MT. BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH

 

In 1957 there arose a
controversy between the Indians of Hollister, N.C. in regards to their private
school where worship services were being held. 
As a result, a division occurred with a small group setting out to establish
a church.  After contacting Rev. C.H.
Richardson to lead them, the group grew to eighty-nine members. 

 

With assistance from the
school principal, Rev. C.D. Brewington and several other ministers from the
Burnt Swamp Association in Robeson County, the church was organized on March
29, 1958.  Some ministers attending from
Robeson included Rev. Welton Lowery, Mr. Early Maynor, and Rev. R.W.
Maynor.  A groundbreaking ceremony was
held for a church facility.

 

Rev. C.H. Richardson, a former student of Fruitland Baptist
Bible Institute, was called to pastor the church.  Rev. Richardson was examined and ordained on
October 30, 1960.  Those participating in
the examination were Rev. R.W. Maynor, Mr. W.R. Richardson, Mr. Joseph H.
Brewington, Mr. Harvey E. Brewington, Mr. Leonard Bell, Mr. Eugene Richardson,
Mr. Rack Richardson, and Mr. Saint Jones Richardson.

Through the years, the church has grown to include a
variety of programs and services led by well-trained and dedicated
leadership.  In the late 1990’s the church
was destroyed by fire and a new facility constructed.  Leadership from the Burnt Swamp Association
has continued to play a vital role in the church’s on-going ministry.