University of Virginia Library

BETHESDA BAPTIST CHURCH

This church was formed in 1847 by members of Liberty
church who were defeated in their advocacy of a measure,
"prohibiting the manufacture and sale of ardent spirits for ordinary
use by members of the church on pain of excommunication."

The organization was effected in May, 1847. On this occasion
Rev. Edward Kingsford delivered the sermon from a text in
the book of Numbers, "Lo, the people shall dwell alone and
shall not be reckoned among the nations." Rev. R. W. Cole
delivered the charge to the church and Rev. Andrew Broaddus,
II, gave the hand of fellowship. The charter members were:
Samuel Battaile, John Gouldin, Samuel Coghill, John Rose,
James F. Gouldin, Thomas I. West, Addison L. Long, Henry A.
Jones, Thomas W. Gouldin, John Massey, Aaron Thornley,
William Collawn, Ann Coghill, Lucy A. Roane, Ann Shaddock,
Louisa Gouldin, Ann Rose, Mary Farish, Clementine Farish,
Sarah Collawn, Frances A. Goodloe and Lettie W. Long.

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Bethesda adopted as one of its fundamental laws that "No
member of this Church will be permitted to manufacture, sell,
use, or furnish to his guests, or labourers, intoxicating liquor as
a beverage."

The church has had eleven pastors as follows: Lawrence
Battaile, 1847-52; Andrew Broaddus, II, 1853-58; James D.
Coleman, 1859-78; A. B. Dunaway, 1879-86; A. G. Loving, 188789;
C. W. Trainham, 1890-93; J. W. McCown, 1894-95; J. T.
Eubank, 1895-03; James Long, 1904-05; B. C. Jones, 1906-10;
Rev. Norman Luck, 1911. Rev. B. C. Jones was ordained to the
ministry by this church upon accepting the pastorate. The
Rev. Messrs. T. S. Dunaway, Ryland Knight, E. L. Grace and
Andrew Broaddus III, officiated on this occasion.

The first deacons of Bethesda were Dr. T. W. Gouldin and
A. L. Long. Dr. Gouldin was Sunday school superintendent
for many years. Among the early deacons and prominent members
may be named, Wm. I. Broaddus, Wm. A. Collawn, Benj.
F. Kidd, John Gouldin, Thos. R. Dew, K. R. Farish, Lewis
Gouldin, John Lefoe, Wm. R. Sale, Judson J. Sale and John W.
Broaddus. R. H. W. Buckner was a very useful and conspicuous
member and often occupied the pulpit. He was at one time
employed by Round Oak, Liberty and Bethesda churches
to hold special services for the instruction of the colored members.
Dr. R. G. Holloway and David T. Bullock were leading members
from the beginning and later deacons Anthony J. Sale and James
Bullock were prominent in the church. Bethesda prospers and
now has 180 members.