Bethel Baptist Church – The Church Journey
August 04, 2020 – http://mynetzone.com/
I had the privilege to visit Bethel Baptist Church in Townsend Tennessee. The church has a long history going back prior to 1803. June 12 1955 was a happy day for the church as they dedicated a new church structure, which is the one in use today. The previous structure was torn down in June 1954 to start construction on the new church building. This 150-year-old church has a rich history, which the present congregation takes pride in their heritage. [1]
MY JOURNEY:
During my research I found a couple of older newspaper articles with the oldest dating back to August 19, 1909 the annual session of the Chilhowee Baptist Association held met at the old Bethel Baptist Church at Townsend. [2] June 19 1941 The Bethel Baptist Church of Townsend held a most successful training school. Mr. Arthur Hancock taught: “Fields of Service in the Church” “Living for Jesus” Forty-six completed the weeks work. [3]
During my visit I walked around taking pictures of the Red Brick church located on a hill with a view of the Smoky Mountains. The front of the building has a Colonial Revival look with concrete steps leading up to the main entry. The church side walls have large rounded top arched windows going down the side of the building. The windows allow natural light to flow into the sanctuary. This beautiful church that was erected in 1955. The well-kept cemetery is located in the adjacent lot beside the church building.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
June 19 1941 The Bethel Baptist Church facilitated training school for “Fields of Service in the Church” “Living for Jesus” What wonderful topics for training others to serve. Mark 10: 45 covers Christ’s attitude of servanthood. Jesus was humble, willing to obey God and serve people. Like Jesus, we should have a servant’s attitude, serving out of love for God and for others, not out of guilt or fear. If we say we follow Christ, we must also say we want to live as he lived. We should develop his attitude of humility as we serve, even when we are not likely to get recognition for our efforts.
FELLOWSHIP:
With the National emergency for the COVID-19 virus many churches are remaining closed during the week only providing limited capacity openings on Sundays. At the time of my visit the church was closed, so I spent time outside the church in meditation and prayer.
DETAILS:
Church Website: https://www.bethelbaptisttownsend.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BethelBaptistChurchTownsendTN
Date Visited: 2020 April 28.
Location: 132 Bethel Church Road, Townsend, Tn.
If you would like to learn more about this church, upcoming events, or listen to a sermon I encourage you to visit the church website listed above.
May our Lord continue to bless this church in Jesus name.
“A pupil is not above the teacher, but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher.” – (Luke 6:40)
Please Pray for all our churches as they continue to face challenges in the year 2020.
May this find you well and happy, God Bless
PICTURE GALLERY: Inside pictures provided by the church website.
REFERENCES:
- Newspaper com, “Bethel Church Townsend dedicates New Structure” (1955 July 07) Page 15. The Baptist And Reflector, (Nashville Tn.)
- Newspaper com, “Ministers Attending Chilhowee Meeting” (1909 August 19) Page 5 The Knoxville Journal, Knoxville Tn.
- Newspaper com, “Ministers Attending Chilhowee Meeting” (1941 June 19) Page 13 Page 15. The Baptist And Reflector, (Nashville Tn.)
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