Our Rich History
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS:
Just look where the Lord has brought us. As we attempt to relate to you the history of Bethany Missionary Baptist Church, rather the roots of Bethany, we would like to compare her history and growth with that of a living tree. Having been led by the Holy Spirit, the tree of Bethany was planted on July 12, 1981, sixteen dedicated Christians and the Moderator of the Guadalupe Landmark District Association in the home of Sister Thelma McKnight located at 517 Gevers Street in San Antonio, Texas called the meeting for the sole purpose to organize a church for God. The members were comprised of Rev. C. J. Bias, Rev. William Stafford, Ervin Easter, Sr., Ted Hamilton, Melvin Starks, William Claiborne, Johnny Mayberry, Queen E. Easter, Ida B Joyner, Georgia McCampbell, Argia R McKinley, Dorothy Hamilton, Myrtle Lewis, Francis Mayberry, Thelma McKnight and Lavern Robinson and Moderator Reverend C. L. McKenzie. After many prayers and instructions from the Moderator, the church officers were elected and the body called Reverend Clyde James Bias to Pastor the flock. The church selected the name “Bethany Missionary Baptist Church” and the motto was and still is “We walk by Faith and not by sight.” II Corinthians 5:7
A LEGACY:
Our first year, we rented and shared a building with others as our roots began to take hold; our elected officers were two Deacons and a Pastor. As the roots grew stronger four Brothers were set aside to be ordained for Deacon-hood, and one was called to Preach God’s Word. Our third year, our cornerstone was laid making the Sanctuary complete - our roots had taken hold under the proper nurturing by God. More branches began to grow. The ministry branches grew not only in numbers but in wisdom and knowledge and by it the flock was fed. The Deacon ministry grew in stewardship and prayer, and the branches of, the Choir, Mission, Brotherhood, Ushers, Youth and Deaconess where reaching out doing the Will of the Lord. Our fourth year, the note on the building and all other debts were burned May 15, 1985 rendering Bethany debt free, we also purchased two and a half adjacent lots.
Our fifth year, the roof of the Church was reshaped, and we extended the parking lot. In 1987, our sixth year, our branches were really growing, we petitioned San Antonio Baptist Association for membership. Our Youth Minister Reverend Larry Holmes and the youth were sent to Dallas for an Evangelistic Youth Convention. In 1988, our seventh year, we purchased a portable building for classroom space and added a kitchen to the building. The San Antonio Baptist Association placed us under watch care and we participated in the Share Jesus Now Program which caused us to branch out in witnessing throughout the neighborhood.
In 1989, our eight year, we set up a Scholarship Fund for our graduating youth. On December 31, 1989 Reverend Gregory Stitt announced his calling to preach the Word of God and we were finally accepted into the San Antonio Baptist Association. In 1990, our ninth year, the Sanctuary pews were covered. Bethany held dual membership in the Guadalupe Landmark District and the San Antonio Baptist Association; we continued to send Delegates to Boards, Congresses, and Conventions all over Texas and other States. In 1991, our tenth year, we implemented Discipleship Training classes. Minister Marva Barber was our first female minister to join our ministerial staff.
In 1992, our eleventh year, the Youth Ministry was involved in Ganging Up for Jesus track meet, with their roots being watered and pruned they were victorious and another brother was put on trial for deaconship. In 1993, our twelfth year, the branch of this living tree was still growing because we continued walking by faith and not by sight, God added to the church as needed. Brother Barber was ordained as a deacon, and the steps in the front of the Sanctuary were widened.
In 1994, our thirteenth year, Reverend Stitt was ordained and another brother was put on trial for deaconship. There was new flooring put in the annex and the outside of the Sanctuary was refurbished.
In 1995, our fourteenth year, we paved the parking lot, leveled the floor and laid carpet in the Sanctuary. Another brother was ordained as a deacon. In 1996, our fifteenth year, two more Brothers were put on trial for Deaconship. We put in new air conditions and purchased a new sound system. In 1997, our sixteenth year, we began a Bus Ministry, opened a food pantry, and two deacons were ordained. Reverend James Protho was appointed as our Youth Minister and served until his death. In 1998, our seventieth year, as the Young Women’s Ministry grabbed hold, the roots of Bethany and its branches reached out by giving 10% of its income to Welfare to help others.
