How it all started...
Bethel Memorial Church was founded in January 24, 1930 by Rev. John C. Cummins. It was first called The Gospel Tabernacle and became known as Bethel Memorial Church in 1959. The 160 charter members came from Princeton, Ft. Branch, and neighboring communities. For several weeks, the congregation met at IOOF facility in downtown Princeton.
This building was rented while the new Tabernacle was being constructed on the corner of Prince and Pinkney street in Princeton. Volunteer labor was used in addition to a contractor. This was being built during the depression times and many of the congregation borrowed on their life insurance policies or cashed them in to make funds available for the project. The completed building was just a roof and walls that were not sealed inside.
This building was rented while the new Tabernacle was being constructed on the corner of Prince and Pinkney street in Princeton. Volunteer labor was used in addition to a contractor. This was being built during the depression times and many of the congregation borrowed on their life insurance policies or cashed them in to make funds available for the project. The completed building was just a roof and walls that were not sealed inside.
Current location
On July 7, 1974, the church moved to its new location on South Main, adding a new kitchen, nursery and classrooms to the sanctuary in 1980. Once again, God led the members to establish Bethel Christian School in 1981 and to construct a new sanctuary in 2005.
Although our physical structure has undergone various renovations over the years, the Lord has allowed us to continually share His word and His love through the adherence to His Word. We seek to encourage and instruct children through our Sunday School, Children's Church and Awana ministry. Bethel Christian School continues to offer a Christ-centered education for families in our surrounding area. The youth program ministers to middle and high school students, providing Biblical instruction, opportunities to serve and fellowship with their peers. Bethel’s varied adult ministries are focused on helping them grow in their faith and applying the truths of God's Word.
Although our physical structure has undergone various renovations over the years, the Lord has allowed us to continually share His word and His love through the adherence to His Word. We seek to encourage and instruct children through our Sunday School, Children's Church and Awana ministry. Bethel Christian School continues to offer a Christ-centered education for families in our surrounding area. The youth program ministers to middle and high school students, providing Biblical instruction, opportunities to serve and fellowship with their peers. Bethel’s varied adult ministries are focused on helping them grow in their faith and applying the truths of God's Word.
Where we are headed...
Bethel has a desire to grow its impact in the community around us. We want to be a hub of events, missions, and charities in the surrounding area. The future looks bright as we strive to make an impact for another 100 years.
As we look to the future, we are committed to learning God’s Word and growing in our love for the Lord and for one another. If you are looking for a church home, we would love to get to know and worship and serve our wonderful Lord together.
As we look to the future, we are committed to learning God’s Word and growing in our love for the Lord and for one another. If you are looking for a church home, we would love to get to know and worship and serve our wonderful Lord together.
