It is an honor to share with all of you the history of Mount Bethel Baptist Church. The church's history is something dear to my heart. It is my desire to make available the names of the fonders and their roles and vision for the church and its future. One might ask, "Why such a desire?" I believe that the fonders of this church will want to know the history of Mount Bethel to be available for generation after generation. Sharing of the beginning, 1880 and its fonders, Edmund J. Christian, Riley Sylves, James Williams, Trustee Benjamin Kittrell and Noah Williams, who were my grandfather and uncle, purchased the land building of the church. Some of our descendants are still worshipping, and I would like to recognize the oldest members and their sisters, Tyler and Maxine Johnson. I would like to honor some of the former pastors. In the year of 1880, Mount Bethel, originally known as Gumswamp Church, was founded by Edmund J. Christian, Riley Sylves, and James Williams. Like many other churches of that era, early meetings were held from house to house. This went on until August 14, 1890, under the divine leading of God, Trustee Benjamin Kittrell and Noah Williams, purchased a one-acre plot of land for $25. The land was purchased on Indian River Road in Virginia Beach across from Gumswamp, thus the originally name of Gumswamp Church. Later the members thought it best to give it a more spiritual name. They chose the name Mount Bethel. Bethel means "house of God." On this acre of land, Mount Bethel's first edifice was constructed. It was one of the most beautiful churches of that time, two-story tall with a balcony and beautiful stained glass windows. Reverend Harvey N. Johnson, a gifted architect from Portsmouth, Virginia, is to be remembered for his generosity for those ornaments. This church grew spiritually under the leadership of Reverend Brown until his passing in the early 1930s. Reverend C. J. Williams was called to replace Reverend Brown. Under Reverend Williams' password, soul-staring revivals were held during the day and at night. The congregation grew with new converts and we were proudly had baptized in a nearby pond or river, eventually in a designated place on the beach. BYPU, BTU and Sunday School was founded under Reverend C. J. Williams. Following C. J. Williams, Reverend C. C. Jenkins became the pastor. A period of growth and expansion of the church programs and exhilarates Mark, Mark Reverend Jenkins' error, he was responsible for the installation of pews and convocation. These pews had backrests which were a welcome treat for parishioners who had previously sat on hard backrest benches. The first junior choir was credited under his leadership. After a few years, he resigned. Reverend J. Arthur Taylor was called to replace Reverend Jenkins. Reverend Jenkins served from '52 to '58. The church continued to grow under his leadership. He organized the first Dignanist Board, Mother of the Church, Pastors Aid Society and first Missionary Circle. The junior choir grew and participated at Norfolk City Arena with other choirs. He was instrumental in getting a pipe organ installed to enhance the music ministry. In 1958, Reverend Taylor resigned. Sadly, that same year Mt. Bethel burned to the ground. It was a total loss. In 1960, Reverend S.P. Dixon became pastor. It was under his leadership that a groundbreaking ceremony for the new church building was built. Reverend Dixon served four years before his passing. Reverend L. Mo Moseley, a community son, was chosen to replace him. Under Reverend Moseley's leadership, from 1965 to '68, the new church was completed. God continued to send great pastors to lead Mount Bethel over the years. Such pastors as Reverend Harold Case in 1969 to 1978. Reverend E.T. Knight in 1978 to 1981. And Reverend E.J. Little in 1981 to 1984. Reverend Williams served as pastor from 1986 to 1992. During his tenure, the first female trustees were appointed. He instituted the transportation ministry for those who need a ride to church and from church. And the parking lot was paid. Then in 1993, the church called Reverend Arbery D. Moore to serve as pastor. A new beginning and a new modern era of ministry was birthed in the heart of the congregation. Reverend Moore, a visionary, accomplished many things during his pastorship. The church purchased a modular building to facilitate the children's church ministry. The church also purchased some adjoining property and launched the construction of a two-story addition to the original church. A 500-seat sanctuary, media room, spacious qual off and pulpit, stage ready, lightning, classrooms, baptism, office, bookstores, computers, lab, kitchen, conversion of the form of sanctuary into a fellowship hall. Conference room, pastoral suite, and nursery. On the Pastor Mo's ministry directions, all these projects were completed and the congregation began to worship in their brand new sanctuary in the year 2000. With all the new additions to the church came a financial budget. Pastor Moore determined there would be no dinner sales, as was the norm for fund-raising in most churches. And said he asked for a donation from church members, 100 members committed to give $10 a week for six years. The church is now debt-free. Pastor Moore also instituted the title "Dulaw," advice dulaw, for organizations within the church. The word "Dulaw" in Greek means "serving a slave." He taught that we are not to operate over someone we have actually been called to serve. We are suggesting an attitude of servitude for us to really be effective and in leadership we must serve first. Reverend Mo resigned in 2015. His legacy will always be highly regarded and loving remembered. Shortly after Reverend Mo resigned, Dr. Curtis L. Johnson was installed as pastor of my Bethel Church on October the 19th, 2017. Under Dr. Johnson's leadership, several new committee and ministries have been established. Executive, finance, personnel, safety, and security, and hospitality. Improvements has been made to our audio and visual ministry. We are streaming live on Facebook, donating on Gilbify. We have a Mount Bethel website. We communicate on GroupMe, and we meet for Bible study on Zoom. This is our history from 1880 to present. And may God bless us as we continue to grow.