| Weekly Service |
 |
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
|
| |
|
History of Bethel Apostolic Church
 "Bethel" had it's humble beginning in 1957 when the Lord inspired Bishop U.I. McCall (who was Elder McCall at the time) to conduct a revival at the Joint Stock Hall on Mullins Street here in Florence, SC. During that revival, about 26 people were baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ, and many were filled with the Holy Ghost. At the age of 32, the Official Board of the United Churches of Jesus Apostolic felt that he was too young to pastor a church. Being a chosen vessel, the Lord inspired Bishop McCall some two years later to come back to Florence to try to round up some of those souls that were baptized in 1957. It was then, in 1959, that he and his wife, Mother Louise McCall, came back to Florence from Winston-Salem, NC, and started the church in the home of his aunt and uncle, the late Deacon Elex and Sister Hattie Nettles, along with Deacon Willie Davis, Sr. (his father), Sister Hattie Williams (his eldest sister), and Sister Carrie Banks. All of those original members are now deceased, except for Mother Louise McCall, his wife, and Mother Carrie Banks.
As Bishop McCall continued to preach the Apostolic Doctrine, the crowd outgrew the house, and they congregated outside in the Nettles' yard under their chinaberry tree. Recognizing the sincerity of the saints, the Lord provided a sanctuary in which they could worship at 528 S. Charlotte Street. As "the Lord continued to add to the church daily such as should be saved", a larger edifice at 1110 E. Walnut Street was built in 1975. The membership grew at a tremendous pace, and there was a need for a larger place of worship. In 1986, we purchased our current property, 1200 N. Irby Street, completed our first phase of renovations, and had our dedicatory services in 1989.
In 1999, the Lord called Bishop McCall from labor to reward after 40 years of dedication to Bethel. In February 2000, we celebrated the installation of Bishop Harry Williams, as pastor, and the completion of Phase II of our renovations in our present sanctuary. The Lord has done great things, wherein we're glad!
During Bishop Williams' pastorship, we have dedicated the U.I. McCall's Memorial Library and the Dr. U.I. McCall's Activity Center in Bishop McCall's honor. We have also renamed our Mass Choir to the Dr. U.I. McCall's Memorial Choir. Our dining hall, was named in Mother McCalls honor: "Louise's Kitchen." This was done later in the year of 2000.
Bishop Williams continues to preach the Apostolic Doctrine, which has already been established. The Lord has shown his approval and is still adding to the church. We solicit your prayers that the Lord will continue to be pleased with our service and dedication to him.
   
|
