Simpsonville in Greenville County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Bethel Church

Photographed By Brian Scott, April 25, 2010

1. Bethel Church Marker

Inscription. Bethel church was organized in 1801 by Bishop Francis Asbury. At first, meetings were held in the homes of John Bramlett, Solomon Holland and Deavoreaux Yeargin. Later, Mr. Bramlett gave four acres of land on which the Bethel church house was built. The first building was a log building. Later a frame building was built to take the original one's place. When the number of people in the congregation grew too large for the frame building, another room was added. A third building was erected in 1881. The current church building was built in 1967.

Erected by Bethel United Methodist Church.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the Francis Asbury, Traveling Methodist Preacher series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1801.

Location. 34° 46.683′ N, 82° 16.333′ W. Marker is in Simpsonville, South Carolina, in Greenville County. Marker is at the intersection of Holland Road and Balcome Boulevard, on the right when traveling south on Holland Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 500 Holland Road, Simpsonville SC 29681, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Bethel Church Cemetery (here, next to this marker); Bethel Community Training Ground (within shouting

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distance of this marker); The Old Arbor (within shouting distance of this marker); The Old Oak Tree (within shouting distance of this marker); Gilder (approx. 1.3 miles away); Oakland Plantation (approx. 1½ miles away); Mauldin (approx. 1.9 miles away); Mauldin United Methodist Church (approx. 2 miles away); The History of the Gosnell Cabin (approx. 2 miles away); Holy Cross Episcopal Church Labyrinth (approx. 2.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Simpsonville.

Also see . . .
1. Francis Asbury. Bishop Francis Asbury (August 20, 1745 – March 31, 1816) was one of the first two bishops of the Methodist Episcopal Church, now The United Methodist Church in the United States. (Submitted on May 19, 2010, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)

2. Francis Asbury (1745-1816) - Find a Grave Memorial. Served as the first general superintendent or bishop of American Methodism. (Submitted on May 19, 2010, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)

Additional commentary.

Bethel United Methodist Church and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brian Scott, April 25, 2010

2. Bethel United Methodist Church and Marker

1. John Bramlett's Obituary
The Southern Christian Advocate
Fall, 1855

Died, at his residence, "on the hill", near the Bethel Campground, Greenville Dist., S.C., July 27th, John Bramlett, aged 91 years. The venerable patriarch has gone to his reward. The old christian who for more than 73 years "had the witness that he pleased God" - who was always ready to join the worshippers in the house of prayer, the very picture of an aged saint, now mingles with the angels and adores the Redeemer in Heaven.

Father Bramlett was born in Fauquier Co., VA., May 13, 1764. In his 18th year he joined the Methodist Church, and one year afterwards, while conducting family devotion at the house of his widowed mother, he was powerfully converted. From the hour of regeneration until the angels escorted him to Heaven, during a very long life of temptation and trial, he maintained his confidence in Christ and to use his own words, "never lost the witness."

All who knew John Bramlett believed in him. A more heavenly minded man, the writer never knew. Shortly after his conversion, he married and removed to S.C. where he passed 70 years of his life, universally respected. A generous, whole-souled and devoted follower of the Savior, he never disgraced the church by the exhibition of an unworthy spirit. Full of faith, he gave glory to

Photographed By Brian Scott, April 25, 2010

3. Bethel United Methodist Church and Marker

God - full of love, he cared for his neighbor. God was his father, heaven his home - he knew that, and was happy.

What Methodist minister ever visited Greenville circuit, and did not admire and love Father Bramlett? Always at his place in church, until infirmities made it impossible, how hearty and sincere was his worship! O! it was refreshing to see the dear old man in his church. He entered into the services with his whole heart - tears of love and joy flowing from his dimmed eyes, and expressions of gratitude and rapture falling from his lips.

To see that white-haired disciple, blind and trembling with the weight of 90 years, so hopeful and so happy, was a privilege and a benefit. He was the founder of the church at Bethel - the class for many years meeting at his house for worship. Bishop Asbury and the preachers of the olden times, who passed through this part of the state, preached and rested under his roof.

Father Bramlett brought up a family of 13 children, all of whom lived to become parents (except one - Susan never married) and all joined the church of their father and mother. One year before Father Bramlett's death, his aged consort was taken from his side. She too was 91 at the time of her death, having been for 70 years his faithful and pious companion. Permit me to tell you of the old patriarch's "bower of prayer" before concluding this

Bethel United Methodist Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brian Scott, April 25, 2010

4. Bethel United Methodist Church

imperfect sketch. He had a place, a sheltered and retired spot, where he used to pray. When he was blind and extremely feeble, it was most affecting to see him groping his way to his loved retreat. There he prayed and sang and rejoiced, communing with his God every day.

He waited for death as for the coming of his best friend, and he passed away at the very time he would have chosen to go, when the Campground, a few hundred yards from his home, was filled with his neighbors and acquaintances praising God.

Dr. W.L.M. Austin

— Submitted May 19, 2010, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.

Bethel United Methodist Church North Wing image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brian Scott, April 25, 2010

5. Bethel United Methodist Church North Wing

Bethel United Methodist Church and Cemetery image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brian Scott, April 25, 2010

6. Bethel United Methodist Church and Cemetery

Bishop Francis Ashbury<br>(1745–1816) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Wikipedia

7. Bishop Francis Ashbury
(1745–1816)

Second Bishop of the Methodist Church
Namesake of Cokesbury, S.C.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 13, 2019. It was originally submitted on May 19, 2010, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,580 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on May 19, 2010, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 7. submitted on April 7, 2010, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.