 1999.
In 1997, the need for additional meeting space spurred the congregation to approve the purchase of the Kerrigan House for $137,500. This 1830, 13-room edifice, referred to as the Bethel Annex, was located across Prospect Street adjacent to the church and was acquired to provide space for the Church School as well as other events. On November 16, 2002, an additional Sunday worship service was instituted permitting two Sunday worship services at 8 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. The Bethel family stands on the threshold of the fourth decade of worshipping and praising God for His goodness and mercy.
Building a new church The faith in God demonstrated in 1966 to establish a church is now the same faith to build a new church building. In 2005 the Bethel family approved a two-phase building plan. Phase I, the building of a 556 seat sanctuary on the former site of the Bethel Annex, was to be completed in October 2008. On Pentecost Sunday, May 11, 2008, a fire destroyed the three-quarters completed building. Through prayer and the generous financial support of churches, Dutchess County citizens, and others, the second building is under construction. With continued prayers and support, the new church edifice will be occupied in 2009. When Phase I is completed, it will be the first new church built in the Village of Wappingers Falls since 1875. God has prevailed as Bethel has survived the maze of hearings, permits, and approvals to start Phase I. The Capital Campaign, launched in 2005, is gearing up with activities, events and celebrations to nurture the seeds of faith to help finance the building plan.
The beginning of the fourth decade of worship and praise is shrouded in faith as the Bethel family enters a new era in its history. The membership of the church is over 400 worshippers praising His name and trusting in His will as He leads the BethelMissionaryBaptistChurch in ministering for salvation to future generations.
" ...the angelof God spoke unto me...And I said, Here am I...[God said to Jacob]I am the God of Bethel..." Genesis 31:11-13
