On June 15, 1838, the Brethren William BOWDEN and Peter Stewart constituted the following as a Church. John Hudson; Rayman Davinport; James S. Bartlett; Elizabeth Bartlett; Sarah Bauthenstine; Aby Johnson; Dorothy Bartlett; Mary Bartlett; and Elizabeth Rhodes.
They selected a lot in the 12th District Marion County (now Taylor County) about 2 miles SW of Butler.
The church was first called Hopeful until 3-18-1843 when its name was changed to Bethel.
Early Members are listed in They Tarried in Taylor by Essie Childs, p. 23.
For complete history and minutes see "Bethel Primitive Baptist Church -- The First 100 Years" by John and Janice Boyd Adams.
Pastors include: G.L. Taylor 1839 Elijah Phillips 1842 Baxter Boland 1850 Andrew Hood 1851 William Hubbard 1857 Milton J. McDonald 1859 James B. Hamilton 1860 John Pascal Glover 1861 John Rowe 1868 David Caldwell 1871 John Green Murray 1873 John R. Respess 1893 John G. Murray 1895 B.H. Pearson 1896 John Rowe 1898 A.A. Garret 1899
Source: They Tarried in Taylor by Essie Childs.
