Bethany Baptist Church was formed in a nearby home on August 10, 1962. The first Sunday School and Training Union were held in September of 1962 at the temporary home. On September 9, 1962, the Trustees negotiated to buy a 4 acre plot of land on Kavanaugh Drive. On September 16, 1962, Bethany Baptist Church was incorporated as a Southern Baptist Church. The ground breaking for the new location began on October 21, 1962 and was completed and dedicated on March 17, 1963. On January 7, 1968, the church voted to issue $250,000 in Church Improvement Bonds under the date of March 1, 1968 to be matured in 14.5 years (or September 1, 1982). On March 2, 1969, the new building was dedicated. This building consisted of a new sanctuary with seating capacity of 600, new offices and educational space, and a kitchen. On August 29, 1982, Bethany Baptist Church celebrated their 20th Anniversary and debt retirement. Fast forward all those years and we celebrated our 60th Anniversary on August 10, 2022.

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In 2021, Bethany Baptist Church started looking at options for the church building and property as the church membership had been aging and struggling financially for the past few years. One day, through a mutual friendship between leadership, the Huntsville Inner City Learning Center (HICLC) shared with Bethany Baptist Church they were outgrowing their current space on Governors Drive. After many months of discussions, prayer, and seeking God's leadership, Bethany Baptist Church decided to gift their building and property to the HICLC in May of 2022. In August of 2022, the HICLC began renovations to the building, bringing it up to code, additional restrooms, electrical, plumbing, etc.  In August 2023, the certificate of occupancy was received, Bethany Baptist Church joins the HICLC as they moved into the donated and newly renovated facilities. And, the HICLC was officially renamed to the Huntsville Learning Center.

 

Prior to Bethany Baptist Church making the decision to donate their building and property to HLC, various potential options were considered.  However, in seeking God's Will, it made sense to donate to the HLC to ensure the church facilities would continue being used for teaching the Gospel of Christ and serving the community.  Bethany’s remnant of believers pray God will use this opportunity as a regeneration and fresh start to reconnect and grow within the community. The Huntsville Learning Center is a 501(c)(3) organization committed to providing at-risk children in the Huntsville area with the extracurricular support they need to:  succeed in school, build meaningful lives plus careers, and become socially responsible members of their community with a biblical foundation. If you would like to know more information, please check out their website https://hsvlc.org

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The Bethany family is excited about this amazing ministry opportunity and partnership with the HLC.  Please pray for Bethany and the HLC; and ask God if this is your place of service.  Thank you and God Bless!