150 years of faith.

The beginning of Mt. Bethel

Mt. Bethel Baptist Church in the McDonough area traces its beginnings to 1876. The church was organized under the leadership of Rev. Mark, who is recorded as its first pastor and served for approximately twenty years. The earliest worship services were held in a Brush Arbor, where the congregation gathered for approximately thirteen years.

The early church was located in an area known as Miller Town. The available records do not identify exactly when or by whom the church was given the name Mt. Bethel, but that name has remained associated with the congregation throughout its history.

The first land used as a meeting place had previously belonged to Tom Stallings. Later, the church purchased approximately one acre from John Brown. This tract was in a low, or “flat,” area on the west side of the road in Miller Town. That historic property is now used as the Mt. Bethel Cemetery, preserving a connection to the congregation’s earliest days.

Over the years, several ministers contributed to the development and growth of Mt. Bethel, including Rev. Berry Wilder, Rev. R. L. White, Rev. W. H. Woodson, Rev. M. Watts, and Rev. I. S. Jester. Rev. Jester served the congregation during its final years in Miller Town.

A church home and a place to learn

The church experienced renewed growth and enthusiasm under Rev. T. Taylor. During his pastorate, Mt. Bethel continued to develop, and the congregation moved forward with rebuilding and establishing a more permanent church home. In 1939, additional property was made available through a generous donation, contributing to the church’s growth and stability.

In the 1950s, a state project in Henry County established the Mt. Bethel School on the same premises as the church, in separate buildings. The school served students through the sixth grade, with principal Evalyn Banks and teachers Gladys Hill and Ms. Collins.

Growing in unity and faith

Rev. H. G. Gilbert served the church faithfully for approximately ten years. He was succeeded by Rev. A. J. Walker and later by Rev. C. L. McNease, who reorganized the church from the Mt. Bethel School.

Under Rev. McNease’s guidance, the congregation continued to grow in unity and faith. His wise counsel and powerful messages touched the hearts of many people from different walks of life.

A lasting era of leadership

In 1969, the congregation called Rev. O. D. Tyler as pastor. Under his leadership, the church was reorganized, and the present-day Mt. Bethel Baptist Church was built in 1973.

During his pastorate, numerous improvements and additions were made, including a church bus, bulletin board, telephone, Coke machine, and new pew cushions.

Rev. Tyler also licensed three ministers: Rev. Irvin Holloman, Rev. John Lee Ramson, and Rev. Rudolph Duffey. He organized three choirs—the O. D. Tyler Male Chorus, the O. D. Tyler Gospel Choir, and the Inspirational Choir—strengthening the church’s worship and music ministries.

Making room for ministry

In 1990, Mt. Bethel expanded its facilities with the addition of a fellowship hall, steam tables, a pastor’s study, bathrooms, a cloakroom, a storage room, a first-aid station, central heating and air conditioning, and a walkway around the church perimeter.

During the late 1990s and early 2000s, the church continued to acquire equipment and resources, including a van, typewriter, copy machine, and riding mowers.

The congregation also continued to welcome new members and families, including Deacon Elroy and Sis. Jackie Tucker, Rev. Jeffery Ruffin and his wife, Sis. Lavern Ruffin, and many others who became part of the Mt. Bethel family.

Honoring fifty years of faithful service

On November 3, 2019, Pastor O. D. Tyler celebrated fifty years of dedicated pastoral service to Mt. Bethel Baptist Church. His five decades of leadership became an enduring part of the church’s story.

After many years of faithful service to God and the congregation, Pastor Tyler transitioned on June 6, 2020.

Forward in faith

On January 16, 2021, the members elected Rev. Gregory Tyler II as the new pastor of Mt. Bethel Baptist Church. Under Pastor Tyler’s leadership, the church entered another season of growth and progress. Membership has increased significantly, and the congregation has embraced technological advancements, including upgraded systems and online platforms.

Today, Mt. Bethel continues to grow and thrive under Pastor Gregory Tyler II, moving forward while honoring the rich heritage and generations of faithful members who built the foundation upon which the church stands.