History of Bethel Bible Church
May 28, 1982
Bethel Church of Tyler was organized by a group of about 30 people to provide a quality, biblical ministry in Tyler. The church began with an organizational meeting at the home of Phil and Jenise Hurley.
May 30, 1982
The first church service occurred on the mezzanine floor in the old board room of the old People’s National Bank building in downtown Tyler.
September 5, 1982
Due to continued growth, the church services were moved to the Women’s Building on South Broadway. The first elder board consisting of Greg Stovall, Steve Keuer, Ray Snyder, and Eric Weir was established.
January 1983
Offices were leased at the Broadway Professional Building at 615 South Broadway.
May 1983
The first baptismal service was held at Pine Cove Conference Center.
April 18, 1984
The size of the congregation increased. To accommodate the needs of the ministry, the Old Jewish Synagogue at 1014 West Houston was purchased as a temporary facility for $160,000.
April 6, 1986
After two years of intensive search, the congregation voted unanimously to acquire a 22.9 acre tract located 5 miles south of the Loop on Highway 69 South for $235,000 to provide a permanent location. The purchase was closed on July 15, 1986.
April 26, 1987
The first regular monthly evening service was held.
April 1989
Having maximized the facilities on Houston Street, a three-year lease was signed for the old Rose Heights Church of God facilities at 2715 South Southeast Loop 323. The first church service took place on April 16, 1989.
May 1990
A new building committee was formed, chaired by mark Mahaffey, to devise building plans for the property on Highway 69.
February 1991
The land note on the 22.9 acres on Highway 69 was fully paid.
October 1996
Moved into main auditorium of new building on Highway 69 South.
Summer 1997
Youth building and offices completed.
October 21, 2001
First Sunday in new Education Building.
May 2002
Bethel LIFE groups began.
October 2007
Begin remodel of auditorium and foyer area of main building; new sound system and enhanced lighting.
December 2007
Completed remodel project in main building.
June 2010
Construction begins on finishing out of 3rd floor of Education building.
November 2010
Third floor of the Education Building is completed. The new space is named, “The Attic”.
September 2011
Bethel becomes one church with two locations with the merger of Arbor Bible Fellowship on September 11, 2011.