In 1899, Lewis Colson was appointed as the first minister of Bethlehem Baptist Church.
The first African American church
In 1899, Bethlehem Baptist Church was the first church built by and for African Americans. John Mays, a carpenter and builder helped complete the construction of the church.
Lewis and Irene Colson sold the deed
In 1897 Lewis and Irene Colson sold the deed for the land to build Bethlehem Baptist Church for $1.