History of Bethel Seventh-day Adventist Church

In 1934 Elders John G. Thomas and H.D. Singleton, his assistant, conducted a successful tent effort and twelve new members were added to the company, including for the first time men.  Elder Singleton remained after the tent effort to serve as pastor of the flock.  During his pastorate God blessed Elder Singleton and the company and they built our former church building on N. W. 5th Avenue; thus the Gainesville Company became the Bethel S.D. A. Church.

After Elder Singleton’s departure, Elder E. E. Cleveland came and held a tent effort and ten souls accepted Christ as their saviour.  Elder Battles, who assisted Elder Cleveland, served as pastor of the church for several years.

Changes have taken place in pastors and members through the years.  Some of the pastors who served this church since Elder Singleton are:  Elders Kirk, Hastings, Stevens, Jones, I. A. Christian, F. S. Hill, E. S. Sumpter, who served the church brilliantly and faithfully for more than 18 years, and A. L. LaCount.

In December of 1974, Elder A. L. LaCount became our pastor.  Through his untiring efforts and faith in God, this building was started and brought near completion.  Due to the efforts of Eld. L. R. Hastings, who returned to serve as interim pastor, completion of the building was accomplished and the official opening of the church was celebrated on July 8, 1978.  Because of his leadership and with the sacrifice and cooperation of our members we were thankful to God, who has blessed us all the way.  By His power and might we were able to conduct our Grand Opening Services on July 8, 1978.

Shortly after our Grand Opening, Elder L. W. Edwards became our pastor.  Under his leadership a commitment was made to free the church of debt as promptly as possible.  In the summer of 1984 Elder Russell W. Bates accepted the challenge to liquidate the mortgage and through his guidance and the sacrifice and cooperation of our members and friends, this goal was attained. On December 22, 1984 Bethel S. D. A. Church held a Dedication and Mortgage Burning Service.  This was possible due in a great part to the late Charlie C. Alexander, Jr. whose life touched many prior to succumbing to cancer.  Those lives that he touched played an instrumental part in the termination of the church debt.

Pastors since 1984 include Elders Wesley Bruce, David King, Sr., Tony Taylor and Eddie Hall, Jr.  Pastor Lesly Jacques served as Interim Pastor for a brief period of time as well. On three occasions in the absence of a pastor, the work of the church was carried on by Head Elders John Washington, Sr., Stokeley Hall and Betty Stewart-Fullwood.  Our current pastor, Kevin K. Bryan began his ministry at Bethel on December 2007.

For several years, members of the Bethel congregation have had a burden on their hearts for souls in the outlying areas of Alachua County. It is this desire that lead to the exploration of a possible site for an Adventist presence.  After much prayer, searching and contemplation, the Lord led us to a site in Archer, Florida.  This site was dedicated on June 11, 2011.  We look forward to serving the community and being a blessing to all with whom we come into contact.

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About Seventh-day Adventists
Adventists believe a Trinity of three persons the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit make up one God. They made salvation possible when Jesus, the Son, came to earth as a baby in Bethlehem and lived a sinless life in accordance with the Father's will. When Jesus was crucified for the sins of the people of the world and arose from the dead on the third day, victory was won for everyone. More >>

What Seventh-day Adventists Believe
As a Christian church, Seventh-day Adventists are a faith community rooted in the beliefs described by the Holy Scriptures. Adventists describe these beliefs in the following ways: More >>

Fundamental Beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church
Seventh-day Adventists accept the Bible as their only creed and hold certain fundamental beliefs to be the teaching of the Holy Scriptures. These beliefs, as set forth here, constitute the church's understanding and expression of the teaching of Scripture. More >>

The Bethel S.D.A. Church began in 1911 as a company of believers who desired to honor God’s Sabbath.  The company consisted of about five women and nine children.  Sabbath School and Bible Studies were held each week in the homes of different members.