In 1999, our eighteenth year, we were blessed to start a prayer vigil. In 2000, our nineteenth year, the dream was to build a new building from the ground up as our first building was an old barrack from Lackland Air Force Base that the Pastor and members remodeled into a Sanctuary. In 2001, our twentieth year, on April 19th, we had a ground breaking service for the new Sanctuary. Rev. Julian Davis joined our Ministerial Staff. Sis. Angel Davis began our first Praise Dance Ministry. In 2002, our twenty-first year, we did a facelift on the old church building and foundation was poured for the new building. The Lord continued to bless, but Satan was very busy also. We experienced problems obtaining permits, but finally they were granted and Bethany prepared to move forward by moving the portable building so the new building could go up. In 2003, our twenty-second year, Bethany was busy building the new sanctuary for service. The Deacons worked hard obtaining finances and setting contracts to for the building process. In 2004, our twenty-third year, all of Bethany rejoiced along with our friends and guests on March 7th during our Dedication Service. Reverend Pornkarsky joined our Ministerial staff. Also our beloved, Reverend C. J. Bias advised us that he would have to retire due to health issues. Rev. Eric L. Ruggs was selected as Interim Pastor. Reverend Bias requested that we have a program to ordain Minister Carolyn Riley and have a celebration for little Sis. Danielle Hamilton.
THE LEGACY CONTINUES:
In 2005, our twenty-fourth year, Rev. Ruggs was called to Pastor the Bethany Missionary Baptist Church and the Reverend Eddie Dilworth joined the Ministerial Staff. The original Bethany Sanctuary was remodeled into a fellowship hall. The building was painted, new carpet, ceiling fans, toilets and a freezer was installed.
In 2006, our twenty-fifth year, the Bethany Women hosted their first Women Conference and it was very successful. The Kitchen Aide Committee was created and led by Deacon Jerry Hogan. In 2007, our twenty-sixth year, the Reverend Major Thomas was added to our Ministerial Staff. In 2008, our twenty seventh year, we purchased two adjacent lots to the east of the existing Sanctuary. The Youth Department reestablished the Praise Dance Ministry. They were very active and ministered all over the city. In 2009, our twenty-eighth year, Deacons Charles Knight and Leonard Harris joined the Deacon’s Ministry. We purchased a new copier and paid off the two adjacent lots that August. In 2010, our thirtieth year, the Bethanites purchased 50 church hymnals and our membership grew with sixteen new members; six were experienced Christians and ten united as Candidates for Baptism. We met all of our obligations; our missions worked hard for the Master by sending out cards and donating to the food bank. The Junior Mission donated too many organizations. The Ministers and Senior Mission met and visited nursing homes on a monthly basis. Our Pastor was elected to hold the position of Director of Sunday School and BTU Congress for the Guadalupe Landmark District Association. Rev. Eddie Dilworth was ordained by Moderator C. L. Turner of the Guadalupe Landmark District on February 14, 2010.
In 2011, the Bethany membership continued to grow and blessing continued to flow. God blessed the Youth Ministry with an outstanding director and staff that kept the Youth busy praising the Lord in dance all over the state of Texas. The Youth participated in Elf Louise, mailed letters to the military and the Oak Park Rehabilitation Center. The Senior Mission continued their monthly visits to the Nursing Home and the Young Women Mission participated in collecting clothing items for the Seton Homes and mailed outreach cards to the members on the Sick and Shut in AND Prayer List. The Deacons and Brotherhood maintained the maintenance of the church.
In 2012, the Bethany Family grew and the Youth Ministry took off with community activities and ministries at various churches near and far. The Dance Ministry ministered for Sis. Gursie Claiborne at the Historic Black History Program held at Memorial High School; Sis. Claiborne received an award of excellence. Sis. Alice Gilder also received an award of excellence for teaching this year. The Bethany Missions played an active role in visiting the sick, nursing homes, distributing cards, and taking donations to those in need. God blessed us to complete the work He called us to do this year! With the assistance of Bro. Kelvin Payne we were able to remove the portable building and dispose of the old Church Van.
On December 1, 2012, we were saddened to see Rev. Ruggs depart as Rev. Ruggs' ministry will be missed by many of the Bethany Family Members. During the pastoral transition, the Rev. Eddie Dilworth served as Interim Pastor until October 2013. On October 2, 2013, the Bethany Family prayed and God selected Rev. Douglas Randle as the third Pastor of Bethany Missionary Baptist Church. Pastor Randle was officially installed on December 8, 2013 and brings with him a sense of humility, unity, focus and genuine love for the People of God and the work of the ministry. His zeal for preaching the word of God and administration is evident as some of our lost members have already returned to the flock. Pastor Randle quickly moved us into the digital age with the adoption of a new church logo, social media account, website and the purchase of new office equipment.
