| Weekly Service |
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Sunday
Church School: 9A
Morning Worship: 10:30A
Youth Service: 5:30p
Evenint Worship: 7p
Tuesday:
Senior Golden Years Organization: 9a
Noon Day Prayer: 12p
Wednesday:
Prayer/Bible Study: 7:30p
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF BISHOP U.I. MCCALL
Founding Pastor of Bethel Apostolic Church (1957-1999)
"And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, 'Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them." -Revelation 14:13
 The late Bishop U.I. McCall, son of the late Maxie and Annie Bell McCall, was born and reared in Florence County. At a very young age, his father died, and his mother married the late Willie Davis, Sr. Willie Davis, or "Papa" as he was called, raised Bishop McCall as his son. As he grew into adulthood, he was joined in holy matrimony to the former Louise Robinson. At an early age, he made a decision to move to Winston-Salem, NC, where he was employed by the R.J. Reynolds Company for more than 30 years. While residing in Winston-Salem, he became affiliated with the Christ Temple Holiness Church under the leadership of the late Bishop Eli Daniels. He affirmed his belief in the Apostolic Doctrine by being baptized in Jesus' Name and receiving the Holy Ghost on August 1, 1952. Shortly afterwards, he was anointed to preach and served faithfully as assistant pastor to Bishop Daniels from 1955-1959.
Being inspired by God, he came back to Florence and started the church "Bethel" with only five members. Services were initially held under the chinaberry tree in the yard of Deacon and Sister Nettles (2 of 5 of the original members). They then decided to hold services in the Nettles' home. The first sanctuary was erected at 528 S. Charlotte Street in February 1962. Bishop McCall the vision of our sanctuary at 1110 E. Walnut Street. We moved into this place of worship in 1975 and were blessed to pay off the mortgage in less than three years.
In 1986, we purchased the Old Wilson High School, completed the first stage of renovation in May 1989. It has been 50years since Bishop McCall became founding pastor of Bethel, but history speaks for itself. Bishop McCall was certainly a "Man with a Vision," and he, along with his congregation, was able to make much progress with God's help.
After commuting from Winston-Salem to Florence each week for more than 30 years, Bishop McCall retired from R.J. Reynolds Company to become a full time pastor. He played an active role in community activities as a member of the Mayor's Advisory Board, Vice-President of Habitat for Humanity, a member of the FEMA Board, a member of the Ministerial Advisory Board of Francis Marion University, just to name a few.
On the national level, he was promoted to the office of Vice-Chairman of the United Churches of Jesus Apostolic, served as a member of the Board of Bishops, and a member of the Finance Committee until his death in 1999.
Bishop McCall's main goal was to help prepare souls to live eternally in heaven, but he also had a concern for the natural welfare of mankind. Because this desire to help humanity was evident, he was awarded the "Key to the City of Florence" in April 1982, an Honorary Congressional Pin, and a proclamation designating April 26 as Dr. U.I. McCall's Day in Florence. The city also dedicated and named the street adjacent to the church, Dr. U.I. McCall's Circle.
On October 23, 1999, the Lord called Bishop McCall from labor to reward after 40 years of dedication to Bethel. He will be missed, knowing that His span of ministering to the spiritual needs of so many people, has truly made a positive impact.
 Bishop U.I. McCall & Mother Lousie McCall
Mother L. McCall continues to press towards the mark of the high calling. She remains faithful, loving, caring, humbled! |
