Our Church
Established 1865
Once upon a time on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, a group of God-fearing, dedicated, and faithful men and women heard the call of Jehovah God to build a house—not an ordinary house, but the House of God. In the year of our Lord 1865, under the leadership of Reverend J. Doyle, this group began the work that would become Bethlehem Baptist Church. Today, the church is located at 111 Bethlehem Lane in Dalcour, Louisiana.
In its infancy, Bethlehem Baptist Church was a small congregation, limited in finances and formal education, but never limited in vision. The founders stood firmly on the truth of Proverbs 29:18: “Where there is no vision, the people perish.”That vision carried the church through generations of faith, perseverance, and trust in God.
Throughout its history, Bethlehem has endured many trials and tribulations. Plaquemines Parish experienced devastating storms, including the 1915 hurricane, Hurricane Flossy, Betsy, Camille, Katrina, Rita, and Isaac. On more than one occasion, the sanctuary was inundated with over six feet of water. Yet through every storm, the congregation leaned on Jesus, standing on God’s promise that He would never leave nor forsake His people.
Pastoral Leadership Through the Years
Bethlehem Baptist Church has been blessed with many devoted spiritual leaders. Reverend J. Doyle served as the church’s first pastor, faithfully preaching the Word of God and leading souls to Christ until the completion of his pastorate. He was succeeded by Reverend Lazarus Ben, who served for several years.
Following Reverend Ben’s tenure, Reverend Adam Lewis was appointed pastor and led the congregation toward spiritual maturity. Records reflect that Reverend Adam Lewis was later called to rest and was the first individual to have a wake service held at Bethlehem Baptist Church. After his passing, Brother Jacob Lewis—who had served as Sunday School Superintendent and Head Deacon—was ordained and appointed pastor.
During Reverend Jacob Lewis’s pastorate, the church sustained significant damage from a hurricane. With faith, determination, and the grace of God, Reverend Lewis and the congregation rebuilt the sanctuary. He provided strong leadership and spiritual growth until the Lord called him from labor to reward.
Recognizing the continued need for leadership, God called Reverend Edmond Edwards to shepherd His people. Reverend Edward W. Johnson later succeeded Reverend Edwards. A bold soldier for the Lord, Reverend Johnson preached and taught tirelessly. Under his leadership, the church prospered, and several improvements were made, including a secretary’s office, pastor’s study, kitchen, indoor restrooms, new pews, and two steeples adorning the sanctuary.
Reverend Johnson also served as pastor of St. Andrew Baptist Church in Braithwaite, Louisiana. He served faithfully until God called him home on December 14, 1976.
Brother Cornelius Alveris provided leadership until Reverend Aaron I. Green, Sr. was appointed pastor in 1977.
In its infancy, Bethlehem Baptist Church was a small congregation, limited in finances and formal education, but never limited in vision. The founders stood firmly on the truth of Proverbs 29:18: “Where there is no vision, the people perish.”That vision carried the church through generations of faith, perseverance, and trust in God.
Throughout its history, Bethlehem has endured many trials and tribulations. Plaquemines Parish experienced devastating storms, including the 1915 hurricane, Hurricane Flossy, Betsy, Camille, Katrina, Rita, and Isaac. On more than one occasion, the sanctuary was inundated with over six feet of water. Yet through every storm, the congregation leaned on Jesus, standing on God’s promise that He would never leave nor forsake His people.