A History of the Bethany Presbyterian Church (USA)
Graham, North Carolina
Based on the notes of Inez Florence Webster
Updated and Revised in 2022
The records of Orange Presbytery contain the date of the organization of the Bethany Presbyterian Church in Graham, North Carolina as May 29, 1892, but the people who were most familiar with her remember that long before she was organized into a congregation, Bethany was a Sunday school outpost that met in a school house somewhere down the road to Pittsboro near the Little Alamance Creek. Holding meetings for religious education of the people in that area had been the dream of Rev. George Summey, the pastor of the Graham Presbyterian Church.
Graham, North Carolina
Based on the notes of Inez Florence Webster
Updated and Revised in 2022
The records of Orange Presbytery contain the date of the organization of the Bethany Presbyterian Church in Graham, North Carolina as May 29, 1892, but the people who were most familiar with her remember that long before she was organized into a congregation, Bethany was a Sunday school outpost that met in a school house somewhere down the road to Pittsboro near the Little Alamance Creek. Holding meetings for religious education of the people in that area had been the dream of Rev. George Summey, the pastor of the Graham Presbyterian Church.
The Alamance Gleaner, January 17, 1884
Our first Session meeting minutes, May 29, 1892
In October and November of 1895 Sallie Foust, Mamie Foust, James A. Foust and Mamie V. Rogers transferred their membership into Bethany from the Graham Presbyterian Church and by December 1896 Bethany’s membership roll stood at thirty with forty-two enrolled in the Sunday school. In 1906 a call was extended to Dr. B.W. Mebane to become Bethany’s pastor. At that time Bethany was one congregation in a four-church field.
Membership continued to grow and by 1924 there were one-hundred and eighty-seven members on the roll. In that same year plans were begun to add more classroom space to the existing wooden frame building and in 1926 it was completed with the combined efforts of members or the church and community who were skilled carpenters.
Electric lighting was added in 1926 and a piano was given to replace the pump organ in the sanctuary. J. Blair Long gave a beautiful pulpit and table that he had made for use in the sanctuary as well.
Bethany shared a pastor, Dr. Walter E. Harrop, with the Graham Presbyterian congregation during the 1930’s and with his encouragement plans were prepared to erect a new brick sanctuary and classroom complex. The new building was begun in 1940 and completed in 1942. By the end of 1942 the new building was completely paid for.
Membership continued to grow and by 1924 there were one-hundred and eighty-seven members on the roll. In that same year plans were begun to add more classroom space to the existing wooden frame building and in 1926 it was completed with the combined efforts of members or the church and community who were skilled carpenters.
Electric lighting was added in 1926 and a piano was given to replace the pump organ in the sanctuary. J. Blair Long gave a beautiful pulpit and table that he had made for use in the sanctuary as well.
Bethany shared a pastor, Dr. Walter E. Harrop, with the Graham Presbyterian congregation during the 1930’s and with his encouragement plans were prepared to erect a new brick sanctuary and classroom complex. The new building was begun in 1940 and completed in 1942. By the end of 1942 the new building was completely paid for.
The Daily Times-News, October 1, 1943
In February of 1945 the Rev. Walter E. Buhler accepted the call to become Bethany’s first full-time minister. He and his family moved into the newly completed manse that stands across the Swepsonville Road from the sanctuary.
Rev. Z.T. Piephoff became Bethany’s second full-time pastor in November, 1953. Under his leadership Bethany continued its growth in membership and added a fellowship hall and educational wing to the existing building.
Rev. Z.T. Piephoff became Bethany’s second full-time pastor in November, 1953. Under his leadership Bethany continued its growth in membership and added a fellowship hall and educational wing to the existing building.
The Daily Times-News, April 30, 1954
Following Rev. Piephoff’s resignation the congregation extended a call to the Rev. Charles R. Carter to become Bethany’s minister. Rev. Carter was installed in April of 1964 and served through the summer of 1967. In the interim between Rev. Carter’s leaving and Rev. Norman M. Whitney’s becoming Bethany’s pastor the Rev. Dr. James M. Efird served as supply pastor. In July 1968 a call to be pastor was extended to the Rev. Norman M. Whitney.
