Many of the earliest congregations in present-day Lee County were Presbyterian thanks to the influence of Scots-Irish settlers in neighboring Williamsburg County. Yet, the Baptists were not far behind in establishing churches. While Piedmont Baptist Church (no longer extant) was the first Baptist church organized in the area in 1810, it was closely followed by other congregations such as Bethany Baptist Church, shown here.
Bethany Baptist was formed in 1828. This house of worship was built for the congregation in 1860. Renovations to the historic church were made throughout the twentieth century, in 1952, 1973, and again in 1988. Though the exterior of the Greek Revival church is now covered in vinyl, its appearance remains essentially as it did in 1960. The church’s historic graveyard rests behind the sanctuary.
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Bethany Baptist Church is my mother’s home church, Mary Blanche McCoy Baker. Her mother was Mary Elizabeth “Bessie” Josey McCoy, daughter of Robert Josey. I remember as a young boy sitting in the slave balcony for the worship service. I have attended many Josey reunions there. I remember the time when the meals were outside on wooden tables in front of the church. I am 83 years old now and I have found memories of those days.
It sure sounds like some very sweet memories were shared there, thank you so much for sharing them with us!
When is homecoming?