About Us
Belief in the Bible
Greater Bethlehem Missionary Baptist church, an offspring of Greater Union Baptist Church of Deland, was organized in March of 1908 by Rev. Young. The first service was held in the Masonic hall on the corner of New Street and Adelle Ave. The first pastor was Reverend J.A. Davis. He served for twelve years. Under his pastorate, a church was built on the present site in December 1908.The founders were John Rogers and children, Arthur and Jerusha Rogers and children, Lewis and Ella Anderson and children, Robert and Elizabeth Winn and daughter, Alvin and Amanda Anderson, John and Alice Durrant and children, John and Pauline Macarthur and children, Walter and Bessie McCormick and daughter, William Hill, Emmanuel Winn and others.The building was remodeled several times and for the last time under the administration of the late Rev. E. Thompson. The parsonage of the church was built in the early 1930's The annex, which was used for church services, was built during the administration of Rev N.J. Birdsong in 1960.Birdson, where he served for about six years. The old church was torn down to make a new foundation for the present church under the leadership of the late Rev. Robert Peterson. The first service in the new church was held the first Sunday in May of the year 1967. His tenure lasted from May 1964 until 1970, where he resigned due to illness. Afterwards, Rev. Emmons Thompson served for twelve years.
Former pastors of Bethlehem include Rev. J. Davis, Rev John McKenzie, Rev. J. Maxwell and Bishop Garry Tyson who served the church from April 1993 until November 2003. Under Tyson's leadership, many young people were saved and membership increased. It was during his tenure at Bethlehem, when he was elevated to the office of Bishop. Some of the early deacons were John Rogers, Arthur Rogers, Elijah Paul, Walter McCormick, Mose Wiggins, James Livingston, John Brown, John Bethel, Albert Wilson, Miles McMillan , McKinley Brown, and Henry Philpot. The first Clerk of the church was Alvin Anderson, who was also the first superintendent of the Sunday school. Deacon Henry Philpot also served in this capacity. Alice Durrant served as church clerk for over 25 years. Bessie McCormick served as clerk until she passed. Marry Trottie and Freddie L. Tomlinson served as church clerk for many years. Idella Miller was the first organist and played on the churches "pump organ" in those early days. Other musicians were Mae Johns, Mazie Rogers Brown, Bessie Harris, Matize Hoskins, and Minister Todd Dawson. Ushers who served for many years include the late Mattie Allen and Gussie Ross who has led the ushers for over 25 years until her passing in 2010. Now Lee Heath serves in that capacity. Carrie LaCapra served as financial secretary for over twenty-five years. Bethlehem's current pastor is Rev. Dr. Wendell H. Raulerson who has been serving faithfully since 2004.
Deacon David Livingston served as chairman of the Deacon Board until his death early 2008. The current Deacon Chairman is Deacon Darrell Price and serving Deacons are Deacon Lloyd Pryce and Deacon Willie Ware.