Bethel Baptist Church - 100 Years - Whitewright, TX - Commercial Commemorations on Waymarking.com

The church observed their hundredth anniversary in 1984 with the placement of a gray, granite marker that noted their centennial:

Bethel Baptist Church
Organized April 16, 1884
Dedicated lay members began
weekly prayer services June 1875
in the school house. Property
deeded to Bethel Church
By Mr. & Mrs. J.P. Autrey in 1897.

Charter Members
Mr. & Mrs. J.P. Autrey
Mr. & Mrs. B.F. Blanton
Mr. & Mrs. J.F. Holland
Mr. & Mrs. E.F. Jones
Mrs. Sarah Miller

First Pastor       Rev. Bob Thomas
         1884             1984

At the same time, a Texas Historical Marker was placed, and it provides some history:

This congregation grew from an early prayer group, established in the Bethel community in 1875. A small group met in the schoolhouse, which also served as a community center, for weekly prayer and Bible study. On April 16, 1884, nine men and women met to organize the Bethel Baptist Church. These charter members were Mr. and Mrs. J.P. Autrey, Mr. and Mrs. B.F. Blanton, Mr. and Mrs. J.F. Holland, Mr. and Mrs. E.F. Jones, and Mrs. Sarah Miller. The Rev. Bob Thomas served as first pastor. The small congregation grew rapidly and soon had more than 150 members.

In 1897, this property was deeded to Bethel Baptist Church by Mr. and Mrs. J.P. Autrey. In the same year, during the pastorate of J.M. Harder, a one-room sanctuary was constructed. A 1918 storm damaged the building, but it was repaired and the congregation continued to worship there until another was constructed in 1937.

Throughout its history, Bethel Baptist Church has served as a focal point for the small community. The congregation continues to maintain the ideals and traditions of its pioneer founders.

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According to the Texas Historical Commission's Atlas, the 1937 sanctuary was razed in 2007 and replaced with this new building.

Anniversary Year: 1984 Year of Event, Organization or Occurance: 1884 Address: 3072 TX 160 Whitewright, TX USA 75491 Website: [Web Link]

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