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church history
The late Rev. H. B. Bennett and trustees, Viree Williams, Fred and Lonnie Brown, T. R. and Ernest Carr organized Bethlehem MBC 75 years ago after purchasing this building from Sol and Gussie Coleman on July 22, 1938, and dedicated it back to God on August 8, 1938 in an Entrance Ceremony Service on behalf of the Founding Members. This group of Christians purchased the site from Sol and Gussie Coleman.
During its early stages, five different leaders served in this Place of Worship. In addition to Rev. H. B. Bennett, Rev. J. L. Gaston, Rev. George, Rev. W. L. Gayton and Rev. J. E. Nettles utilized their Pastoral skills to carry out God’s Mission for the Church. Rev. J. E. Nettles was the first pastor to begin a remodeling program. That program consisted of a parsonage which included remodeling the interior and exterior of the church building in 1957. After the death of Rev. Nettles, Rev. M. L. Jackson became pastor in 1958. Through his leadership, the church grew both spiritually and numerically. Through God’s vision and his obedience to Him, He remodeled the interior of the old church and added the educational annex (now known as the M. L. Jackson’s Fellowship Hall). The new entrance date was May 3, 1987. Bethlehem became a beacon light in the neighborhood where it sits today and is still known in the Fifth Ward Community as one of the outstanding churches in the City of Houston and the State of Texas.
For 47 Blessed years, M. L. Jackson lead and guided this Congregation & under his leadership, many souls confessed Christ as their Personal Savior, and others in the names of Rev. H. L. Taylor (deceased), * Rev. S. E. Harris, Rev. M. C. Franklin (deceased), * Rev. George Abram (deceased), * Rev. D. R. Dubose, Rev. N. W. Dugay, II (deceased), *Rev. J. B. Johnson (deceased), *Rev. Mose A. Jones, Rev. O. L. Carr, *Rev. J. Dewitt Clark, * Rev. N. W. Dugay, III, Rev. T. W. Williams (deceased), *Rev. J. E. Richardson (deceased), Rev. W. Davis, Rev. A. Driver, Rev. W. Randall, *Rev. Q. Smith, Rev. H. Lee (deceased), Rev. F. D. Johnson, *Rev. G. Williams and *Rev. T. C. Collins, announced their calling to the ministry and were ordained by him.
Rev. Jackson was inspired to purchase property for the church. One of the greatest attributes was his love for the Youth and Young Adults, which became more evident by involving them in local, state and national religious events and activities.
In May of 2005, after Pastoring and leading this flock for 47 years, Dr. M. L. Jackson retired and graciously accepted his role as Pastor Emeritus. We thank God for Rev. F. D. Johnson who served as Interim Pastor (August 6, 2005 – May 4, 2006). In May of 2006, Bethlehem unanimously approved the calling of Rev. Mose A. Jones to become pastor/overseer of this flock. Pastor Jones was installed on July 16, 2006.
Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, He began to make notable changes with strong emphasis on Membership, Bible Study, Sunday School, Ministries, Tithing and Unity. He also implemented Midweek Service as well as the Radio/Media Ministry and Broadcast, which has been a blessing in the lives of his Parishioners and the Lay Public. Our Church motto “I Can Do All Things Through Christ Which Strengtheneth Me” (Philippians 4:13) helps us to better understand that we serve an Awesome God, and there is nothing impossible, if we believe. In addition to all these changes, we have continued to purchase additional property (located directly behind the church).
In January of 2018, Pastor Jones asked this family of believers to undertake another endeavor and without hesitation the family agreed. Through much prayer, togetherness and seeing the need (as Nehemiah and his followers did) & having a mind to work, we are in the process of remodeling this Place of Worship with a new sanctuary, purchased New Pews and believed that God is pleased with our efforts!
The 3rd Sunday of May is a very significant day in the history of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church of Houston. For over 47 years Dr. M. L. Jackson celebrated his Day of Love and Appreciation Services. Now, Rev. M. A. Jones commemorates this date as the day he became pastor of this edifice in order to pay homage to his pastor and mentor, the late Dr. M. L. Jackson.
We applaud the Members of our Congregation for a Job Well Done and say “To God Be The Glory For All of the Wonderful, Great and Marvelous Things that He Has Done!” *(The asterisk signifies those who have and are now successfully pastoring their own churches)