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Mission ...

Bethlehem United Primitive Baptist Church's mission is to:

• Enable and equip saints for personal evangelism and fellowship.

• Attract and win souls to Jesus Christ · Develop men and women, to a Christ-like maturation.

• Lastly, maintain a strong development and empowerment through the Holy Spirit for a meaningful ministry.

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Vision ...

We the members of Bethlehem United Primitive Baptist Church are a dedicated body of believers with an evangelistic vision. The primary heartbeat of our church is our commitment to missions, priorities, and community needs of the people. Our unified philosophy of ministry blends celebration of worship with biblical truths for everyday life.

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Leadership ...

For those that aspire to be leaders at Bethlehem United Primitive Baptist Church, Our Leadership Statement is:

"Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you."   Hebrews 13:17

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Worship Opportunities ...

Bethlehem United Primitive Baptist Church's Worship Hours:

• Sunday School:
  9:45AM - 10:45AM

• Sunday Morning Worship:
  10:45AM

• Tuesday Tune Up:
  12:30PM (Facebook) 

• Wednesday Bible Study:
  6:45PM (Facebook)

Our Beliefs & Rich History ...

PRIMITIVE BAPTIST
ARTICLES OF FAITH

ARTICLE I WE BELIEVE in only one true and living God and the trinity of persons in the God-head, Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost, and yet there are not three, but one God. Reference Scripture:

Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:

 

Matt. 3:16-17, 16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

John 1:16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.

2 Corinthians 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

1 Peter 1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

1 John 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. .

ARTICLE II ¾ WE BELIEVE the Scriptures of Old and New Testaments are the Word of God, and the only rule of faith and practice.

Isaiah 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. {no...: Heb. no morning}

2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. {in old time: or, at any time}

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. {throughly...: or, perfected}

Romans 1:19-21 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. {in them: or, to them} 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: {so...: or, that they may be} 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. .

ARTICLE III ¾ WE BELIEVE in the doctrine of eternal and particular election of a definite number of the human race and chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world, that they should be holy and without blame before Him in love.

John 13:18-19 I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me. 19 Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he. {Now: or, From henceforth}

Acts 13:48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

Romans 11:5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

1 Thessalonians 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

 Ephesians 1:1-4   1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: {places: or, things} 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

Revelation 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. .

ARTICLE IV ¾ WE BELIEVE in a covenant redemption between God the Father, and God the Son.

Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

Psalm 51:5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. {conceive...: Heb. warm me}

Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: {for that: or, in whom}

1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. .

ARTICLE V ¾ WE BELIEVE in the fall of man and the communication of Adam’s sinful nature to his posterity by ordinary generation and their impotency to recover themselves from the fallen state they are in by nature by their own free will and ability.

Jeremiah 13:23 Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil. {accustomed: Heb. taught}

John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

1 Thessalonians 1:10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

ARTICLE VI ¾ WE BELIEVE that all chosen in Christ shall hear the voice of the Son of God , and are effectively called, regenerated and born again.

Psalm 37:28 For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.

John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

Acts 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

Colossians 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

Jude 1 Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:

ARTICLE VII ¾ WE BELIEVE that those born again are justified in the sight of God alone by the righteousness of Jesus Christ imputed to them by faith.

Jeremiah 33:6 6 Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them, and will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth.

2 Corinthians 5:21 21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Galatians 2:16 16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

Acts 13:39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

ARTICLE VIII ¾ WE BELIEVE that faith is the gift of God, and good works the fruit of faith, that justify us in the sight of men and angels as evidences of our gracious state.

Acts 13:37 But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.

Romans 3:20-24 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

James 2:18-19 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. {without: some copies read, by} 19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

James 2:22 22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? {Seest...: or, Thou seest}

Hebrews 13:20-21 20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, {covenant: or, testament} 21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. {working: or, doing}

1 John 2:3 3And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

1 John 2:5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

ARTICLE IX ¾ WE BELIEVE that all the Saints of God justified by the righteousness of Christ shall preserve in grace, and none of them finally fall away so as to be lost.

Deuteronomy 32:6 Do ye thus requite the LORD, O foolish people and unwise? is not he thy father that hath bought thee? hath he not made thee, and established thee?

Psalm 12:5 For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him. {puffeth...: or, would ensnare him}

John 10:27-29 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.

Romans 3:24-25 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; {set forth: or, foreordained} {remission: or, passing over}

1 Peter 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: {perform: or, finish}

2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. {sure: or, steady}

1 John 2:19 19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

Ephesians 1:14 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 4:30 30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

ARTICLE X ¾ WE BELIEVE in the general judgment, both of the just and the unjust, and that joys of the righteous shall be eternal and the punishment of the wicked shall be everlasting.

