Our
History
Based
upon biblical principles and a prompting by the Holy Spirit,
Bethany First Baptist Church was organized by its current
pastor, the Reverend Doctor Ronald Benson on January 6,
1980. While just a dream at the time, God blessed the church
to grow in spirit and truth as well as in numbers, beginning
with just 10 members, and reaching over 200 persons. In
the ensuing years, Bethany has reached thousands of persons
through its preaching, teaching, and counseling ministries,
which have been presented on radio and television. While
many of the founding members have transferred to other areas
of the country via the military, Bethany's ministry has
remained a viable source of strength and direction, and
continues touching the lives of people of all races.
In
1983, Bethany left Ella Austin Community Center and began
meeting in the Dellcrest Plaza Shopping Mall, 1800 S. W.
W. White Road. It was not long after that move, in September
of the same year, that Bethany located its present edifice
and began renting it by faith. The church building was originally
located at 4600 Highway 90 East, on the access road. It
was during this time period that Bethany experienced its
first miracle. On December 27, 1983 the church building
was donated free and clear to the congregation by its then
owners, the Bethany Joint Venture, made up principally of
Mr. Richard Wade and Mr. Jerry Haddocks. As a stipulation
to the gift, the church had to be moved. Through the help
of the Lord and His speaking to Mother Claudell Benson,
successful negotiations were achieved with Mr. Quincy Lee
and Mr. Ray Ellison for the purchase of our present location
at 202 Noblewood Drive. On April 26, 1986 Bethany moved
the building down the access road of Hwy 90 to its present
location. In May 1992, Bethany again experienced God's miracle
when it was given the Hazel Miller Building at 229 St. Johns
Street by Mr. Johnny and Mrs. Alberta Miller in memory of
Mrs. Hazel Miller, who was a pioneer in home day care services.
Both the church and the day care building each have over
6,000 square feet.
During
our brief history, we have been blessed to reach hundreds
of listeners in South Texas over radio stations KAPE, KSLR,
KSJL, and KCHL. The church continues to work with the community
on issues that affect the lives of its members, and welcomes
you to join in these soul winning, teaching and outreach
ministries. Your participation and that of your family,
children, grandchildren, and other relatives are an important
and integral part of the focus of Bethany First Baptist
Church. You are expected to take an active part in the life
of your church. We don not believe in so-called "bench
members".
When
you join Bethany, expect to go to work for the Lord.