Bethlehem History

The History of Bethlehem Seventh-Day Adventist Church

It was in God’s plan that a church building should be erected in the Black community to serve people of all races in the Clearwater area. In the early 30’s three families came together and began Bible studies on a regular basic – Arthur and Dessie Lewis, Robert and Marie Lewis, Mr. Nichols and wife received a knowledge of the Seventh-day Adventist teachings and accepted this truth under the leadership of Elder F. Bookhart. Eighteen souls were baptized into the Adventist Church.

Members included Brother Arthur Lewis, wife and nine children, his brother Robert Lewis, his wife and one son, and the Mother of Arthur and Robert. Francis Fair lived on the lots where Bethlehem is today. The street was changed from Hardwell Avenue to Missouri Avenue. This small company of believers continued to serve the Lord in the home of Brother and Sister Arthur Lewis on Sabbaths and Wednesday nights. On January 27, 1941 Dessie Lewis departed this life. Two years after his death, Brother Arthur Lewis moved to the Washington D.C. where he met Della Millington, who became his wife. They lived there for a number of years and then decided to move back to Clearwater.

In 1941, Elder Bell pitched a tent on the corner of Greenwood and Palm Bluffs. It was a successful meeting with several baptisms. The membership had outgrown the seating capacity of the house. It was necessary for this group of believers to rent a building on Eldridge Street. Brother Foster gave strong support as church elder and giving Bible studies in the community. Brother and Sister Gordon moved from California to Clearwater and added strength and leadership to the church. Some years later the Pastor and members made plans to build a church.

The Lord in his providential leading moves in mysterious ways that finite mind cannot comprehend. The spirit of the Lord touched the heart of Mathie Lewis Cherry, Sister of Arthur and Robert Lewis to donate the property located at Palmetto and Vine Avenue. A church school building was erected on the property. Elder Mills and wife became the first teachers and he also pastured the church.

The Southeastern Conference then asked Elder Jonathan E. McCottry to pastor the Clearwater Church district. He completed the work that was started by Elder Armstead. The building now is known as the Fellowship Hall.

Edwards, Pastor of the Elim St. Petersburg Church, was asked to serve as interim pastor. Elder O.E. Gordon followed Edwards as an interim pastor. Both of the men did a great job keeping the church together. Special thanks to our Church Elders Obadiah James, Casmin Martin, Walter Niles, Nevel Parks, Leonard Pittman, James McNeill and David Jowrie, who faithfully supported these men of God.

Elder Clifford Yarn is to be commended very highly for his longevity and dedicated service as head elder of the church for many years. He held the church together when there was no pastor in the district. He served the church for more than thirty years.

Elder Calvin Robinson became the pastor of the Bethlehem S.D.A. Church of Clearwater in May 1996. His main objective was to pay off the mortgage of the church. Today we can rejoice and say. “TO GOD BE THE GLORY. GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE.” The Bethlehem Church is debt-free, Praise the Lord

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