Rooted in Spartanburg since 1856

Founded in the mid-1850s, Bethel United Methodist Church has been a place of faith, fellowship, and service in Spartanburg, South Carolina, for more than 165 years. From a small village gathering to a vibrant congregation on South Church Street, our story is one of growth, grace, and community.

Humble Beginnings

Spartanburg was just a small courthouse village in 1856 when Mrs. Electa Button Leverton invited her Methodist friends to worship in her home on Morgan Square. Out of that home fellowship grew a new congregation. The early church met in a small frame building on the road to Union, with Wofford College students helping to lead worship until 1879, when the Annual Conference appointed the church’s first minister to what was known as Spartanburg’s “Mission Church.”

Becoming Bethel

In 1882, the growing congregation moved to the corner of West Hampton and South Spring streets. During the 1880s, the church became self-supporting and adopted the name Bethel. By 1907, Bethel had again outgrown its space and built a beautiful new sanctuary at the corner of South Church and Lee streets.

Growth and Community Impact

Growth – both spiritual and physical – has always been part of Bethel’s story.

1910: Members built a “one-day church” in a single day, which still stands today as El Bethel United Methodist Church.

1930: The Women’s Missionary Society of Bethel established the Bethlehem Center to serve the needs of the Highland community.

1953: Bethel dedicated its current sanctuary building.

1966-67: The education and activities buildings were added to support expanding ministries, Sunday School classes, and youth programs.

1960s: Bethel launched its Special Education Department, a ministry that continues to serve adults with special needs today, and the Child Enrichment Program, reflecting Bethel’s enduring commitment to nurture faith in every generation.

A Living Legacy

Bethel celebrated 150 years of ministry in 2006, marking a rich heritage of Methodist life in the Upstate. Through every chapter, Bethel has remained a community anchored in faith in Jesus Christ, sacrificial service, and transforming hope. Today, we continue to be a community that welcomes all people and engages our neighbors through worship, study, service, and fellowship.

12/03-30/25