A Blessed History  Bethlehem Baptist Church was established in 1870 by Rev. Green Medlin. The first services were held in various homes of the members. However, this method of worshipping proved to be quite challenging. A “Brush Arbor” was constructed and the members worshipped there for a while. Rev. Medlin remained as pastor for 22 years. In 1892, Rev. J. P. Phillips was called to the ministry. He conducted services in the old school house located at what is now 1188 West Broad Street. There was still a need for a church building. Arrangements were made to purchase a lot, by Deacons Ben Wyatt, Link Briscoe, and Jerry Bush. Later, Mr. J. H. Wright deeded an acre of land to the church. More land was eventually purchased from Mr. Herman Lawson. The land is located on what is now known as East Broad Street. In 1896, a church and a parsonage were built. How happy the members were to have a place to worship God. There was an “Amen Corner” and a pot bellied stove. From 1914 until 1924 several men led the church; Rev. Phillips (in 1914 for 22 years), Rev. Upshaw (presided for a short time), Rev. H. T. Wise (1915-1917), Rev. W.A. Washington (1917), Rev. Spocks (1918-1919), Rev. Banner (1919-1920). The church records are not complete of who the pastor was during the period of 1920-1924. In 1925, Rev. James Weaver accepted the pastorate of the church. He remained with the congregation until 1930. He was succeeded by Rev. Flowers who was the pastor, until 1931. Rev. E. L. Pulluam led the church in 1931 until 1932; he was instrumental in starting the choir. In 1932, Rev. C. C. Carson came and the membership increased. Under his guidance progress was made. The church joined Zion Rest District Association and later the Elm Grove District Association. Rev. Carson was the pastor for nine (9yrs.). From 1941 until 1946 several men led the church; Rev. C. C. McNeil (1941-1943), Rev. N. R. Washington (stayed 6 months), Rev. I. L. Smith (1943-1945) and Rev. T. P. Thomas (1945-1946). In 1946, Rev. L. E. Billingslea accepted the pastorate. Under his leadership the original Bethlehem Baptist Church building (located a few blocks east of the current facility) was remodeled. He is credited for leading the initial effort of the development of homes on West Broad which was known at the time as the unincorporated area of “Harmony Hill.” Also under his leadership, there came vibrant church growth and sons in the ministry (Rev. Lawrence E. Lawson and Rev. Frank Marshall, who are now pastor’s of their own congregations). Rev. Billingslea served the church faithfully until ill health beset him and he was called home in February of 1972. In 1972, Rev. O. V. Hall led until 1975. In that year, all liens on the church were cleared. In December 1975, Rev. C. D. Sammons took the helm of the Old Ship of Zion and directed a safe and progressive voyage. With his deep convictions and spiritual fervor, he aided the members in achieving the aspirations of the late Rev. L. E. Billingslea. During his pastorate the Willie Earl Brown Elementary School was purchased and is now our present worship location. Rev. Sammons served as shepherd of the flock until he was called to pastor Zion Baptist Church located in Dallas, Texas in April 1991. He also led the church through several renovation projects. In May 1991, with a unanimous vote Rev. Michael A. Evans, Sr. was called to pastor the Bethlehem Baptist Church. At the age of 24, he was the youngest pastor ever called to serve at Bethlehem Baptist Church. Under his leadership as the senior pastor the church has been incorporated. Currently the church oversees the Bethlehem Baptist Church Education Enrichment Inc., (which is a non-profit organization designed to enhance local children’s ability to study and achieve their educational goals). The Lord has blessed the creation of the Historical West Mansfield Community Development Corporation, (a non-profit corporation dedicated to the on-going economic and community development of the West Broad Corridor). Throughout his pastorate, the Lord has blessed the building to be paid off and new facilities to be built. Pastor Evans has made it clear that as you work for the up-building of God’s kingdom it doesn’t matter who gets the credit because, “GOD IS THE MAIN ATTRACTION” at Bethlehem Baptist Church. With the present growth rate both spiritually and numerically, we hope to achieve goals that were once impossible. As a visionary, Pastor Evans gave us hope for the future with the construction of the T.M. Moody Community Gymnatorium. The gymnatorium is named after Deacon T. M. Moody who served as Chairman of Deacons under the pastoral leadership of Rev. C.C. Carson, Pastor L.E. Billingslea, Rev. Hall and Rev. C.D. Sammons. Deacon Moody was known as a local trail blazer who led in the fight to desegregate the schools in Mansfield. He was a leader and one of the founders of the Fort Worth City Wide Brotherhood. The facility will serve as a temporary worship venue, a permanent recreation facility and a community gathering place. Pastor Evans has a vision to advance the West Broad Community to the point of equal economic and social status with that of the greater Mansfield and Southeast Tarrant County area. The goal of constructing the gymnatorium is now a reality with the completion of that project. We marched into the Gymnatorium facility on July 2nd, 2006, one year ago today. The T.M. Moody Gymnatorium has brought Bethlehem Baptist Church many new programs, the T.M. Moody Enrichment Program, an After School Program and Camp Kumbaya just to name a few. Additional construction phases are in our future, a larger sanctuary, the development of a senior adult living village south of the new gymnatorium, a town center complex to include convenience shopping and other services. Our future is bright! Under the present administration, our church has expanded the concept of the Baptist Training Union to Discipleship Training (an educational program for children, youth and adult members that help to equip people for ministry beyond the walls of the sanctuary). The program has proven to be a source of spiritual strength for our church and community. The Bethlehem Baptist Church is swiftly moving to become a church that is known for missions and ministry endeavors geared toward meeting the calling of the great commission of our Lord. One major example of God’s blessing is evident in the services rendered through the Hope House Community Service Network. Hope House has helped 100s of people rebuild their lives physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Hope House’s motto is “where there are hurts, habits, and hang-up, there is Hope”. The Hope Clinic meets the physical needs, while the Hope House meets the spiritual needs of people on the road to recovery. Through much humility and recognition of the guiding hand of our Lord and Savior, our future as a fellowship of baptized believers is brighter. Together we realize that the road will be tough, the battle will be hard fought, but with God, as stated by the Apostle Paul, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” As a unified church body, bound by the Father, challenged by the Holy Spirit, and encouraged by Jesus the Christ, we look forward to tomorrow with great promise. During the span of more than 135 years, the Bethlehem Baptist Church, that had it’s beginnings with only a few members has grown spiritually, numerically, and financially, and she is still growing. Under Pastor Evans’ leadership there came a number of people answering the call to ministerial service. According to information given by various people, the church has been under the leadership of nineteen pastors, including the present administration. May God Bless Bethlehem and may God Bless You!
Location
1188 West Broad Street
Mansfield, TX 76063
(817) 473-1236
    Driving Directions
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Service Times
Sunday
7:45am Worship
9:35am Sunday School
11:00am Worship
 
Wednesday
7:00pm Worship