Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church
918 Looney Avenue, Memphis, TN 38107
Senior Pastor: Pastor Orelius Clyde Collins, Jr. Pastor's Spouse: First Lady Evelyn Graham Collins
Denomination: Baptist
Phone: 901-527-4082
Fax: 901-527-6443
Website: http://bethlehemmemphis.org/
Email: [email protected]
Announcements
Weekly Schedule
Sunday:
9:20am-------------------------Sunday Sch
ool
10:45am------------------------Worship Service
Tuesday:
7:00pm-------------------------Bible Study
Wednesday:
7:00pm-------------------------Prayer Service (1st Wednesday)
Other Information
About Us:
Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church History
The start of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church: was under a Bush Arbor on Marley Avenue near Marley Avenue Colored School in the spring of 1883.:
Reverend Samuel Garrett: was the first pastor of Bethlehem and under his leadership the first deacon and mother board were organized. Bartlett: became the pastor in June of 1892. Under his leadership the Marley Avenue Colored School was purchased by the church from the Board of Education. Rev Bartlett died in May 1924.:
Reverend J. The church paid off its first mortgage. Also several structural and cosmetic changes were made. Bethlehem was one of only a few churches with a Baptism pool. Construction also began on an addition to the church in the late 50’s. This included classrooms, modern kitchen and assembly hall. Bibbs died in January 1960.:
Reverend Quincy C. Billops: became pastor in January 1960s. Billops coordinated the churches 100th anniversary. Billops died in April 1985.:
Reverend Orelius Clyde Collins, Jr.: has taken Bethlehem to newer heights and many thought that could not be possible. His dream to build a new church is one of the many highlights of his career at Bethlehem. On January 3, 1993, the final worship service of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church at 746 Ayers was observed. The new worship center would have a brand new address, 918 Looney Ave. The members worshipped at the Firestone Union Hall for eighteen months while construction was under way for the sprawling $1.2 million facility.:
It was like a day right out of heaven when members of Bethlehem entered their brand new facility led by a 1.5 mile motorcade. The Dedicatory Services were held on August 21, 1994. Bethlehem has 2,000 members; but Collins says, “I’m not a man that’s concerned with numbers as I am about the church that’s in the number. Bethlehem still today is in the business of saving souls and reaching out to the community. The church has over 15 ministries that cater to members and the Memphis community. Bethlehem’s adopt-a- school is North Side High School in North Memphis. The church strives to help those in need and recently donated over $5,000 to the Tsunami Relief Effort. The church annually donates to MIFA, American Red Cross, Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission, Toys for Tots, Women’s Foundation of Greater Memphis and food to the homeless. The Church is making plans to start construction on a Family Life Center. Although the church has done great things thus far; the pastor says this is just the beginning. As long as there are lost souls that need to be saved our work at Bethlehem is not done.:
