Bethel Presbyterian Church has been a part of the Columbus community for over one hundred years and has dreams to continue to impact this community for Christ for the next hundred.
The first service of our Church was held on October 26, 1890, in Marzetti's Hall on North High Street at Euclid Avenue. The Sunday School first met three weeks later with an attendance of 46 and it has met weekly ever since. Since then we have always emphasized Christian education.
On March 21,1892 the Neil Avenue United Presbyterian Church was formally organized. Eighteen members joined by transfer and six by profession of faith. Two elders were elected. The Home Mission Board obtained land and built a small brick chapel on Neil Avenue at Sixth Street.
About 1905 the chapel became too small and was replaced by a church with a large wing for the Sabbath School. One-half the cost was paid by the time the building was completed-and the remainder was paid in about four more years. This fine stone building continues to be located at Neil and Sixth, and is presently home to the Neil Ave. Mennonite Church. The pastor at that time, Dr. John G. King (1900-1927), was National Tithe Secretary for the denomination for six years. The influence of his teaching is still felt in Bethel's above average per-capita giving.
When we relocated from Neil Avenue to Bethel Road, it was natural to change the name of our church to The Bethel Presbyterian Church. The positive values of the church, however, remained the same. We have been able to meet many needs through the teaching of God’s word and a ministry of sharing and caring for all people.
Time moves on and cultures change. The challenge we face today is to continue to meet the needs of the people of the Columbus area in even greater ways. Our approach is to respond to the example of our Lord by meeting people where they are. Bethel has begun to do this by changes in the style of our Sunday Morning Service, the addition of the 11:00AM Sunday Contemporary Worship Service and by offering Parents Night Out, DivorceCare, and the Alpha course.
More importantly, the people of Bethel will begin programs to transform the lives of hurting people in our community. By building relationships and meeting the physical and emotional needs of our neighbors, our relationship-based ministries will seek the Lord’s leading, searching for the open doors that will allow the healing and redeeming power of Jesus Christ in their lives.
After more than one hundred years of serving the people of Columbus, now through a little creativity and a lot of God’s help, we hope to continue to meet their spiritual needs for the next hundred as well. If you would like to be a part of our vision, to make a significant impact through your life on the lives of others, please join us as we embrace the future together!
