The original house of worship, a log building dating to 1856, was located on the corner of what is now North Cumberland and Cherokee Drive. This building also served as a slave market and a hospital for both Union and Confederate troops of the Civil War. This building was eventually conveyed to Rev. Dr. Judson S. Hill, a white Methodist Missionary and educator and founder of Morristown College. The former church building became the first building of Morristown College.  Extant records from the period indicate that there were several black members of Bethel South, which later became First Baptist Church of Morristown. More than likely Bethel Baptist Church emerged from freed black persons and sharecroppers that attended First Baptist Church in the 1800's. It is more certain that the first building to be owned by the fledgling black congregation was a building on South Cumberland Street. It was deeded by Henry Mullins to Arthur Poe, chairman of  trustees. Other trustees from the period are; Luke Brownlow, Dave Dickson, Andy Greenlee, Dolphus Harrell, Prince Jackson, Lafayette Kent, Henley Mason, Adam Weaver, and William Wingate. This building with some renovations, served the needs of the congregation until 1987.

The names of several of the early pastors are also well known. Historical records of Southern Baptist Churches in the area bear the names of men who also served at Bethel during its early days. Among them are Reverends Azariah and Buck Thompson, who served several churches in Hamblen and surrounding counties. Some years later, Reverends G.A. Nance, H.E. Brown, M.M. Upton and Thomas Knight each held the pastorate of Bethel.  Reverend Nance returned to the pastorate of Bethel and served for 33 years, until his death. He was succeeded by Rev. E.H. Bragg, who served for 18 years. Following Bragg’s tenure, Reverends Isaac Robinson, William Prince, Van B. Wynder and Charles L. Willis served the church for a combined period of ten to twelve years. Reverend Frank Houston who began as a "teenage preacher" held the pastorate from 1973-1999.  Each of these pastors made unique contributions to the church. A baptistery with an exquisitely beautiful and realistic scene was constructed in the South Cumberland building by Reverend Nance.  It was also during his pastorate that the cornerstone was laid in the building in 1914, and intricate stained glass windows were acquired from First Baptist Church. These unique windows were renovated and installed in the new sanctuary, constructed in 1987. Reverend Bragg was well known for his exceptional gifts as an evangelist and pastor. As a result, the church experienced much numerical growth during his tenure. The church purchased a new parsonage under the leadership of Reverend Van B. Wynder. Reverend Willis brought an organizational structure and established financial policies that still benefit the church today. Under Reverend Houston’s leadership,  Bethel constructed new worship and educational facilities on Cherokee Drive, which were occupied in 1987.