Ecclesiastes 12:14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

Psalm 16:9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. {rest...: Heb. dwell confidently}

Isaiah 26:19 19 Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.

John 5:28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,

Revelation 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

ARTICLE XI ¾ WE BELIEVE that the visible Church of Christ is a congregation of Baptized Believers in Christ adhering to a special covenant, which recognizes Christ as their on lawgiver and ruler, and His word their exclusive guide in all religious matters. It is complete in itself and independent under Christ of every other church organization. it is alone a religious assembly, selected and called out of the world by the doctrine of the Gospel to worship the true God according to His Word.

Acts 2:41-42 41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

1 Corinthians 1:13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

Ephesians 4:7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

Ephesians 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

Ephesians 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Ephesians 5:32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. {in...: or, among all}

Revelation 2:7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. {Peter: this name signifies a rock}

ARITCLE XII ¾ WE BELIEVE that the Scriptural officers of the church are: Pastor and Deacon, whose, qualifications and duties are defined in the Epistles of First Timothy 3rd chapter and Titus 1st chapter.

Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

Acts 20:17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.

Acts 20:21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. {have...: or, guide}

ARTICLE XIII ¾ WE BELIEVE that Baptism is immersion of believer in water by a proper administrator in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

Matthew 28:19 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: {teach...: or, make disciples, or, Christians of all nations}

Mark 16:12-16 12 After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country. 13 And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them.

14 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. {at meat: or, together} 15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Acts 8:36 36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

Acts 8:39 39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

Romans 6:3-4 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? {were: or, are} 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Colossians 2:12 12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

ARTICLE XIV ¾ WE BELIEVE that no Minister has a right to administers the ordinances of the gospel only such as have been regularly baptized, called and come under the imposition of a Presbytery by the majority of the Church of Christ.

Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

Ephesians 4:11-14 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: {in: or, into} {stature: or, age} 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

Acts 9:15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

Acts 13:1-2  1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. {which...: or, Herod's foster brother} 2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

Acts 14:23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

ARTICLE XV ¾ WE BELIEVE that none but regularly baptized and orderly Church Members have a right to communion at the Lord’s Table. Reference: Matthew 26; Mark 14; Luke 22;

1 Corinthians 14:24-26 24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: 25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.

26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

ARTICLE XVI ¾ WE BELIEVE in the washing the Saints’ Feet in a Church capacity immediately after the Lord’s Supper. Reference: John 13.

 

 

OUR RICH HISTORY

Elder Mills Boyd organized Bethlehem United Primitive Baptist Church on April 10, 1890. The church, located at 11th and Jefferson Street, was organized by a small group of men and women who were not undaunted by the lack of a great number of members or resources for they had in mind to plant the Bethlehem United Primitive Baptist Church.

This few people worshiped there for a while, before moving to Warren and Haslem Street. They were determined to keep the church in the north section of Nashville. A short time later, Elder Boyd was stricken with ill health and was called from labor to his reward. Elder Boyd died in the full triumph of the faith, believing that the work he started would continue in the Lord. The members mourned the death of their leader for a while, but they realized that there was an unfinished task before them. They called in different ministers to preach for them. At that time, black preachers were few in number, but they had faith that God would send someone to lead them.

Their prayers were soon answered and they called Elder Samuel Bryant, a young man, but efficient as a leader and minister. Elder Bryant preached with spiritual power and was second to none. The little makeshift was called “Sam Bryant’s Kitchen, Brush Harbor.” But God was in the plan for the church grew with such a great success that in 1908, they needed a larger place to worship. Elder Bryant purchased a lot on the corner of Morrison and Meharry Boulevard, and erected a fine structure at the cost of $2,000.00. It was well arranged, with seats, tables, lights, and heat. On the second Sunday in April 1909, they marched up Porterfield Street (Meharry Boulevard) to a new building; singing, rejoicing and knowing that the Lord had brought them out of the wilderness, and with his help they were to start ascending the mountain.

Elder Bryant served as the Clerk of the Association, pastored McNairy Hill United Primitive Baptist Church, organized the Usher Board, and many clubs that are still in existence today. On March 7, 1934, God called him to his eternal rest and again Bethlehem paused to mourn a leader, but his work was finished and Bethlehem had to move on to a higher plane.

