Bethlehem Presbyterian Church


Archer, Florida USA


Founded in 1866

Last updated on Sunday, February 04, 1996 - 1:35:43 PM

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Church History
Birthdays

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Dr. Don McGarity - Stated Supply Pastor

Announcements:

The flowers are given to the glory of God and in memory of James Donald "Boots" McNeill, Sr. by his wife, Miriam, and son, Donnie McNeill, Jr. James Donald "Boots" McNeill, Sr. died Friday in Alachua General Hospital. A Memorial Service in his honor will be conducted at the church, Monday, February 5, at 11:00 A.M. Burial will be private. In lieu of usual rememberances the family requests that contributions be made to the "Building Fund" of our church.

Calendar of Events:

Sunday:		9:45 a.m........Sunday School Classes for All Ages

		11:00 a.m.......Worship Service

		4:00 p.m........Community Prayer Service

		5:00 p.m........Youth Fellowship


Wednesday:	7:00 p.m........Choir Practice


Friday:		Sweetheart Banquet

Church History

A Noble Heritage

The Bethlehem Presbyterian Church (BPC) of Archer has one of the oldest and most historic sanctuaries in Florida. The church was organized in 1866, in the Wacahoota area, about eight miles southeast of Archer. In 1875 the place of worship was moved to the Union Sabbath School Building in Archer. The present sanctuary was dedicated on December 7, 1884. Therefore, it is the oldest surviving church building both in Alachua County and in the Presbytery of St. Augustine.

The Sunday School addition was completed in 1936 when the santuary was turned from facing Highway 241 to Church Street. The adjacent Ulysses Short Gordon Memorial Hall was dedicated on April 24, 1977. The original name (BPC) was changed to the Archer Presbyterian Church in 1908 and stayed that way until May 1976 when the original name was readopted.

The Rev. William J. McCormick was the organizing Pastor of the BPC, serving as Stated Supply from 1866 to 1873. Previously, Rev. McCormick organized the Kanapaha Presbyterian Church in 1857, the "mother" church of the area. In addition, he organized a church in Micanopy and the First Presbyterian Church in Gainesville, which he served until 1883. While other dedicated ministers served the BPC through the years, the backbone of the church has been the countless saints who have offered their sacrifice of love and service to Jesus Christ through the ministry of this church.

A Cordial Welcome

The doors of our church are always open to receive new members. If you would like to become an active, worshipping, serving member of this congregation, please feel free to contact our Pastor. The church phone number is: 352-495-9881

Birthdays

February:

7	Bobby Pita
13	Brenna Braley
18	Betty Berry
21	Tom Bishop, Jr.
23	Karri Pope
25	Don McGarity
27	Noah Smiley