First Bethesda running its race for 151 years

ALBANY — One of Albany’s landmark churches continues to celebrate milestones. First Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church in southwest Dougherty County celebrated its 151st anniversary last month.

The church was erected in 1849 and given the name that means “House of Mercy.” Bethesda started out as a church specifically for white people, but after the death of one of its early ministers, the congregation allowed slaves to attend. Slaves who confessed their faith were granted membership and permitted to attend afternoon services.

In 1865, the church was donated to its black members, and the first African-American deacons were ordained. Abraham Lawton, Harry Peyton, Bob Gillison, Dave Shakleton, Doss Jordan and Bill Lewis’ legacy as deacons lives on to this day.

The Rev. Lawrence A. Johnson currently presides as pastor and has done so since being named to the position in 2013.

According to First Bethesda deacon Lester Strother, the annual anniversary service attracts former members as well as their family from all over the country.

“Some moved, some died out, some moved about the country, but some of their siblings still come here every second Sunday in August,” he said. From as far as California, Michigan, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida … all around. All over the United States, people come home. Not from all states, but from different states we’ve got visitors coming in.”

The scripture for the recent anniversary Sunday came from Hebrews 12:1-2, and the message was entitled “Running the Race.” Church officials said the sermon could be used to describe the walk of Christians in general, as well as what they’ve been doing at Bethesda for more than a century and a half.

Strother said that even as more churches began to spring up around Albany and attendance at Bethesda dwindled, the church has remained steadfast and dedicated to its ministry.

“That scripture is telling us that the race that we’re running now, the Christian race, as they say, our hope is to one day be able to see Jesus as He is. That’s our plan and that’s the race we’re running,” Strother said. “The significance of that sermon on that particular Sunday is (a reminder to) be patient. We’ve been hanging in here for 151 years, so just be patient in what you’re doing. It ain’t always gonna be easy. It ain’t always gonna be good, but just be patient in what you’re doing.”

The church hosts several fundraisers throughout the year, including a back-to-school drive and a deacon fish fry. Deacon Oakie Brown said as the church continues to run its race within the community, it’s important that members continue to try and reach the youths in the area who have a different mindset than the older members did growing up.

“When we were coming up, the reason we take it seriously is because we had to come to Sunday school. We had to go to revival meetings. There was no staying home and laying in the bed,” Brown said. “Now, people don’t take it as seriously with the children. They just let them kinda float.”

Strother noted that the prayers of older generations is what has gotten them to this point, and as they move forward he and other elders will continue to pray for the future generation so that Bethesda can continue running its race in Albany.