In 2014, Bethany experienced record breaking growth with 53 new members and 9 baptisms. And while we praise God for the numerical growth, we thank Him for allowing us to add the Pastoral Care, Social Outreach, Audio/Visual and Greeters Ministries to our roster. With these new ministries also came members who stepped up and dedicated themselves to serve in new areas. Our Youth Ministry served beyond the walls of the church by writing letters to Military “Heroes”, visiting patients at Oak Park Manor, and by participating in the Prison Fellowship Angel Tree Program. During this year our sanctuary saw some great improvements; we purchased a new P/A System, pews, pulpit furnishings and Communion and Offering supplies among other additions.
After much prayer and supplication Pastor Randle introduced Campaign 33 to aid in raising funds for our Campus Expansion Program to include the demolition of our original sanctuary, the addition of Parking Lots and the eventual erection of a new fellowship hall. We were so pleased to raise over $10,000.00 in our first year!
December will always be memorable in the life of Bethany as Sisters Mable Friday and Deborah Johnson were licensed into the Gospel Ministry in a service led by Dr. Carl Johnson. Brother Phillip McKinnon was placed on trial for the Deacon’s Ministry.
In 2015, the fellowship hall was demolished to make room for a new parking lot. The Ministries of the Church remained active and supported various community initiatives and organizations including: Dress for Success, Oak Park Manor, and Child Protective Services. Bethany had its highest attendance in recent years during the Baptist Ministers’ Union Citywide Institute and Revival. Brother Phillip McKinnon was ordained and added to the Deacon Ministry.
In 2016, we celebrated our 35th Church Anniversary! We were blessed by Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church with 2 Modular Buildings that now house our Youth Ministry Activities, Sunday School Classes, and Fellowship Hall. We updated the campus with fresh paint and a concrete walkway to join the new annex with the existing sanctuary. We were honored to name the new addition the Gursie Claiborne Education Annex after one of our faithful members and champions for Christian Education.
This year was a blessed as we added logos to our Church Van and ordained and added Brother Alvin Edmond to the Deacon Ministry.
The roots and branches of our tree have surely grown, I believe that to be, because we continue to, “Walk By Faith Not By Sight” 2 Corinthians 5:7.
Just look where the Lord has brought us. As we attempt to relate to you the history of Bethany Missionary Baptist Church, rather the roots of Bethany, we would like to compare her history and growth with that of a living tree. Having been led by the Holy Spirit, the tree of Bethany was planted on July 12, 1981, sixteen dedicated Christians and the Moderator of the Guadalupe Landmark District Association in the home of Sister Thelma McKnight located at 517 Gevers Street in San Antonio, Texas called the meeting for the sole purpose to organize a church for God. The members were comprised of Rev. C. J. Bias, Rev. William Stafford, Ervin Easter, Sr., Ted Hamilton, Melvin Starks, William Claiborne, Johnny Mayberry, Queen E. Easter, Ida B Joyner, Georgia McCampbell, Argia R McKinley, Dorothy Hamilton, Myrtle Lewis, Francis Mayberry, Thelma McKnight and Lavern Robinson and Moderator Reverend C. L. McKenzie. After many prayers and instructions from the Moderator, the church officers were elected and the body called Reverend Clyde James Bias to Pastor the flock. The church selected the name “Bethany Missionary Baptist Church” and the motto was and still is “We walk by Faith and not by sight.” II Corinthians 5:7
A LEGACY:
Our first year, we rented and shared a building with others as our roots began to take hold; our elected officers were two Deacons and a Pastor. As the roots grew stronger four Brothers were set aside to be ordained for Deacon-hood, and one was called to Preach God’s Word. Our third year, our cornerstone was laid making the Sanctuary complete - our roots had taken hold under the proper nurturing by God. More branches began to grow. The ministry branches grew not only in numbers but in wisdom and knowledge and by it the flock was fed. The Deacon ministry grew in stewardship and prayer, and the branches of, the Choir, Mission, Brotherhood, Ushers, Youth and Deaconess where reaching out doing the Will of the Lord. Our fourth year, the note on the building and all other debts were burned May 15, 1985 rendering Bethany debt free, we also purchased two and a half adjacent lots.
