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THE
LONG ROAD HOME:
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Around the early
part of this century, the Grove Park section of Atlanta, Georgia was
sparsely populated. Even more sparse, was the presence of United Methodist
Churches. Many of the local Methodists were worried by these circumstances,
they feared that some of their numbers would lose their church going
ways, while others would begin going to other denominations. So it
came about that some foresighted Methodists of the community met at
the home of Mr. and Mrs. Coursey on the 4th of April, 1914. Bethany
United Methodist Church was born. For some time, the congregation
met in member's homes. As the group grew however, this situation became
impractical. As luck would have it, however, a store house in the
community became available, and was rented as the first official home
of Bethany UMC. With more room at their disposal, the congregation
organized Sunday Schools, with 35 members attending the first classes.
For three
years, Bethany continued to serve God from this warehouse, even expanding
its ministries. In 1919, however, Bethany was once again without a
home, as the warehouse was suddenly sold. Our hospitable neighbors
at Fortified Hills Baptist Church came to our aid by letting us use
their building until we could make other arrangements. For more than
a year, we held services every other Sunday at their Church, and every
Sunday our children would meet with the children of Fortified Hills
for Sunday School. In 1920, Bethany purchased a small frame church,
which was formerly owned by Dr. E.W. Grove as a interdenominational
church. Under its own roof at last, Bethany again reorganized it's
Sunday School, we formed an Epworth League, which later became the
United Methodist Youth Fellowship, and generally expanded the church
program.
A slow
but steady growth marked the twelve years we used this old church.
Long before it was destroyed by fire in March 1932, it became apparent
that it was getting too small. The members began planning for the
rebirth of Bethany United Methodist Church. After the members recovered
from the shock of the fire and all that was lost, they came to a realization.
Despite the tragedy and loss, the future was actually brighter. Now
they had no choice but to plan and build a bigger, better Bethany.
Money was scarce, because the country was in the midst of the Great
Depression. The trustees and the stewards had to go from member to
member to raise the money. The congregation not only built the church
but had it done in four years. Many gave money that they could not
afford to give, and those that had no money gave by doing work with
their hands. The women of Bethany, ever untiring as today, organized
numerous fundraisers, and the children saved their pennies to contribute
to the building fund. During the year and a half that Bethany was
without a building, we were by no means homeless. Services were held
in a local school.
In the
1936, Bethany had a building of it's own. This building served faithfully
for almost thirty years; however, Bethany's growth exceeded the capacity
of the facilities and another move was required. By 1953, there were
almost 850 members, far greater than that little church in Grove Park
was designed for. Sunday School class enrollment was at 579 members,
the many men's and women's groups grew and increased their activities,
as did the youth groups. In 1964, Bethany once again moved, this time
to its present location in Smyrna, Georgia. Living up to the revival
image of the church, services were held outdoors weather permitting,
until 1965. When the McGrady Building was opened on March 3, 1965,
the congregation knew they were home. There was no rest however, as
we began construction on the new sancutary shortly after. In August
of 1970, the first service in the new sanctuary was held. Since then,
the congregation has continued to grow in both size and service.
Welcome to Bethany United Methodist
Church
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Why is Bethany UMC called the Friendly Church at the Crossroads?
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