Bethany
Constituted June 1838


Avery Chambers, Rhoda Chamberd, Mw. Davis, Lydia Davis, John Swincher, Jane Swincher and Samuel Hopper were constituted as the "Bethany Baptist Church" on the 16th of June, 1838. Application had been made to Scaffold Creek, Lick Branch, Coffee Creek and Hopewell for a council of recognition. These churches responded, and their messengers convened at the house of John Swincher. Elder J. W. Robinson was Moderator of the council and Wm. D Bacon Clerk. After praise and prayer and charge to the church, the hand of fellowship was extended and the council adjourned.

PASTORS.

   Immediately after adjournment of the council the church organized for business and arranged for regular meetings. Elder Robinson, who had been instrumental in collecting the church, was the first pastor, serving two years. Elder J. M. Cox was then pastor three years, when J. B. Swincher, a member at Bethany and recently ordained, commenced pastoral duties, continuing sixteen years. Elder Wm. Bussey next served six years, when W. A. Chambers, a licentiate, was pastor about eighteen months. The following Elders have since served: Wm. McCoy, four years; John E. McCoy, one year; John E. McCoy, two years; G. W. Thompson, four years; J. N. Spillman, two years, and Wm. McCoy from the fall of 1881 to present.

DEACONS AND CLERKS

   Avery Chambers, J. B. Swincher, Harvey Seburn, Barnet Gaddy, W.C. Mitchell, John Litson, James Seburn, James McCaslin, John Cain and W. H. Davis have severally served as deacons.
   Clerks.--Wm. Davis, , J. Hankins, M. McLean, James Seburn, M.S. Hancock, Alex. Chambers, S.A. Shrewsbury, W.H. Davis and Isaac Wheat; Post-office address, Deputy, Jefferson County, Ind.

LICENSED AND ORDAINED.

   Those licensed have been James B. Swincher, Matthew McLean and Joseph Hankins.  J.B. Swincher was ordained in October, 1842

BUILDINGS AND LOCATION.

   The summer the church was constituted a small log meeting-house was erected and occupied until 1853, when the present one was entered. This is a substantial frame, pleasantly located about two miles southwest from Deputy, a station on the O. & M. Branch Road. Present membership, 107.

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