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	Mon-Thurs, 9:30 am-4 pm
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	Sunday School 9:45 am
	Sunday Morning Worship 10:55 am

Mt. Bethel Historical Overview

Mt. Bethel Presbyterian Church had its beginning in the heart and mind of Rev. H.P. Ruppenthal, pastor of Blacknall Memorial Presbyterian Church. In July 1935, the Session of Blacknall authorized a religious census of the Hillandale Community.

After searching many months, in 1937, the vacant Amos Grocery Store building (standing diagonally across Cole Mill Road from the existing church property) was offered by its owner, Mr. A.W. Crabtree, for use as a temporary meeting place. The building was remodeled at a cost of $75.00. Beginning on October 30, 1937, revival services were held with 120 attending the first service. By the end of the week, 22 people desired membership in the new church. Sunday school and worship services were held Sunday afternoons until the church was organized.

On November 22, 1938, Granville Presbytery received and honored the petition of 22 persons and appointed a commission to organize a Presbyterian Church in the Huckleberry Springs area of Durham County. The organizational service was held on December 4, 1938 with 22 charter members. Mt. Bethel was chosen as the church's name. Rev. Ruppenthal was named as stated Supply.

Shortly thereafter, Mr. D.E. Townsend was elected an Elder and Superintendent of the Sunday School, and Mr. S.B. Brady was elected a Deacon. The Women's Auxiliary was formed and the young people of the church were organized under the leadership of Miss Edith York. Immediately after being organized, the congregation began to make plans for the construction of a church building.

The cornerstone was laid on May 25, 1941. Subsequent additions include the Fellowship Hall, added around 1957, and upstairs classrooms in 1968. Growth required the sanctuary to be enlarged and remodeled in 1987 to seat 150 people. In 1993, Mt. Bethel began two services to meet increased membership.

On August 6, 1995 members entered the same front doors the church had used for over fifty years to find the interior dramatically altered. The former sanctuary was converted to a narthex, conference room and choir room. Worshipers entering the narthex found a new administrative wing on the right and a new 350-seat sanctuary on the left.

The church continues to serve as a vital part of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the New Hope Presbytery.