fruitland community

Old Bethel Baptist Church

I just recentely attended a 175th birthday celebration for the Missouri Baptist Convention.  It was held at the first Baptist church west of the Mississippi:  Old Bethel Baptist Church in Jackson, Missouri.  It was a great time of looking back at the history of missions in our area.  What struck me was the display of flags that represented the churches that Old Bethel started with their pioneer missionary spirit.  There were nine flags!  Nine churches that Old Bethel started!  Fruitland is in the process of starting our third church and the first challenge that came to me was:  "Could we start nine churches?  Could we eventually have nine or more flags representing our pioneer kingdom spirit?"  There was another flag...a black flag that represented the death of Old Bethel.  They lost their missionary zeal and died.  Wow...the final challenge left with was: "We can't lose our missionary spirit!  It would be the beginning of the end of FCC!" 

FCC:  Let's plant more flags...that is churches...and may we never lose our missionary spirit!!!

Here is the article about the Old Bethel Celebration from the Southeast Missourian...

Published Mar 31, 2009
Southeast Missourian
Missouri Baptists observe milestone with special events

Southeast Missouri is rich in religious history, and earlier this month the Missouri Baptist Convention kicked off its 175th anniversary celebration with special services at the restored Old Bethel Baptist Church near Jackson.

Other celebrations are being held around the state this year, including services Aug. 29 at Providence Baptist Church in New Bloomfield, Mo., marking the convention's founding in 1834. New Bloomfield is on U.S. 54 between Fulton and Jefferson City, Mo.

New Bethel traces its beginnings to 1806 when what is now Southeast Missouri was part of the Louisiana Territory. Bethel was the first Baptist church established in the territory. In recent years the historic church has been restored.

Missouri Baptist Convention churches are marking this year's special anniversary with a slogan: "One message, every seven days, five words: Jesus loves and forgives you." One. Seven. Five.

Not only was Old Bethel the first Baptist group west of the Mississippi River, through its missionary work it developed nine other Baptist churches in the area.

Congratulations to the Missouri Baptist Convention on its 175th anniversary. And hats off to the many volunteers who meticulously researched and restored Old Bethel Baptist Church.

© Copyright 2009, Southeast Missourian