History of Bethany Christian Church

Bethany Christian Church

The beginnings of Bethany Christian Church dates back to the Fall of 1943 when many interested persons associated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) who lived in the Williamson Road area approached the then known Roanoke City and County Council of Christian Churches (known now as District III) as to the feasibility of organizing a new congregation.

In response to a request from this council, The Virginia Christian Missionary Society (known now as the Virginia Region) sent the Reverend Stanley H. Dysart to develop a survey and conduct a study. On Sunday, February 13, 1944 the council sponsored a meeting at the Associated Reformed Presbyterian Church for all those interested in organizing a new congregation. Seventy-eight persons signed cards of intent to become charter members.

As soon as the motion was passed "unanimously and enthusiastically" that a new church be established, an organization committee of five was appointed. The purpose of this committee was to bring forth proposed suggestions as to further steps and procedures.

A second meeting was held on February 27, 1944 with Dr. John A. Tate, executive secretary of the Virginia Christian Missionary Society. From that meeting it was decided that Rev. Dysart remain as organizing pastor. After a brief dedication service seventy persons signed the charter.

The organization committee read a report outlining a proposed organization of the new congregation, including a church school and official board. An election of officers was then held.

The first meeting of the new congregation for worship and church school was held on Sunday, April 30, 1944 at William Fleming High School. There were eighty-two in attendance for church school and ninety present for worship. By May the newly formed congregation added a youth program as well as organized a Christian Women's Fellowship and a Christian Men's Fellowship.

On December 24, 1944 the congregation voted to purchase six lots on Fleming Ave. as a site for a permanent home. The cost was $3,500.

Ground breaking services were held on March 24, 1946 for the first unit of a proposed three-unit structure. After exactly one year of construction, the first service was held in the new facility. With the generous help and labor of many members and friends the building cost was kept at $38,000.

On March 27, 1955 the congregation voted to purchase a house at 121 Fleming Ave. for a parsonage. It was later sold.

In order to better facilitate a growing church school, the congregation broke ground for the second unit of the original design: an educational/fellowship unit. After about a year of construction, the new facility was dedicated on March 27, 1960. The cost of this unit was $78,000.

Renovations to the sanctuary by the addition of a new baptistery and air conditioning was undertaken in 1973.

The church was made handicapped accessible in 1983.

In 1987 a Parish Enrichment Weekend was held with noted church consultant, Herb Miller. From that analysis it was determined that the third unit be considered and acted upon. Unfortunately, as a result of insufficient resource planning and internal conflict, the project was tabled and remains to this day an unfulfilled dream.

During the course of Bethany's first 65 years it has been blessed and benefited by the able leadership of no less than 14 pastors. They include:

On June 16, 2008 Rev. Matthew Ricks began service as Senior Minister of Bethany Christian Church.

Provocations

"Be thou comforted, little dog, Thou too in Resurrection shall have a little golden tail. "

- Martin Luther