Old Bethlehem Baptist Church
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H A R T O N C O U N T Y |
Marker No. 20121
Aluminum 27 x 42 Subject Marker
Geographic:
Location: 1514 CR 100, Boling
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Marker Text: Following the Civil War, many freemen and women formed communities. Churches also formed as a way to educate and offer support during a tumultuous time. Along with spiritual guidance, the community church was an escape from hard manual labor with picnics, church socials and regular worship services.
Bethlehem Baptist Church officially organized in 1885 by sharecroppers and the descendants of enslaved people who worked on the plantations and farms along Caney Creek formerly known as Cranbrake Creek. Land was donated from Mrs. Lucy Lincoln and members Harrison Cooper, Charlie Bogan and Reverend Paige constructed the church and handmade wooden pews. According to a handwritten narrative by church member Ida Mae Roberson MIlls. The first deacons were Ned Roberson, Doc Davis and Felix Roberson with Walter James. Henry James. Henry Taylor and Frank Roberson as trustees and Elizabeth Roberson as church clerk. Other founding members were Johnny Laws, Alfond Davis and William King. After a storm destroyed the church in 1928, the congregation split and the church changed their name to Old Bethlehem Baptist Church. Members of Rockwest Baptist Church donated and installed a church bell which was a community signal of church events. In addition to religious services and events, the church also served as a school for local African American children as education was valued in the community. Many members went to earn advanced degrees and enter professional careers. Although the church building is no longer in use, the church is a reminder of the traditions and heritage of the Caney Creek area. (2018) |