Bethel United Methodist Church
Celebrating 175 Years of Giving Glory to God
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			History
			(Excerpts taken from “Bethel United Methodist Church – A History of Her People” written by Jean Y. Meek in 1998) Bethel is a church with quite a history; one that is firmly rooted in the hills of Paulding County. It was organized shortly after the first settlers came to this area. It has grown from a remote rural church on a circuit of several churches, to a full time church with a charge of its own . . . . Bethel was founded during pioneer days as settlers came here by wagon trains to take up residency. While they cleared the land and built homes, they did not forget their spiritual needs. They soon built a “meeting house” about three miles from the present church on the old Rentz Estate, which was located on what is now Brownsville Road. They called it Bethel, “the place of God”. Very little is known about this part of Bethel’s early history. They lived as all early settlers did in those days, by the sweat of their brow. In the church yard they buried their dead and as time passed and more settlers moved in, they probably saw the need to have their church in a more populated place. This first site was left to the ravages of time. We know the second church was originally a log structure, built for a school and was located about one-half mile south of Sweetwater Creek on the west side of Highway 92. The property was given by Jacob Clonts. The third church, built in 1883, was across the road from the second building on Highway 92. This building was used for worship until it burned in 1923. The congregation had gathered for services that Sunday morning and the men and boys were able to save everything in the church. Plans were soon made to rebuild, but at a new location. Mr. J.R. (Bob) Ritch offered to swap some land to allow the church to relocate. The swap was accomplished and the present site of Bethel was selected and the fourth (and current) church was built, near the already established cemetery. Over the years, this church has seen many changes. Originally heated with pot-bellied stoves, these were replaced with gas heaters. In 1954 the United Methodist Women raised money to build the first fellowship hall and kitchen, which also included inside restrooms. In 1961 the main church was completely remodeled and Sunday School rooms were built, and during the early 1970’s a new fellowship hall was built and the old one made into Sunday School rooms. But, this is the physical part of the church. As we look again, the faces come into focus and we see those who were born here and brought up in this church. Then, in later years, we have seen the second generation of faithfuls as well as others who have moved in and joined the ranks of God’s servants - - We are all one body, regardless of how long we have been here at Bethel. Homecoming . . . The word has a beautiful sound; a warm familiar ring. The dictionary defines it as “a coming or returning to one’s home”. Each year on the third Sunday in September we come together to renew old acquaintances, honor those we have lost and meet new people. Each year there are empty places, some of the familiar faces are gone. But each year there are fresh new faces added and we know that Bethel will always continue and there will still be a Homecoming. Marking the Original Bethel Cemetery On December 9, 2009, a marker was set at the sight of the original Bethel Church and cemetery. This marker explains the (25) wooden crosses scattered about the plot of ground located in Taylor Farms Subdivision at the intersection of Blue Ridge and Yosemite (off of Brownsville Road). Even though the identity of each grave remains unknown, these people had a connection to the original Bethel Church. Directions to the cemetery: Go east on Brownsville Road to Pine Valley Road, turn left on Pine Valley and travel approximately 1 mile to Winter Park Lane (entrance to Taylor Farm Subdivision). Turn right onto Blue Ridge and the cemetery is on the left at the corner of Blue Ridge and Yosemite Street. The cemetery and the marker are visible from the street. (Current) Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery On May 3, 1839, one of the earliest settlers, Mr. Samuel Verner died. It is believed the first church was already gone, because the widow expressed the desire to bury him on someone’s property who “was settled for life”. Had church number one still been in existence, the logical place for the burial would have been in the church yard cemetery. As it was, the burial was made on the property of Jacob Clonts, who said he was settled for life; and thus Bethel Cemetery, at its present day location, came into existence. In 1946 the church chose to begin burials on the other side of the road next to the church. “Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:1-3
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Celebrating 175 Years of Giving Glory to God Historical Readings for 175^th Anniversary Celebration
“The Church in The Wildwood” There’s a church in the valley by the wildwood, No lovelier spot in the dale; No place is so dear to my childhood As the little brown church in the vale. Oh, come to the church in the wildwood, To the trees where the wild flowers bloom; Where the parting hymn will be chanted, We will weep by the side of the tomb. How sweet on a clear Sabbath morning, To list to the clear ringing bell; Its time so sweetly are calling, Oh, come to the church in the vale. From the church in the valley by the wildwood, When day fades away into night, I would fain from this spot of my childhood Wing my way to the mansions of light.
1444 Bethel Church Road, Hiram, Georgia 30141				Rev. Chris A. Branscomb – Pastor	Church Phone (770) 943-2532