Under DIVINE GUIDANCE Bethany has become a beacon light in the city of Columbus, the state of Ohio, and around the world with an outreach of 200 churches in Kenya, East Africa (Bush) carrying her name (1981 and beyond).  The Rev. Josiah Oyoo Otweyo, a member of Bethany, directs the work there.

More history can be obtained under the caption of the labor of former pastors who have inspired the church to great heights.
Founder/Organizer,and First Pastor, Rev. R. C. Minor, Lynchburg, Virginia January 1891-1905. There were 8 Charter Membe
Founder/Organizer,and First Pastor, Rev. R. C. Minor, Lynchburg, Virginia January 1891-1905. There were 8 Charter Members among the first enrollment. Baptismal services were held in a stream on East Fifth Avenue. The Dorcas Missionary Society was organized in 1900 with the Pastor's wife as the first president. The Sunlight Sewing Circle was organized in 1903.
Rev. William Z. Thomas of Indiana (Builder of 2nd Church), 1906-1910. Under his pastorate the project of a new church bu
Rev. William Z. Thomas of Indiana (Builder of 2nd Church), 1906-1910. Under his pastorate the project of a new church building was carried to completion. A brick structure was built at the corner of East 4th Ave., & North 6th Street in 1906 replacing the frame building at the rear of the same location.
Rev. William J. Jones of Michigan, 1910-1914. A number of clubs were organized to aid the church and community. He serv
Rev. William J. Jones of Michigan, 1910-1914. A number of clubs were organized to aid the church and community. He served until 1914 when he accepted a cll to pastor in the state of New Jersey.
Rev. John Wesley Carter of Xenia, Ohio, 1914-1922. Under his administrtion the work of the Missionary Society was exten
Rev. John Wesley Carter of Xenia, Ohio, 1914-1922. Under his administrtion the work of the Missionary Society was extended by the addition of the Teenage Guild and Sunshine Band. A daily Vacation Bible School was organized and the church mortgage was burned. Rev. Carter resigned in 1922
Rev. George Washington of Xenia, Ohio, 1922-1937. He was an educator and a great leader, a lover of young people. He se
Rev. George Washington of Xenia, Ohio, 1922-1937. He was an educator and a great leader, a lover of young people. He served as State Director of Ohio State Sunday School and B.T.U. Congress until his death.
Rev. L. R. Walker of Georgia, 1937-1946. The Golden Heart Club was organized during his pastorate. He resigned in 1946
Rev. L. R. Walker of Georgia, 1937-1946. The Golden Heart Club was organized during his pastorate. He resigned in 1946 to take up pastorate in Huntington, West Virginia at the Calvary Baptist Church.
Rev. A. L. Mason of North Carolina, 1948-1960. A Young Adult Choir and Willing Workers Club was organized. He served u
Rev. A. L. Mason of North Carolina, 1948-1960. A Young Adult Choir and Willing Workers Club was organized. He served until May of 1960. The church was split and Rev. Mason organized Grace Baptist Church on East Fifth Avenue, now located at 1182 N. 6th Street.
The Rev. Dr. A. Wilson Wood 1960 - Sunday, 7/31/2011. In 1961 the membership came face to face with the 'Challenge of
The Rev. Dr. A. Wilson Wood 1960 - Sunday, 7/31/2011. In 1961 the membership came face to face with the "Challenge of Change", in relationship to the effectiveness of our church in the community. Our building was out dated, and inadequate to meet the desired requirements necessary to promote effective Christian education. Undeer Divine direction, our pastor led the congregation into a new location which resulted in the purchase of the Beth Jacob Synagogue at 959 Bulen Avenue, in the Southeastern area of the city in February of 1966 for the sum of $145,000.00. The old church building becae the property of the Jewish congregation. Sunday, March 5, 1967, under police escort, members and friends of Bethany traveled by motorcade of nearly 200 cars to their new church home. Because we believe that our God will not forsake us or fail us, and by works as well as faith, we have come to a new community to continue to build men and women who can, as Christians, face the world tomorrow, and give to it the guidance it will need to meet the challenge of our modern culture, and Christ Jesus, who redeemed us by His blood. Rev, Josiah Oyoo Otweyo of Kenya, E. Africa became a member of Bethany Baptist Church, was Baptized according to the Holy Scripture, into the Christian Faith, Sunday, October 1, 1978. Under the guidance, and instruction from Pastor Wood, Otweyo was ordained that he might become a Missionary to his native land. Rev. Otweyo began some churches in the Bush Country of Africa and asked Pastor Wood to come to Kenya, East Africa in 1981 to organize the churches under the banner of Bethany Baptist Church, and to examine and ordain ministers who had studied the guidelines and other material sent ahead of time by Pastor Wood. Eight Ministers were ordained and authorized to serve as pastors at that time. Others were to be ordained as sooon as they were ready for ordination. The Bethany Community Development Corp (BCDC) in 2005 became an outgrowth of Betyhany, and under this corporation are the following programs: Computer Training Lab; "Just Between Us" Mentoring Program for ladies ages 10 to 18; School Supply Center; Youth Informatiional Seminars and Youth Tutoring Program. As of 2010, this foundation is known as the Gertrude Wood Community Foundation or the (GWCF). Bethany's First Tent Revival was held the 1st week end of September, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009. In March 2011, Rev. Samuel Morton entered into a Contract Agreement with Bethany to act as Interim Pastor until Pastor Wood was able to return and resume his duties. Pastor Wood, a great Shepherd, and warrior for the cause of Jesus Christ was called to his reward Sunday, July 31, 2011. The church suffered a great loss. A Pastoral Search Committee is now in place as of January 2012.