ABOUT US
A Little History...
Bethany Presbyterian began as a mission initiative of The First Presbyterian Church of Wilmington at the beginning of the last century. What we now know of as Bethany Presbyterian began as a Sunday School mission. Bethany was one of 4 “Mission Chapels” of First Presbyterian. The others being Delgado Mills, Winter Park and Queen Street. First Church bulletins record attendance of the “Wrightsborro Sunday School” through the year of 1912. Attendance varied from week to week from 18 – 35 persons during this year, but then increased as the Sunday School was dedicated as a Mission Chapel at the end of that year. So Bethany began life as an organized Sunday School, with the Lineker family providing hospitality from their own properties to encourage God’s people around them. The name of the congregation was taken from the small
Biblical community outside of Jerusalem where Jesus found retreat.
For Presbyterians in the beginning of the 1900’s there was an enthusiasm for evangelism.
A well of energy and motivation existed – springing undoubtedly from a sense of duty to Christ, and a blossoming population – even if much of it was still rural and spread out. But also the response of the population was a factor. The Church, as an organization had less to compete with in terms of people’s time and attention. People showed up because they had interest and energy that they wanted to spend – and these new Sunday School groups probably seemed cutting edge. They probably felt part of something new and innovative. They were part of something new blooming – and new things are always exciting!
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The history texts can be quite quaint on the subject of the locations of these mission schools. In 1913 first Church described its four Sunday Schools as “Missions in the country roundabout”. A 1944 First Presbyterian bulletin lists some good news in its announcements section: It reads “Bethany Chapel, which has been an outpost of First Church for more than thirty years…” So Wrightsboro was like a frontier town then? Bethany was an Outpost!
Just like in the rural expanse of Market Street – The Wilderness of “Wrightsborro” held families and people who wanted to be trained in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It took Bethany a little longer to have its own incorporation as a church - in 1944 this ‘outpost’ was planning to petition the Presbytery for a charter to be a church. And its notable that this happened during the years of 1944 and 1945. With the second world war at its height – establishing a congregation was surely a proclamation of faith and confidence in God’s provision. While the world was at war – Bethany was staking God’s claim on the future.
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OUR VISION, OUR MISSION, OUR CALLING
Authentic Faith
Bethany Presbyterian Church is an inclusive church committed to helping each other grow in our relationship with God. We are dedicated to sharing the love of Christ through ministry, fellowship and worship.
Hunger ministry has long been a focus for Bethany. Currently our efforts are small and focused around a handful of families who benefit from the food box in the front of the building.
Safe Space is a second current focus. We are committed to being a place for individuals to ask questions, explore doubts, and be who they are without judgement.
Our church is not just a house of worship. At its core are the members and friends that come together to practice God’s word, celebrate Christ's love and extend His gifts to all.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
Since 1944, we have striven to create a strong community driven by the teachings of Jesus Christ, which are the guiding force in the lives of our growing congregation. The core of Presbyterian beliefs are the sovereignty of God, the authority of Scripture, justification by grace through faith and the priesthood of all believers. What these tenets mean is that God is the supreme authority throughout the universe. Our knowledge of God and God’s purpose for humanity comes from the Bible, particularly what is revealed in the New Testament through the life of Jesus Christ. Our salvation (justification) through Jesus is God’s generous gift to us and not the result of our own accomplishments. It is everyone’s job — ministers and lay people alike — to share this Good News with the whole world. That is also why the Presbyterian church is governed at all levels by a combination of clergy and laity, men and women alike.
Pastor
Rev. Aaron Doll
A passionate speaker and an inspirational spiritual guide, Aaron Doll plays a vital part of our church. They are especially attuned to connecting with youth and new members, helping them find their place in our congregation.