 | A history of Caroline county, Virginia |  |
BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH
Bethel church, which is located about five miles west of Bowling
Green, was organized in the year 1800. Rev. Andrew Broaddus
I, was the first pastor, and Messrs. Charles Woolfolk and Thomas
Jones were the first deacons.
In the minutes of Goshen Association of 1802, as preserved
in Semple's History of Baptists in Virginia, it is recorded that
Bethel church had, by a majority vote, passed a resolution compelling
each member to contribute to the expenses of the congregation
according to their ability, under the penalty of the displeasure
of the church. This rule offended many members of Bethel and
also several churches in the Association. The question was put
before the Association as to the attitude of that body toward
such a ruling and the following reply was given: "We do not
approbate the method of raising money by assessments, upon the
principle of its not being sanctioned by New Testament examples
and the general principles of the Baptists and because of the
unhappy consequences which may result from such a practice."
Thus was demonstarated, over a century ago, the loyalty of the
Baptists to the spirit of the New Testament and to principles of
individual liberty. They knew full well that where the love of
Christ does not constrain the ruling of a congregation cannot
compel.
This church has been unusually peaceful and prosperous.
Among the pastors who have served Bethel in the last century
may be mentioned the following: The Rev. Messrs. Andrew
Broaddus I, Spilsby Woolfolk, H. W. Montague, James D.
Coleman, R. H. W. Buckner, A. B. Dunaway, C. W. Trainham,
James T. Eubank, James Long, J. W. McCown, C. R. Cruickshank
and S. B. Overton. Among the deacons of the past fifty years
may be named J. B. Washington, S. G. Coghill, W. A. Woolfolk,
P. A. Gravatt, J. C. Chandler, Robert Woolfolk, E. S. Coghill and
T. C. Thomas.
| A history of Caroline county, Virginia | |