The Bethlehem Baptist Church had its beginning during slavery. It seems that a small group of
slaves began to hold prayer meetings under a brush harbor on the old “Box Quarter”, presently
known as “Walker Farm”.
Located nearby was the “old tank” where thousands of souls gave their lives to Christ. It
continues to serve as a baptismal site. How or when the church was begun is unclear. However,
the name Bethlehem was appropriate. It’s meaning “House of Bread” gave each person
sustaining life.
There is no record of the first member of the church. Through extensive research it appears the
Rev. Jack Yates was the first Pastor. Under his leadership a log house was built for worship.
During the year 1855-1903 there were several men who served as leaders. It was in 1903 that
Rev. J.S. Slaughter guided the trustees into building the present church.
What a ‘Great Getting Up Morning: it was in 1918 or 1920 when over eighty candidates were
baptized in the Brazos River by Rev. A.A. Lucas. This was the largest baptism ever held by the
congregation of Bethlehem. In 1944, Rev. J.E. Dennis Baptized twenty-two candidates in the
‘Old Tank”.