Williams, a young adult choir was organized, junior deacons were appointed, and cornerstone and mortgage burning ceremonies were held. Eddie Nails organized the church’s brotherhood and supervised the purchase of a church bus. However, later during his tenure, the church membership was divided with a portion of the group organizing a new Baptist church, Koinonia Missionary Baptist Church. The final payment on the parsonage was liquidated under the leadership of Rev. Collier, pride in the new church environment and motivation created a desire to strive for continued progress which led to the purchase of the parsonage on 16th Street, the addition of a church fellowship hall, and overhead coverage at the church’s entrance. Six area pastors and their congregations shared in the church opening celebration services. Collier, and the congregation officially opened its new edifice at 1680 18th Street in the Newtown area. On Sunday, October 26, 1973, Bethlehem’s pastor, Rev. for the construction of a new church sanctuary. Howell, property was purchased on 18th St. To meet the needs of a growing congregation, a basement, including a baptismal pool was added under the Pastorate of Rev. After some time, the church and Sunday school population steadily increased requiring additional space. The small one-story structure was later expanded under the Pastorate of Rev. Their primary concern was to meet the needs of the Bethlehem congregation. Sally Mays Deacon Levi Atkins and wife Malinda Tony Colson Robert Dailey Robert Harris Willis Washington Corrie W.

Many individuals gave freely of their time to the church and community. Mott and Josie Washington loaned Bethlehem the money to purchase the first pews. Irene Colson deeded the land needed to erect a sanctuary for the Baptist portion of the non-denominational church.

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