Our fifth year, the roof of the Church was reshaped, and we extended the parking lot. In 1987, our sixth year, our branches were really growing, we petitioned San Antonio Baptist Association for membership. Our Youth Minister Reverend Larry Holmes and the youth were sent to Dallas for an Evangelistic Youth Convention. In 1988, our seventh year, we purchased a portable building for classroom space and added a kitchen to the building. The San Antonio Baptist Association placed us under watch care and we participated in the Share Jesus Now Program which caused us to branch out in witnessing throughout the neighborhood.
In 1989, our eight year, we set up a Scholarship Fund for our graduating youth. On December 31, 1989 Reverend Gregory Stitt announced his calling to preach the Word of God and we were finally accepted into the San Antonio Baptist Association. In 1990, our ninth year, the Sanctuary pews were covered. Bethany held dual membership in the Guadalupe Landmark District and the San Antonio Baptist Association; we continued to send Delegates to Boards, Congresses, and Conventions all over Texas and other States. In 1991, our tenth year, we implemented Discipleship Training classes. Minister Marva Barber was our first female minister to join our ministerial staff.
In 1992, our eleventh year, the Youth Ministry was involved in Ganging Up for Jesus track meet, with their roots being watered and pruned they were victorious and another brother was put on trial for deaconship. In 1993, our twelfth year, the branch of this living tree was still growing because we continued walking by faith and not by sight, God added to the church as needed. Brother Barber was ordained as a deacon, and the steps in the front of the Sanctuary were widened.
In 1994, our thirteenth year, Reverend Stitt was ordained and another brother was put on trial for deaconship. There was new flooring put in the annex and the outside of the Sanctuary was refurbished.
In 1995, our fourteenth year, we paved the parking lot, leveled the floor and laid carpet in the Sanctuary. Another brother was ordained as a deacon. In 1996, our fifteenth year, two more Brothers were put on trial for Deaconship. We put in new air conditions and purchased a new sound system. In 1997, our sixteenth year, we began a Bus Ministry, opened a food pantry, and two deacons were ordained. Reverend James Protho was appointed as our Youth Minister and served until his death. In 1998, our seventieth year, as the Young Women’s Ministry grabbed hold, the roots of Bethany and its branches reached out by giving 10% of its income to Welfare to help others.
In 1999, our eighteenth year, we were blessed to start a prayer vigil. In 2000, our nineteenth year, the dream was to build a new building from the ground up as our first building was an old barrack from Lackland Air Force Base that the Pastor and members remodeled into a Sanctuary. In 2001, our twentieth year, on April 19th, we had a ground breaking service for the new Sanctuary. Rev. Julian Davis joined our Ministerial Staff. Sis. Angel Davis began our first Praise Dance Ministry. In 2002, our twenty-first year, we did a facelift on the old church building and foundation was poured for the new building. The Lord continued to bless, but Satan was very busy also. We experienced problems obtaining permits, but finally they were granted and Bethany prepared to move forward by moving the portable building so the new building could go up. In 2003, our twenty-second year, Bethany was busy building the new sanctuary for service. The Deacons worked hard obtaining finances and setting contracts to for the building process. In 2004, our twenty-third year, all of Bethany rejoiced along with our friends and guests on March 7th during our Dedication Service. Reverend Pornkarsky joined our Ministerial staff. Also our beloved, Reverend C. J. Bias advised us that he would have to retire due to health issues. Rev. Eric L. Ruggs was selected as Interim Pastor. Reverend Bias requested that we have a program to ordain Minister Carolyn Riley and have a celebration for little Sis. Danielle Hamilton.
THE LEGACY CONTINUES:
In 2005, our twenty-fourth year, Rev. Ruggs was called to Pastor the Bethany Missionary Baptist Church and the Reverend Eddie Dilworth joined the Ministerial Staff. The original Bethany Sanctuary was remodeled into a fellowship hall. The building was painted, new carpet, ceiling fans, toilets and a freezer was installed.
In 2006, our twenty-fifth year, the Bethany Women hosted their first Women Conference and it was very successful. The Kitchen Aide Committee was created and led by Deacon Jerry Hogan. In 2007, our twenty-sixth year, the Reverend Major Thomas was added to our Ministerial Staff. In 2008, our twenty seventh year, we purchased two adjacent lots to the east of the existing Sanctuary. The Youth Department reestablished the Praise Dance Ministry. They were very active and ministered all over the city. In 2009, our twenty-eighth year, Deacons Charles Knight and Leonard Harris joined the Deacon’s Ministry. We purchased a new copier and paid off the two adjacent lots that August. In 2010, our thirtieth year, the Bethanites purchased 50 church hymnals and our membership grew with sixteen new members; six were experienced Christians and ten united as Candidates for Baptism. We met all of our obligations; our missions worked hard for the Master by sending out cards and donating to the food bank. The Junior Mission donated too many organizations. The Ministers and Senior Mission met and visited nursing homes on a monthly basis. Our Pastor was elected to hold the position of Director of Sunday School and BTU Congress for the Guadalupe Landmark District Association. Rev. Eddie Dilworth was ordained by Moderator C. L. Turner of the Guadalupe Landmark District on February 14, 2010.
