Shelby’s Bethlehem Baptist marks 175 years

It was both a 175th anniversary celebration and Pastor Appreciation Sunday for Bethlehem Baptist Church, Shelby, on Oct. 6.

During the 11 a.m. service, Bobby Joe Seales, representative from the Alabama Baptist Historical Commission, presented the church with a framed certificate. 

There also was a presentation of a framed certificate by Shelby Baptist Association.

Following the Lord’s Supper, a dinner followed in the fellowship hall. 

Dorsey Ingram, secretary/treasurer for the Shelby Baptist Association church, noted that a booklet of church history was distributed that day. 

Pastor Rodger Hamaker, who has served at the church for nearly 17 years, noted that people who had previously attended Bethlehem Baptist came back to visit for the anniversary service. He added some of those in attendance, including Seales, were dressed in old-fashioned attire for the anniversary celebration. 

Hamaker said the vision for the future of the church is growth. “We’d love to see it grow” and see people saved and see revival occur in the community, he said.