Our History
Serving Hopkins and Lower Richland since 1806.
For more than two centuries, Beulah Baptist Church has gathered to worship Christ, teach God’s Word, serve our neighbors, and share the hope of the gospel.
A drawing by Sallie Ashley representing several buildings from Beulah Baptist Church’s history.
A Church Rooted in Gospel Faithfulness
Beulah Baptist Church was constituted on April 26, 1806, when about 30 people with letters from Congaree Baptist Church gathered at Minerva Academy. Dr. Jonathan Maxey, the first president of South Carolina College, now the University of South Carolina, preached the first sermon from 1 Peter 2:5, and Amos DuBose was called as Beulah’s first pastor.
Since those earliest days, Beulah has been part of the story of Hopkins, Lower Richland, and the greater Columbia area. Across more than 220 years, the church has known seasons of growth, hardship, rebuilding, relocation, ministry expansion, and renewed mission. Through it all, God has been faithful.
High Marks in Beulah’s History
1806 — Beulah Baptist Church was founded
About 30 people from Congaree Baptist Church gathered at Minerva Academy and were constituted into Beulah Baptist Church.
1809 — Beulah helped support Baptist work in Columbia
Isaac Tucker, a licensed preacher from Beulah, helped provide land for a Baptist meeting house in Columbia. That work later became First Baptist Church Columbia.
1828–1829 — Beulah moved toward Cedar Creek
The church moved toward the Cedar Creek location connected with the present church cemetery, with land donated by Robert Adams.
1860s–1870s — Beulah endured hardship after the Civil War
The Civil War and its aftermath brought great difficulty to the church. During this period, many Black members and attenders came together to establish what became New Light Beulah Baptist Church.
1879 — A season of revival renewed the church
A revival led by Rev. John Barron resulted in 33 baptisms and brought renewed strength to the congregation.
1901 — Beulah adopted a Constitution and Bylaws
The church adopted governing documents outlining the duties of church officers, including the pastor, deacons, secretary/treasurer, clerk, and sexton.
An early photograph of one of Beulah Baptist Church’s historic buildings.
1980–1994 — Beulah relocated to Garners Ferry Road
During the pastoral leadership of Dr. James “J” Thompson, Beulah relocated from the Church Gate of McEntire ANG off Congaree Road to the current location on Garners Ferry Road.
2006 — Beulah celebrated 200 years
The church celebrated its bicentennial and continued preserving the story of God’s faithfulness through earlier historical records and anniversary materials.
2021 — Beulah paid off its building debt
During the pastoral leadership of Pastor Cameron DeBrew, the church paid off its $1.2 million building debt several months early and held a mortgage burning celebration.
2023 — The Community Missions Fair BBQ began
Beulah began the Community Missions Fair BBQ to support missions, ministry, and community partners.
2025 — A History Team was formed
A History Team was formed to prepare for the 220-year celebration and to begin building toward the 225-year celebration in 2031.
2026 — Beulah celebrated 220 years
On April 26, 2026, Beulah Baptist Church celebrated 220 years of faithful Kingdom service.
Many current members remember this Beulah building at the back gate of McEntire ANG, where the church worshiped before relocating to Garners Ferry Road.
A Legacy of Ministry and Mission
Beulah’s story has never been only about buildings, dates, or documents. From its earliest years, the church understood its calling to spread the good news of Jesus and support the formation of gospel-centered communities.
That missionary impulse can be seen in Beulah’s early connection to Baptist work in Columbia, generations of pastoral leadership, support for missions, and ongoing ministry in Lower Richland.
In recent years, Beulah has continued that legacy through community ministry, school partnerships, missions giving, worship, discipleship, and practical care for our neighbors.
Looking Toward 225 Years
In 2026, Beulah celebrated 220 years of faithful Kingdom service. As we look toward our 225th anniversary in 2031, we want to preserve the stories, photographs, records, and testimonies that help tell the story of God’s faithfulness through this church.
The goal is not simply to remember the past, but to encourage future generations to continue the mission:
Knowing Jesus and Making Him Known.
Read the Full 220-Year History
This page offers a brief overview of Beulah’s long history. A fuller written history was prepared for our 220-year celebration in 2026 and includes additional details, pastors, letters, memories, and ministry highlights.
Download the full 220-year history document to learn more about God’s faithfulness to Beulah Baptist Church across more than two centuries.