In 2011, the Bethany membership continued to grow and blessing continued to flow. God blessed the Youth Ministry with an outstanding director and staff that kept the Youth busy praising the Lord in dance all over the state of Texas. The Youth participated in Elf Louise, mailed letters to the military and the Oak Park Rehabilitation Center. The Senior Mission continued their monthly visits to the Nursing Home and the Young Women Mission participated in collecting clothing items for the Seton Homes and mailed outreach cards to the members on the Sick and Shut in AND Prayer List. The Deacons and Brotherhood maintained the maintenance of the church.
In 2012, the Bethany Family grew and the Youth Ministry took off with community activities and ministries at various churches near and far. The Dance Ministry ministered for Sis. Gursie Claiborne at the Historic Black History Program held at Memorial High School; Sis. Claiborne received an award of excellence. Sis. Alice Gilder also received an award of excellence for teaching this year. The Bethany Missions played an active role in visiting the sick, nursing homes, distributing cards, and taking donations to those in need. God blessed us to complete the work He called us to do this year! With the assistance of Bro. Kelvin Payne we were able to remove the portable building and dispose of the old Church Van.
On December 1, 2012, we were saddened to see Rev. Ruggs depart as Rev. Ruggs' ministry will be missed by many of the Bethany Family Members. During the pastoral transition, the Rev. Eddie Dilworth served as Interim Pastor until October 2013. On October 2, 2013, the Bethany Family prayed and God selected Rev. Douglas Randle as the third Pastor of Bethany Missionary Baptist Church. Pastor Randle was officially installed on December 8, 2013 and brings with him a sense of humility, unity, focus and genuine love for the People of God and the work of the ministry. His zeal for preaching the word of God and administration is evident as some of our lost members have already returned to the flock. Pastor Randle quickly moved us into the digital age with the adoption of a new church logo, social media account, website and the purchase of new office equipment.
In 2014, Bethany experienced record breaking growth with 53 new members and 9 baptisms. And while we praise God for the numerical growth, we thank Him for allowing us to add the Pastoral Care, Social Outreach, Audio/Visual and Greeters Ministries to our roster. With these new ministries also came members who stepped up and dedicated themselves to serve in new areas. Our Youth Ministry served beyond the walls of the church by writing letters to Military “Heroes”, visiting patients at Oak Park Manor, and by participating in the Prison Fellowship Angel Tree Program. During this year our sanctuary saw some great improvements; we purchased a new P/A System, pews, pulpit furnishings and Communion and Offering supplies among other additions.
After much prayer and supplication Pastor Randle introduced Campaign 33 to aid in raising funds for our Campus Expansion Program to include the demolition of our original sanctuary, the addition of Parking Lots and the eventual erection of a new fellowship hall. We were so pleased to raise over $10,000.00 in our first year!
December will always be memorable in the life of Bethany as Sisters Mable Friday and Deborah Johnson were licensed into the Gospel Ministry in a service led by Dr. Carl Johnson. Brother Phillip McKinnon was placed on trial for the Deacon’s Ministry.
In 2015, the fellowship hall was demolished to make room for a new parking lot. The Ministries of the Church remained active and supported various community initiatives and organizations including: Dress for Success, Oak Park Manor, and Child Protective Services. Bethany had its highest attendance in recent years during the Baptist Ministers’ Union Citywide Institute and Revival. Brother Phillip McKinnon was ordained and added to the Deacon Ministry.
In 2016, we celebrated our 35th Church Anniversary! We were blessed by Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church with 2 Modular Buildings that now house our Youth Ministry Activities, Sunday School Classes, and Fellowship Hall. We updated the campus with fresh paint and a concrete walkway to join the new annex with the existing sanctuary. We were honored to name the new addition the Gursie Claiborne Education Annex after one of our faithful members and champions for Christian Education.
This year was a blessed as we added logos to our Church Van and ordained and added Brother Alvin Edmond to the Deacon Ministry.
The roots and branches of our tree have surely grown, I believe that to be, because we continue to, “Walk By Faith Not By Sight” 2 Corinthians 5:7.