Bethel Reformed Presbyterian Church,
Sparta, IL

...Bethel is particularly remarkable in that its first three pastors span a total of 148 years!


Old Bethel, 1834 – 1876



  Samuel Wiley
   Bethel’s 1st pastor
1821 - 1870

Bethel’s Roll of Pastors:

Samuel Wiley, 1821 – 1870

W.J. Smiley, 1872 – 1922

Robert Stewart, 1927 – 1968

Dewitt Watson, 1969 – 1973

J. Render Caines, 1973 – 1980

Bryan Chapell, 1981 – 1985

Paul McHenry, 1987 – 1988

Robert Peter Ellis, 1989 - present



W.J. Smiley,  2nd pastor of Bethel, 1872 – 1922
(click on the picture to enlarge the picture
and to read the Rev. Smiley's history of the church)



Bethel’s 2nd building, 1876 – 1985



Bethel’s current facility


Robert Stewart, Bethel’s 3rd pastor, 1927 - 1968


To read a brief history of the founding of Bethel Reformed Presbyterian Church, written by W.J. Smiley, click here.

 

©PCA Historical Center, 12330 Conway Road, St. Louis, MO, 2011. All Rights Reserved.