History

Biblical Significance of Bethphage

The Beginning of Bethphage Lutheran Church

The officers of the congregation were Josephus Houser, Capt. Jacob W. Beam, and Philip Carpenter, Esq., Elders; Dr. Wiley  W. McGinnis,  Secretary; John Houser, Clerk.   Later, on March 30, 1861 Philip W. Carpenter was elected treasurer.  One hundred and sixty-nine members united with the congregation from its infancy.  The records show that the first funeral was held May 26, 1857 for Mr. Jacob Houser.  (A discrepancy may exist here as to the date for the congregation had not yet been organized; however, the church building may have been erected before the congregation was officially organized.)

The first confirmation class consisted of one person, Louisa Hoke, on May 8, 1859.   Another class, consisting of twenty members was confirmed later the same year.   Each year thereafter a class was confirmed.

The first worship services were held under a brush arbor.  These services often lasted from 8:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M.  The seats under the arbor were made of hand hewn logs.

The first Bethphage Church building was built in Lincoln County, NC in 1858 by Andy Hallman on land that had been given by Davy Shell.  It was a low framed structure with three doors, one on either side, and one in the end of the building.  Two laymen, Messrs. Lawson and Henry Houser often read the Bible to the congregation.   Two benches were provided for the Negro worshippers.

The Second Building

The first marriage performed in the second church was Miss Grace Leonard and Mr. Melvin Leonhardt by the Rev. J. C. Deitz on January 14, 1912.

The Third and Present Building

As years passed and the congregation continued to grow under the blessing of God, it again became necessary, in 1926, to build a new and still larger building.  This third building was erected under the leadership of the Rev. F. M. Speagle.  The new, beautiful, and modern brick building still stands as the present house of worship across the road facing the old church site.  The Church now overlooks the hallowed cemetery where rest the remains of many loved ones who fought life's battle, and endured

The first marriage performed in the present church was Miss Johnsie Leonard and Mr. Ira Saine by the Rev. J. J. Bickley, on May 11, 1929.  The first funeral service conducted in the present church was for Mr. Paul Hartsoe.  The first children baptized in the present church by Rev. F. M. Speagle were Fred M. Houser and Everette Houser.

This third Bethphage Church building was dedicated on May 29, 1938 at 10:45 A. M.   The regular Service of the Church was used, followed by the order for dedication of Churches.  The service was conducted by the Pastor, the Rev. H. P. Barringer, assisted by the Rev. F. M. Speagle and the Rev. J. L. Morgan, D.D., president of the United Evangelical Lutheran Synod of North Carolina.  The act of dedication was celebrated on the sixth anniversary of the pastorate of the Rev. J. P. Barringer.

On May 4, 1941 Bethphage Lutheran Church was rededicated by the Pastor, the Rev. Walter N. Yount, assisted by the Rev. J. L. Morgan, D.D., president of the Synod, who delivered the message of the day.  The congregation and visitors entered a church that had been completely refinished inside and furnished with oak Chancel Furniture, Candelabra, Altar Cross, Altar edition of the Common Service, Missal Stand, and Candle Lighter.  Some of the furnishings and twenty-four of the pews were given in memory of deceased loved ones.   The Chancel Furniture, consisting of Altar, Reredos, Pulpit, Lectern, and Chairs were given Mr. and Mrs. C. O. Houser.

Pastoral Leadership

The Parsonage

The Parish Hall

A Full-Time Pastor

The Educational Building

The Family Life Center

List of Bethphage Pastors