History

The History

Bethlehem United Methodist Church was founded in 1825 by Dr. John Bowman.

Dr. Bowman and his wife, Mary, had ridden by horseback from North Carolina after getting married.  He had previously purchased some land from Cherokee Indian Chief, Major Ridge, for a home which four (4) braves helped him constuct.  The two-story original structure, the Bowman-Pirkle house, is located on the property of his great-great grandson, Robert Bowman, off of Sardis Church Road in Gwinnett County.  Dr. and Mrs. Bowman as well as various members of their families are laid to rest in our cemetery.

Since there were no churches in the vicinity at the time, and Dr. Bowman being a Methodist, he built a Methodist church. Worship was first held under a brush arbor until a log building was constructed. This building was used until 1870 when a new wood frame building was completed.

About this time, Noah Pirkle, John's son-in-law,  and John Robert (J.R.) Pirkle, John's grandson, purchased the land for the church. Noah did the rock masonry at the spring, which is located just behind the present building today.  The spring which for many years was the water supply for the area and where homecoming was celebrated.

Bethlehem played a part in mothering other churches in the area.  The members of Bethlehem assisted in helping organize Buford First Methodist in Buford as well as others.

The first brick building was erected in 1954 and dedicated in 1961. In 1987, Bethlehem broke ground for a new sanctuary and fellowship hall. This building was completed around 1995.

Started in 1825, Bethlehem has played a role in the lives of those in the community since it's birth.

Today Bethlehem United Methodist Church continues to reach out to the community to be the light of Christ to those in need. It is a place many call home.