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BETHLEHEM BAPTIST CHURCH

OUR STORY

Since 1872, Bethlehem Baptist Church has been a cornerstone of faith in the Round O, South Carolina community. Our history is a testament to what God can achieve through a dedicated body of believers. Originally founded to minister to the Hiotts and Centerville neighborhoods, we have spent over 150 years growing deep roots in this region.
 

Foundation and Early Growth
 

From its inception, Bethlehem was established as a strong, educated congregation. In our early years, the church was led by influential figures like the Rev. William Fox, whose character impacted generations.
 

  • Early Leadership: Our first ministers included Rev. Stephen W. Ackerman, Rev. J. S. Weeks, and Rev. W. R. Hiott.

  • Dedication: Our first clerk, Josiah Hiott, set a standard for service by holding his position for 33 years.

  • Resilience: Before we had a permanent home, our congregation met under brush arbors and in private residences.
     

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Rising from the Ashes
 

In 1897, we completed a proper church building that was considered one of the largest in the county. However, the congregation's faith was tested on February 10, 1910. As members gathered for Sunday School, a fire sparked by a wood stove burned the church to ashes in just 25 minutes, destroying all historical records.
 

Demonstrating incredible resolve, the members provided the money and labor to rebuild. Within just 14 months, a new, debt-free building stood in its place—a perfect replica of the original.
 

A Legacy of Mission and Ministry
 

Bethlehem has always looked beyond its own walls. We were among the first to support the "75 Million Mission Campaign" and have been a steady contributor to the Cooperative Program.

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  • 1917: The Sunbeams (our first missions organization) was founded.

  • 1919: The WMU was organized.

  • 1927: Training groups like the BYPU began.
     

Over our long history, we have been served by over 38 pastors. While our facilities have grown to include a pastorate and the Florrie Hiott Educational/Recreational Building, our core mission remains the same: serving our neighbors.

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