A HISTORIC CHURCH WITH A PASSION FOR TODAY
Bethany Church of Franklin was built in 1897 as a Methodist Church. In 1947, Billy and Janie Reams drove by and saw the church was closed and thought it should be opened. They inquired about having services there. Mr. and Mrs. Reams founded the church as a non-denominational Open-Bible church and as the years passed, the church expanded. In 1956-1973, A.C. McIntyre was the pastor, the church formed a corporation and purchased the property from the Methodist. While the McIntyres were there a balcony, nursery, and inside stairs to the basement were added. A few more years passed, then Stanford Williams (1978-1995) pastored and the church added an upstairs office, classroom, kitchen and bathroom. In 1995, Ronald Swanson pastored until 2003, this was when the multi-purpose building was built. Dan McIntyre, son of A.C. McIntyre, was the builder.
Currently, Steve McIntyre pastors Bethany Church of Franklin. Steve and Rebecca McIntyre have raised their four children in this community. Their passion is to Glorify God and Bless People.
Bethany Church of Franklin celebrated it’s 105th anniversary during the month of August in the year of 2002.
In 1962 this, then Methodist, church closed. Then sold to a nucleus of devotees, with Pastor A.C. McIntyre spearheading the purchase for $3,000 as a nondenominational full gospel community church. Pastor McIntyre served as pastor 18 years. Pastor Stan Williams served 17 years.
As the Church begins it’s celebration, Pastor McIntyre’s son, Dan McIntyre Construction has been hired to build a multi-purpose building as an addition to the present church.
Present Pastor, Ronald E. Swanson came to Bethany just in time for the big wind storm that laid one of it’s beloved fir trees across the church roof. The church insurance carrier went out of it’s way to restore the building. Pastor Swanson says it was like a new beginning. One manifestation of the new energy for this Franklin Church was plans for the multi-purpose complex.
The Church is needfully looking forward to this new addition on this 105th year celebration!
*this is recorded from an actual letter about Bethany Church