THE BETHANY STORY

Long Beach in the early 1900’s was a popular resort area and growing harbor in Southern California. Those with spiritual needs were finding them met through the new Sunday School movement. Bethany Church can trace its roots to the Union Sunday School of 1904. Meeting simply as "those who love the Lord", the congregation desired to affiliate with a Baptist denomination. On February 26, 1905, the believers at the old schoolhouse officially designated themselves Baptist. The First Baptist Church of Long Beach adopted this new Baptist group and assisted in the purchase of a permanent place of worship. The first 30 x 50 foot chapel on 22nd Street and Olive Avenue with 14 charter members and was named “The Burnett Baptist Church”. In 1905 a call was extended to Rev. L. J. Baker. Incorporation followed in 1907.

In 1913 the Trustees established a building program for the newly acquired Hill Street and Olive Avenue property. The building was dedicated in 1914 and still stands today. At this location on September 19, 1920, the church officially became known as Bethany Baptist Church.

Pastor Painter directed the church toward affiliation with the Conservative Baptist Movement. Through Pastor Glover the Elementary Day School became a reality, opening up in 1947. It started with 57 pupils and two teachers. Today it continues to develop with over 300 students and a staff of twenty.

In the fifties, Bethany moved to the suburbs. Property was purchased at Los Coyotes Diagonal and Clark Avenue. Beginning with Arnold Chapel (1954) an extensive building program started. In seven and one half years, over 35,000 square feet of buildings were erected by volunteer labor. In 1967 construction of the main sanctuary was started with final completion noted in October, 1968.

Through the Eighties, under the leadership of Dr. Beatty, Bethany nearly doubled in attendance, planted four churches, instituted a contemporary worship service, developed a purpose statement for Bethany, and began many new ministries designed to reach the surrounding community.

Since 1992, Pastor Rhodes has been instrumental in helping the people of Bethany experience “Life-Change”. “Life-Change” is the process which moves a person from where they are to where God wants them to be. New chapters must yet be written and God intends to write them through us. Our witness, our service, our gifts...the story unfolds until Jesus comes to call us to Himself.

Chronology of Pastors at Bethany Church