Elder A. Foster was called and he served his time, with another vine being planted from the Bethlehem United Primitive Baptist Church known as the Ephesian Primitive Baptist Church. Elder Emmitt Campbell was called being one of Bethlehem’s own. He served for a time. Elder Timothy Stratton was called and later Elder Felix Gordon, who was called to his reward on February 22, 1943. Again, Bethlehem took time to mourn her leader.

In June of 1943, Bethlehem called a young man, Elder N. A. Mumphrey, Sr., a young Joshua to take these people and continue up this mountain. From that time forward, his command was “Forward March. In 1945, Elder Mumphrey organized the Sunday School and took a great interest in it knowing that the young as well as the old needed to be taught about the work of God. In 1949, he organized the Choir, which has been a great help to the Church. Under his leadership, many repairs and additions were made to the church for the comfort of all who visited us. The following were organized under his leadership: Choirs #1 and #2, Brotherhood, Ladies Auxiliary, Youth Day, Religious Education, Pastor’s Aide Club, Dinner Club, and Departmental Sunday School.

In the late 1960's, the state began to talk about an interstate loop, and rumors were that we would have to move from the little plot of ground that Elder Samuel Bryant had purchased and built with God’s help. Elder Mumphrey knowing that progress could never dampen our Christian spirit, the young Joshua took these people and moved a little higher up the mountain.

In August of 1968, Elder Mumphrey, Sr., and the Trustees of the Church signed a twenty-year mortgage of $62,000.00 to relocate the Church to 26th Avenue and Delk Street. On June 1, 1969, we marched into a new Church with many prayers and promises. After ten years and seven months with cooperation, more prayer, more promises, and hard work from a little over 100 active members, we were able in July 1980 to pay off the twenty-year mortgage. November 2, 1980 will go down in history for all members of Bethlehem Church as we burned our mortgage.

In 1979, Elder N. A. Mumphrey, Jr., began worshiping with the Bethlehem United Primitive Baptist Church. He was a helpmate to his father. When illness prevented Elder Mumphrey, Sr., from being with us regularly, Elder Mumphrey, Jr., stayed and labored with us. On Thursday, July 18, 1985, Elder N. A. Mumphrey, Sr. was called home, after serving this church for 42 years. We not only lost a great leader, but a friend, counselor, a father who was loved by young and old alike.

Again, we mourned for a while, but knowing that God always has somebody to carry on his program, we called Elder N. A. Mumphrey, Jr. to lead us. Many blessings were bestowed upon our Christian family under the leadership of Elder N. A. Mumphrey, Jr. We were able to purchase our first church van and a new Cornerstone commemorating our 100th year Homecoming celebration. With all victories, struggles are always near. Elder N. A. Mumphrey Jr. resigned in July 1990, and we were once again praying for a leader.

On the fourth Sunday in April 1991, Elder William A. Raybon, Sr. was installed as the Pastor of Bethlehem United Primitive Baptist Church. Under his leadership, the church instituted a Vacation Bible School program, which has been enriching for both the young and the old and reaches out to the community that surrounds our church home. Again with victories, there are struggles and Elder Raybon resigned in October 2000.

We were once again praying for a leader. Five years ago today, Homecoming 2001, Elder Ronnie J. Russell, Sr. preached for us at the 11:00 a.m. worship service. On the fifth Sunday in July 2001, Elder (Dr.) Ronnie J. Russell, Sr. was installed as our pastor, “Everyone’s Pastor”. With Elder Russell, Bethlehem has gained a teacher and preacher second to none.

Pastor Russell has set the course for a dynamic educational journey as we study God’s word to show that we are approved. Under Pastor Russell’s leadership, we participated in a “Family Feud” format to test our knowledge of God’s word. Pastor Russell recognizes the value that Jesus placed on little children and implemented “Children’s Church” as a portion of our worship experience.

In 2004, the Trustees, Prison and Women’s Ministry spearheaded a project to make improvements to our Church building. These renovations have restored Bethlehem to her former glory. We rededicated our Church in February, 2004.

Bethlehem United Primitive Baptist Church stands as a monument with the pioneer churches of Nashville and the Big Harpeth United Primitive Baptist Association and we are still moving forward. In September of 2004, our Pastor was elected as the Moderator of our Association and under his leadership; we continue to feel the “winds of positive change” for Big Harpeth Association.

As we continue to press forward, we have no doubts for Bethlehem knows a God who can and who will. We know that God can do anything but fail therefore we continue to lean not to our own understanding, but in all of our ways, acknowledge him, for he has and will continue to direct our paths. We are blessed with a growing membership who realizes that our work is never done and that the future of Bethlehem will continue to go forward with the divine guidance of the Almighty.