Bethlehem+Baptist+Church+(+The+oldest+African+American+Church+in+Newton+County,+Georgia)

Bethlehem Baptist Church is the oldest African American church in Newton County, Georgia it was founded in 1849. A log hut was built near the Central Depot and the church became known as the Colored Baptist Church. In 1851, Reverend Toney Baker was called to pastorate the latent church Bethlehem Baptist Church, where he served as pastor for 46 years the longest period of time known to date. Pastors who served throughout the years were the Reverend Fambro, A.D. Williams, John Lewis, G. W. Woodson, W. Kelley, Joel King, P. R. Geer, C.W. Huff, E. L. Mitchell and the twelfth pastor and current Pastor Rev. Hezekiah Benton Jr. Some of Bethlehem Baptist Church oldest members were Emogene Williams, Annie Banks, Beulah Lisby, Ola Mae Gilstrap, Georgia Mae Pitts, Louise Lackey, Irene Heard, John R. Hammonds, Jesse Clements. In 1959, Reverend E. L. Mitchell pastor of 21 years provided spiritual guidance every Sunday instead of the second and fourth Sundays's of each month.