OUR STORY

As in the case with many African-American congregations in the South, the history and origins of Bethel Baptist Church of Morristown are inextricably linked to a Caucasian congregation. Although it is difficult to know precisely at what point the African-American Bethel Baptist was organized as a congregation, independent of the white "mother church", the latter was organized in 1803 by the Rev. Isaac Barton. This congregation was composed of members who had migrated to Morristown from East Hamblen County, specifically in Whitesburg, to distinguish itself from another congregation in another part of the county sharing the same name, the "mother church" soon called itself Bethel South (for "south" on the Holston River).

Ours is a living, dynamic faith in the person-Jesus Christ-God's Son and our saviour.  As he is presented in the Holy Scriptures and as He continues to speak to us through the Holy Spirit, Jesus is the sole standard and authority for Christian belief and behavior.  Though we have no formal "creed," we do have confessional statements about central beliefs.

 

Above: Our Current Church Home
on Cherokee Drive (since 1987)

Below:  Our Previous Home
on South Cumberland Street (until 1987)