Bethlehem Baptist Association — consisting of 25 churches in Monroe County — celebrated its 200th anniversary Oct. 16 at First Baptist Church, Monroeville, during the association’s annual meeting.
The association was founded in 1816 as Bigby Association and was the first association organized in Alabama. Its name changed to Beckbe Association in 1822 and then to Bethlehem Association in 1826.
Anniversary publicity committee member George Jones noted that along with being the oldest association, the county which it covers has the largest percentage of Baptists in the state. In fact, 56 percent of Monroe County residents are members of a Baptist church, according to the Association of Religion Data as reported by al.com in August 2015.
The event featured former directors of missions, state leaders and the Historical Commission. DOM John Marks and his wife, Maarah, were honored for 10 years of service. (TAB)
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