The first pastor was Anderson Smith, who was pastor from 1828 until his death at the
age of forty-one from pleurisy, on March 21, 1841. He was not a licensed preacher but
was ordained to the ministry at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Upson County, Georgia,
on November 5, 1828.

Church History Timeline:

• March 20, 1875 - A severe cyclone blew Bethesda Church and all its
  records away. The church was rebuilt with help from the Columbus
  Baptist Association in a year’s time.
  
  
• 1893 - The building was torn down and moved by wagons, and rebuilt
  at Highway 85 and 315.
  
  
• 1911 - Bethesda was remodeled.
  
  
• 1917 - Bethesda was destroyed by fire. Only the organ and the altar
  Bible were saved. The church was rebuilt in one month’s time by the
  Lovejoy Brothers Architects. This building is known today as Bethesda
  Baptist Church.
  
  
• September 1971 - A fellowship hall, kitchen, and Sunday School rooms
  were added to the rear of the building. The work was done by church
  members.
  
  
• June 14, 1987 - The sixth building dedication service of Bethesda was
  held for our new Educational Building.
  
  
• December 1, 1992 - Bethesda Baptist Church burned. The stained
  glass windows, pews and altar furniture were saved.
  

• January 30, 1994 - The Child Care Center and a new addition to the
  sanctuary were dedicated.
  
      Family Life Center
  
  
• February 4, 2001 - Ground breaking service was held for the Family Life
  Center and Education Building.
  
  
• November 18, 2001 - A dedication service for the Family Life Center and
  the Educational Building was held.

See Future Plans for Expansion >>