Story of Bethel Methodist Columbia

Our story at Bethel Methodist Columbia begins in 1835. Bethel UMC was founded by a small group of families. They were living in a sparsely settled rural area. This area of land is now known as Forest Acres.

When founded in 1835, Bethel Methodist Columbia became the first church in the Forest Acres community. A surveying plat dated 1860 shows Bethel on the same site where it stands today. Though no early church records exist, Bethel’s cemetery bears testimony to members of that early congregation.

Confirmation as to the the beginning of Bethel’s story.

A forest fire in 1867 destroyed the original structure. Despite the loss, Bethel soon rebuilt. For many years, it remained a small church. Bethel continued administering to the needs of nine or ten local families. As one of several churches assigned to a circuit, our church held services only once each month with one serving minister.

Following World War II, steady growth of the area brought a need for a new church. The first masonry-style sanctuary was built in 1948.

In 1951, Bethel assigned a full-time minister. The church then became part of the Columbia District of the South Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Within our sanctuary today, Bethel held its first worship service on Palm Sunday, 1964.

Continuing growth in the early 1960s set into motion a two-year building-fund campaign. In May 1963, ground-breaking ceremonies took place for Bethel’s fourth and current sanctuary. Within our sanctuary today, Bethel held its first worship service on Palm Sunday, 1964.

In 2023, Bethel Methodist Columbia celebrates serving the Lord for the 188th year!

As our story continues forward at Bethel, God continues making great use of all His people. Sustaining a church that draws its members spiritually closer to the Lord and to one another. We, at Bethel Methodist Columbia, welcome you to come join our fellowship. We are a Christian, loving, faith-based, family-oriented group from all around the Forest Acres community.

Join Our Bethel Family!

There are many ways you can contribute to our story at Bethel UMC Columbia. Enjoy hanging out with others your age? Consider joining a small fellowship group.

 

Interested in joining a special, faith-based community? Then, please come visit us anytime! We’d love to continue writing our story with you!

 

We also have many fun and exciting events / activities throughout the year. Take a look at our church calendar and find out if there’s something you may enjoy!

Our Bethel Story continues… With Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors. And You!