The Daily Times-News, August 23, 1968
During Rev. Whitney’s tenure as pastor, a building program was completed that added a second floor to the educational building, office space for the secretary and pastor as well as a renovation to the worship area. A Zimmer pipe organ was added to the sanctuary, a new recreation building, gazebo and walking track was added to the area behind the manse. The manse also underwent a complete renovation, providing an excellent space for meetings and social gatherings.
During Rev. Whitney’s pastorate Bethany’s music program was served by choir directors Betsy Wood (Rev. Elizabeth Severance), Fredda Fuqua, Barbara Higgs, with the able assistance of Kelly Higgs and Samuel L. Meares. Our organists have been Larry Tipton, Sylvia McCreary, Rose Lane, Dr. Howard Higgs, Barbara Higgs, Samuel L. Meares, with Kevin Uppercue being called as Organist/Choir Director in 2012.
In January 2005 Bethany employed her first Director of Christian Education, Catherine (Cathy) Mooney. In April of that year it employed Carolyn H. Starling to be the Church Secretary and in the fall employed Samuel L. Meares to the Director of Church Music. Under the capable leadership of this team Bethany continued to expand it ministry to the congregation and community.
In October 2009 Carolyn Starling retired as church secretary. Volunteers served in this capacity until Allison B. Gore was hired as Office Administrator in March of 2013. Our current Office Administrator, Joy Saleeby began in 2015.
In April, 2009, Rev. Whitney retired after over 40 years as Bethany’s pastor. Following his retirement, Rev. Jennie Leake Hemrick served as Interim pastor for three years, resigning in August of 2012.
Following an extensive search, Bethany called Rev. John W. Johnson to serve as pastor in January of 2013. During Rev. Johnson’s time at Bethany, the church has been transitioning into the information and technological age with a new website, social media presence, use of technology in worship, and the exploration of alternative worship experiences. Christian Education continues also to be a focus as new programs continue to be implemented. John retired in 2021.
Music director Kevin Uppercue resigned his position in October of 2015, and after auditioning and interviewing several excellent candidates, Christopher Bagley was hired as Music Director in January of 2016. Chris as invigorated our worship services with his energy and musical excellence!
During Rev. Whitney’s pastorate Bethany’s music program was served by choir directors Betsy Wood (Rev. Elizabeth Severance), Fredda Fuqua, Barbara Higgs, with the able assistance of Kelly Higgs and Samuel L. Meares. Our organists have been Larry Tipton, Sylvia McCreary, Rose Lane, Dr. Howard Higgs, Barbara Higgs, Samuel L. Meares, with Kevin Uppercue being called as Organist/Choir Director in 2012.
In January 2005 Bethany employed her first Director of Christian Education, Catherine (Cathy) Mooney. In April of that year it employed Carolyn H. Starling to be the Church Secretary and in the fall employed Samuel L. Meares to the Director of Church Music. Under the capable leadership of this team Bethany continued to expand it ministry to the congregation and community.
In October 2009 Carolyn Starling retired as church secretary. Volunteers served in this capacity until Allison B. Gore was hired as Office Administrator in March of 2013. Our current Office Administrator, Joy Saleeby began in 2015.
In April, 2009, Rev. Whitney retired after over 40 years as Bethany’s pastor. Following his retirement, Rev. Jennie Leake Hemrick served as Interim pastor for three years, resigning in August of 2012.
Following an extensive search, Bethany called Rev. John W. Johnson to serve as pastor in January of 2013. During Rev. Johnson’s time at Bethany, the church has been transitioning into the information and technological age with a new website, social media presence, use of technology in worship, and the exploration of alternative worship experiences. Christian Education continues also to be a focus as new programs continue to be implemented. John retired in 2021.
Music director Kevin Uppercue resigned his position in October of 2015, and after auditioning and interviewing several excellent candidates, Christopher Bagley was hired as Music Director in January of 2016. Chris as invigorated our worship services with his energy and musical excellence!
