Our History

The Bethlehem Baptist Union was organized on August 10, 1910, at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Barnwell, South Carolina for the purpose of promoting the cause of Christ in every way possible and supporting the cause of education by contributing to institutions of higher learning and aiding students endeavoring to improve their educational standing. 

Thirteen ministers have served as moderator of the Union.  The first moderator was Rev. Scott Kennedy.  Other ministers who served as moderator were: Rev. A. Hair, Rev. Johnny Daniel, Rev. Isadore Ray, Rev. Zack Townsend, Rev. J. S Wright, Rev. Jacob Williams, Rev. Monroe Bush, Jr., Rev. W. M. Rivers, Rev. M. D. Bates, Rev. W. S. Walker, Rev. Eddie Williams, Jr., and our current moderator Rev. Harold Shepherd who was elected moderator on November 29, 2003.

The following men have served as secretary to the Union:  Deacon William Coleman (Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church), Deacon H. B. Bishop (Morris Chapel Baptist Church) who served more than 30 years; and Deacon Jacob Odom (Frost Branch Baptist Church) who served 31 years(1960-1991).  Deacon Lenon G. Brooker (Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church) served 22 years, June 29, 1991- October 2013. 

Two ladies have served as assistant secretary to the Union.  They are Mrs. Rosa B. White (Morris Chapel Baptist Church) who served this body faithfully for 46 years (1960-2006); and Ms. Sarah Broxton (Rome Baptist Church) who served from 2006-2013.   Ms. Broxton became the first lady to serve as secretary of the Union when she was elected to that position 2013 after the resignation of Deacon Lenon Brooker as secretary in 2013.  She continues to serve in that capacity.  The current assistant secretary is Mrs. Teresa Hughes (Sunshine Baptist Church). 

Those who served as treasurer of the Union over the years were: Deacon William Holman (Bethany Baptist Church), Deacon Samuel Johnson (Rosemary Baptist Church) who served more than 30 years.  After the resignation of Deacon Johnson in 1987, Deacon August Myers (Miller Swamp Baptist Church) served as Union treasurer until the year 2000.  Our current treasurer is Deacon Willmer Freeman (Mt. Zion Baptist Church) appointed after the death of Deacon Aquilla Miller (Mt. Zion Baptist Church) who was elected treasurer on October 29, 2000.

Two ladies have served as financial secretaries of the Union.  They are Mrs. Rumel Myers (Miller Swamp Baptist Church) who served for a number of years and our current financial secretary, Rev. Garneita W. Myers (Rosemary Baptist Church) who has been serving in this capacity since 2001.

In addition to the offices mentioned thus far, many other people have served this Union faithfully over the years as delegates and in other capacities that were so vital to the success and well being of the organization.  To mention a few, Mrs. Peggy White (Bethany Baptist Church) served as president of the Bethlehem Union Missionary Society for many years; and Mrs. Katherine Walker (Frost Branch Baptist Church) is serving in great distinction as our current president.  The past secretaries of the Missionary Society were Mrs. Claudine Graham (Frost Branch Baptist Church) and Mrs. Ellen Thomas (Central Baptist Church) who served faithfully until the end.  A deep sense of gratitude is due to all who have supported and served the Union beyond the call of duty over the years.

Highlights

  • Moderator Isadore Ray requested that “Blest Be The Tie That Binds” be sung at the end of each session of the Union.
  • Moderator Monroe Bush Jr. initiated the missionary hour and organized the Union choir.
  • Moderator W.S. Walker initiated the Union Building Fund campaign in which each church was asked to contribute $100.00 to the fund at each session of the Union.  The funds were subsequently turned over to the Bethlehem Baptist Association to support its building program.  For the years 1991-1998, the Union received and turned over to the Bethlehem Baptist Association $15,378.00 for its building program.
  • Moderator Eddie Williams, Jr. initiated the Union Scholarship Fund in 2001.  Since the inception of the scholarship program in 2001 to 2015, the Union has donated more than $55,000 to college students in the form of scholarships and student aid.
  • The Union missionary society is active in supporting the needs of individuals and community organizations.
  • In 2007, the Union purchased a 1.3 acres tract of land in Denmark, SC for $10,000 to construct a building on.  However, in 2011, the Union sold the tract of land purchased in 2007 and purchased a building and lot in Denmark, SC for $55,000.  Currently, the building has been completely renovated to meet the needs of the Union.
  • The Union was incorporated by the state of South Carolina on January 15, 2008, as the Bethlehem Baptist Union, Inc.
  • The Union received the Internal Revenue Service 501 (c) (3) tax exempt status as a nonprofit organization on September 21, 2012.
  • In October 2015, the Bethlehem Baptist Union held it’s Open House at its newly renovated building located at 5556 Carolina Highway in Denmark, South Carolina.
  • The Bethlehem Baptist Union first official event at the renovated building, the 11th Annual Scholarship Banquet, was held at the Bethlehem Baptist Union Building on November 20, 2015.
  • The first church to host the first quarterly meeting of the Bethlehem Baptist Union on January 30, 2016, was Eden Baptist Church.
  • On Sunday November 6, 2016 the Bethlehem Baptist Union Missionaries celebrated their first Annual Missionary Anniversary at the Union Building.
  • The Bethlehem Baptist Union received a grant from USDA toward a STEM program for seven through 12th grade to students from the BBU churches and other from the three counties within the BBU service area. Say something here about other donors.  Grants and donations have been received from other entities including South Carolina Electric & Gas Corporation, Dominion Energy Corporation, United Way Association of South Carolina, Walmart, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of South Carolina, Tri-County Community (Allendale, Barnwell, and Bamberg) Foundation, Home Federal Savings & Loan Association, and other businesses, organizations, churches, and individuals.
  • The Bethlehem Baptist Union conducted its first two week Summer Enrichment Program July 22 – August 1, 2019, with 55 students.
  • The BBU missed it’s first (Anniversary)session in January 2020 due to covid-19 coronavirus. Subsequent sessions are being held virtually until it is safe to return to the Union building.
  •  The Bethlehem Baptist Union conducted its second two-week Summer Enrichment Program July 19 – 30, 2021, with 38 students.

In conclusion, the Union has remained a viable organization for one hundred and eleven years, because it was founded upon a rock.  Because of its firm foundation and level of commitment, it has withstood the many obstacles it has faced over the years. Through it all, we have come this far by faith, by just leaning on the Lord.  We pray God’s continued blessings upon this body that it may continue to “support the cause of Christ and education.” 

Compiled and revised by:

Lenon G. Brooker, Clerk

March 26, 2013

 

Second Revision

Sara Broxton, Clerk

January 28, 2017

 

Third Revision                                                                                                    

Sara Broxton, Clerk

December 7, 2021.