About Bethel Baptist Church
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Bethel Baptist Church was formally organized on December 5, 1968. Eugene Canfield was selected as the first pastor and served until March of 1970. Gene Parisher was called by the church to serve as their new pastor in May 1970. He served as senior pastor for 35 years, retiring on June 5, 2005. Lloyd Donica assumed the role of senior pastor on June 6, 2005.
In the spring of 1971, the church moved into their new building on Briarfield Road. Due to the sudden growth, the auditorium was enlarged, and an educational wing was added for Bethel Christian School in 1973. Another addition was added in 1984, and in 1997 the church moved into its new Family Life Center. The new addition provided a full size gymnasium, showers and dressing rooms, kitchen, science and computer labs, locker area, and a storage facility.
During the years that Gene Parisher served as senior pastor, the congregation grew from 30 to approximately 400. He organized and helped with the beginning of Bethel Christian School, the bus ministry, music ministry, soul winning and visitation, the youth ministry, a live nativity scene, missions conference and banquet, and an annual couples' retreat. After his retirement, he was commissioned to serve as Pastor Emeritus.
On September 22, 2002, Lloyd Donica, who has served the church in various ministries (school principal, assistant pastor, associate pastor, and church administrator) since July of 1980, was elected to serve as the church's first co-pastor.
Bethel Baptist Church is an independent local assembly that adheres to the fundamental tenets of God's Word. Please click here to view the Articles of Faith.
