THE HISTORY OF BETHEL CHURCH

The year was 1917. A handful of believers in Modesto, California due to witnessing the miraculous healing of a family member, began meeting in their homes for prayer and Bible Study. From this small group, Bethel Mission was born. Some of the founding families were the Radleys, Drakes and Rays. The excitement of these people was high, due to the blessings the Lord had bestowed on them personally and as a group. They soon outgrew the homes they were meeting in and began meeting above Union Hall at 10th & F streets. Pastors who served were Rev. Kelso Glover (1917-1918) and Rev. Robert Ray (1908-1922).

In 1919, Bethel Mission moved to a tent on 18th & H Street, and in 1920 they were ready for a "home of their own" and purchased property on 14th & F street.

They moved an old school house onto the property and remodeled it to meet their needs. Most of the remodeling was done by church members-even the ladies got involved fixing chairs and doing whatever was needed. Pastors who served at this location were Rev. Robert Ray and Rev. AV Valdez (1923).

In 1924, starting with a gift of $9,000 from a widow of the church, Bethel Mission purchased a newer building at 15th & G Street and changed its name to Bethel Church. They also received a new pastor, Rev. Joe Harper, and in 1923 Rev. Frank Morrison came alongside to minister with him. When Rev. Harper resigned in 1925, Rev. Morrison continued on as pastor.

Bethel Church joined the Assemblies of God in 1924. Others that ministered at Bethel between 1923-1934 were Rev. Paulhemos, Rev. Kirkpatrick, and Rev. Welch who has since twice served as General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God. Rev. Don Weston came in 1934 and served until 1957.

Over the years, there have been many great evangelists at Bethel Church. Brother Fox, with the Loren Fox Crusade came to Bethel in 1954. Crowds were so large, that Winter Garden, an old dance hall on 10th Street, was rented to accommodate everyone. Lois Young recounts how her sons, who were in high school, brought their friends to the revival. One of those boys was Wayne Adams, who now pastors a large church in the Carmel/Monterey area and who was a former D-cap for the Oregon district.

Many members of Bethel Church have entered the ministry throughout the years. Some planted new churches, and some served as missionaries. John Bueno, Executive Director of the Division of Foreign Missions for the General Council of the Assemblies of God was raised in Bethel Church, as was his brother Elmer. Brother Elmer was known for his large "Air Cathedral" that he set up for meetings all over Costa Rica and Panama for his work with PTL Spanish TV and his own program "Buenos Amigos". John and Elmers parents, Ted & Kathryn Bueno, were the first missionaries from the new church. They left the mission field with a total monthly support promise of $100-$150 from the First Assemblies of God in San Diego and $50 from Bethel Church. Their sister, Miriam Sordo Pope served here at Bethel in the Christian Education Department for many years, as well as being the primary care giver for her parents. Other missionaries from Bethel are Ray Talley, Betty Calkins, Emma Erickson, and James Kessler.

Many Bethel Associate pastors went on to serve the Assemblies in other areas. Roy Blakely became the founding pastor of Neighborhood Church and Neighborhood Manor and Modesto Christian School.

The church was completely remodeled under the leadership of Pastor Bill Lewis (1957-1968). A gymnasium was added to the site as well. Pastor Ted Ness came to Bethel in 1968 and served until 1975. It was during this time that property for a parking lot was purchased next to Don's Mobile Glass.

In the late 70s it became evident that a new location would be needed, and a gift of four acres of land was given to the church during the leadership of Rev. Ralph Vaters. (1976-1981) During this time, houses and property on 14th Street were also purchased. An evangelic center was envisioned by Pastor Wayne Francis during his ministry 1981-1982.

In September 1982, our current Pastor Cliff and Carol Traub came to us. They brought with them the new beginnings of carrying out the Bethel vision. in October 1985, a new facility was dedicated on the current 7-acre site on Scenic. The last service at the 15th & G Street location was held September 1, 1985 and former pastor Rev. Don Weston returned for that service. The beautiful stained glass windows that had been donated to the church in the late 1940s by Falke Floden were brought to the new location, and you can see them behind the pulpit in the Centre.

The old facility was sold to the Modesto Bee in combination with the three houses on 14th Street owned by Faith Galliher.

In 1987, we were blessed with 2 more acres, and we entered into an agreement to become partners with the Bethel Retirement Community. This project was completed in 1989 was has been a blessing to many members of Bethel, including Dr. C.M. & Dorothy Ward. Dr. C.M. was a Revivaltime speaker for the Assemblies for 25 years and was a member of Bethel during the last 7 years of his life.

In September 2005, on the 20th Anniversary of our new site, we retired our debt! Our property and facilities is valued at 7.5 million dollars.

The current facility was built in four phases.

Phase I- September 1985

Phase II- (Including Bethel Retirement Center)-1988

Phase III-1999

Phase IV- Chapel 2004