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The Churches of Marceline: Bethany Baptist Church |
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On January 9, 1955,
a group of people of like gathered in the I.O.O.F. hall for worship
services. On the first Sunday, Wayne Thompson, Jr. assumed the
responsibility for Sunday School organization, Mrs. Carl Heinse served as
Training Union director, and worship service were led by the Rev. James H.
Farris. Plans were made to have future meetings, including Wednesday night
prayer services, in the hall. This body adopted the name “Faith
Vision”. They were joined by other Baptists and voted February 9, 1955,
to become a church. The name “Bethany” meaning friends of Jesus, was
unanimously agreed upon. Rev. A. J. Johnson
was invited to Bethany for a weekly revival. He was then called both as
interim pastor and to lead Bethany in a building program. The present site
of the church on Howell and Missouri Avenue was purchased and clearing of
the property began. By August, the basement was so that services could be
moved from the hall and held there. On October 19,
1955, the Rev. William A. Merryman extended an unanimous call by the
church to becomee its first pastor. On February 5, 1956, the first
services held in the sanctuary observing Boy Scout Sunday Marceline Pack #
99 attending worship services at Bethany. June 24, 1956, Dr. Walter Pope
Binns, the President of William Jewell College, Liberty, gave the church
dedicatory address. Growth continued under the pastor Rev. Wilbur
Harbaugh and the Rev. Vernon Wester__. On July 21, 1969,
ground was broken for a parsonage. Rev. Lawrence Heskett’s were
the first family to the new parsonage at 400 E. Hauser. In August, 1972, a
wide crusade for Christ was held at the high school football field. The
Rev. Fred Doerge, Joplin, was evangelist: and Rev. Dale Fuller,
pastor. The first sports retreat sponsored by the church was held in
March. 1976. The following is taken from the bulletin of December 1956: “Bethany Baptist Church was founded by group of working Baptists. As Christian people, we deserve to have a fellowship in w’hich we could serve Him through the full Baptist program, one in which each individual is important. If you are looking for such a church, we welcome you. |
