The lot at Calhoun and First Streets, plus a small house was given to Mrs. Gertrude Martin in 1919 by Judge Hamlin as a place of worship. Mrs. Martin served as musician until her death in 1952
The church was organized in 1919 by Rev. William Young of Albuquerque, New Mexico, who served as Pastor and journeyed to Clovis every first and third Sunday to hold services. As the community grew, there was an increased need for a larger building to house what had evolved into a church-school. The small church was used as a school during the week and church services were held on Sundays. Mrs. Margie Ford of Temple, Texas came to teach but did not remain. Mrs. Ida O Jackson came to teach as her replacement.
The Santa Fe Railroad brought workers to the community and the community began to grow and thrive. In the late twenties the Watson family came to Clovis and Brother Henry Watson was ne of the first ordained Deacons, and his children attended school taught by Mrs. Jackson. In the early 30’s another ordained Deacon moved to Clovis, Brother Ralph Taylor, and the church began operating on a greater scale. During this time Reverend Young moved to Clovis and was called as a full-time Pastor.
During this time a school was being built and plans were made for a larger Church. A much larger building was completed in 1945 at a cost of $5,600.00. Much of the labor and material was donated by white citizens and friends. The cornerstone was laid and the small house was made into apartments and rented. The proceeds from the rent was put into a Building Fund toward building the parsonage. The parsonage was erected by Home Lumber Co, with the church as security. The church became Incorporated and debt free in 1945. Worship services were rendered at that building until 1973. On March 11, 1973 a dedication service was held for the new sanctuary and in October of 1976 the Annex was completed. In October of 1993 the church held its Mortgage Burning and 74th Homecoming Anniversary and the second Cornerstone was laid by St. John Lodge #6. On August 26, 2007 the Fellowship Hall was named and dedicated as Rev. R.L. Smith, Sr. Fellowship Hall.
Pastor R. L. Smith Sr. served as Senior Pastor from 1974-1980 and again from 1988-2014. Pastor Smith retired after a combined 40 years of pastoral service to the Bethlehem family. He left an indelible mark on the church and a legacy of sound doctrine and servant leadership. In August 2014, Rev. Delmus L. Gillis II was installed as the Senior Pastor. We continue the legacy of servant leadership while focusing on the Great Commission of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen
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