Bethlehem Baptist Church History

 

Bethlehem Baptist Church was started in 1945 when disciples of the Pilgrim Baptist Church decided to begin a new branch of Zion in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn, New York. It began as a mission known as The Holy Mission, located at 439 Dumont Avenue in Brooklyn. The ministers who served with the mission were Rev. Frank Dennard, Rev. Demond Freeman and Rev. William Middleton.

 

The Holy Mission became Bethlehem Baptist Mission and in 1946 and elected it’s first Pastor, Rev. J.H. Houston. Under Rev. Houston’s leadership, the Bethlehem Baptist Mission was recognized as a Baptist church by The Live Oak Association and incorporated as Bethlehem Baptist Church in 1946 and purchased a building at 327 Powell Street.

 

 In 1951, the cornerstone was laid under leadership of Rev. S.S. Donnell.

                         

 In 1956, the mortgage was burned under leadership of Rev. Tate. 

       

 In 1959, Rev. Samuel H. Johnson, Jr., became the fourth pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church.

       

 In 1968, under leadership of  Rev. James I. Williams, noted evangelist and singer, Bethlehem Baptist Church began renovation plans and secured property at 438 Blake Avenue as an apartment house for the church.

                       

In 1970, Rev. Roland J. Nyman, age 22 became the youngest Pastor in New York City as Pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church.  Under his leadership the renovations were completed and paid in full.

                       

 In 1982, under Rev. Nyman’s leadership, Bethlehem Baptist Church acquired its present property at 1962-84 Linden Blvd.

                       

In 1987 under Rev. Nyman’s leadership the mortgage was satisfied.

                       

February 22, 1989, Rev. Larry William Camp was elected Pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church. Under the leadership of Pastor Camp, the sanctuary and office were renovated. New ministries have been instituted to meet the needs of the congregation and community.

                       

Some of the various ministries instituted include the Outreach Ministry, New Discipleship Orientation, Women of Great Faith Ministry, Liturgical Dance Ministry, Good Friday Evening Service, Black History Program, Men’s Ministry, Bethlehem Christian Education Center, Leadership classes, noon prayer service, Greeters Ministry, various workshops and seminars, retreats, worship services to Build Great Minds for a Greater Witness!

                         

In 2009 Bethlehem Baptist Church adopted new BYLAWS.

                       

In 2011 Bethlehem Baptist Church obtained 501(c) status.

 

Pastor Camp’s vision for Bethlehem Baptist Church and community is "Building Great Minds for a Greater Witness".  Building Great Minds for a Greater Witness through Education and Economic Independence" and that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you," (I Thes. 4:11); Building Great Minds for a Greater Witness through Community Outreach "That ye may walk honestly toward them that are outside and that you may have lack of nothing." (I Thes. 4:12); Building Great Minds for a Greater Witness through Health and Prosperity "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." (III John 1:2).  "Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established." (Prov.16:3).

 

Along with the vision God has given to Pastor Camp, God has also given us goals as a congregation to continue to unite as a body in Christ and to move forward in preparing Bethlehem Baptist Church to be a vision of excellence from generation to generation.  By faith in God, Bethlehem continues to be "Sowers of the Vision" that will undoubtedly help in the development of our ministries, meet the needs of our communities, academically and spiritually equip our young people to become the future leaders of Bethlehem Baptist Church, their communities and more importantly, unwavering followers of Jesus Christ.

                       

Goals for a Vision of Excellence

 

• Continual enhancement of our Christian Education Center

• Strengthen resources for our Scholarship Fund

• Local broadcast media ministry

• Interior and exterior renovation of our property

• Establishment of a Ministry of Help for our diverse communities