On a road which ran from Beebetown Corners to Columbia, in a house on the farm owned now by James Miller, Russell Gilmore organized the Columbia Free Will Baptist church on Feb. 12, 1826. The name was later changed to Liverpool F. W. B. church and afterwards to the Beebetown F. W. B. church
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The charter members were Russell Gilmore, Truman and Ann Walker, Elijah and Nancy Bennett, John and Marian Ann Fuller. The names of those who united the first year were Thomas Williams, Rachel Walker, Jeduthan and Lucy Freeman, Luther and Catherine Gilmore, Sophia Burk, Sylvester Beebe, Ann Perkins, and John and Ann Health. Meetings were held in the home and the school house for some time.
In 1834 a two-story log house was built, the upper story being used for a school house. At this time Warner Beebe was given a license to preach, and about this time the names of Erastus and Betsy Ensign appeared, the former being one of the deacons.
As for salaries, at one time Elder Frederick Walker received $3.62 and Elder Pelton a good donation for one-fourth of the time. Elder Randall $37.50 for one fourth time and Elder Wilder $50 for half-time.
The church was first seated with boards and lighted with candles. The first stove the church had was bought by the boys who went down to the iron furnace at Rockport and chopped wood to pay for it. The log church served its purpose for fourteen years. During this time the records show a steady spiritual growth, a faithful attendance and Christian fellowship.
In 1852 the frame church was erected and stood in constant use for 54 years, during which time the church prospered, the Lord leading in all lines of work, manifesting himself in the conversion of many souls also calling many to the ministry, of whom the following is a partial list: Elders, Walker, Ensign, Colton, Beebe, Vaughn, Freeman, Wasson, Aldrich and Schnell.
The following is also a partial list of regular pastors: Elders, Gilmore, Walker, Beebe, Ensign, Reynolds, Pelton, Spalding, Wilder, Randall, Vaughn, Damon, Baldwin, Vinson, Moon, Ashley, Stephens, Hunter, Inman, Hinesman, Hewes, Wynn, Twining, Fulton, Mrs. Gow, Dockum, Holland, Wottring, Anna Eastwood and Frank Eastwood, the latter being the present pastor.
The new church at Beebetown was dedicated May 6, 1906, in connection with the session of the Cleveland quarterly meeting. The invocation was by Rev. W. T. Twining; prayer by Rev. S. E. Tompkins, pastor M. E. church, Galine; Scripture reading, Rev. S. V. Tanner; church history Mrs. O. T. Swigart; sermon, Dr. J. M. Davis, president Rio Grande college; F. G. Mayer led the music. Following this service, State Agent Wynn raised $700 to clear off all indebtedness, and Godfrey Herrold offered to donate a church bell if $200 could be raised to finish the baptistry and basement. More than this was soon raised. The dedicational prayer was then offered by Rev. C. H. Searles.
In 1875 a gracious revival was held by the Rev. Mr. Slater. About thirty were converted mostly young people. Also in the winter of 1904-1905 a revival was held by Rev. John Wynn, and a goodly number were converted and joined the church.
In 1923 the church united with the Lorain Baptist association and is now known as the Beebetown Baptist church.
The Sunday school is now in a prosperous condition under the leadership of B. M. Lockwood. There are seven classes, three of which are organized. Class No. 3 is furnishing one county agent, one superintendent of public schools, four school teachers, one teacher of music, two bookkeepers, three college students and several other enterprising young people. Altogether the church is doing comparatively well, having regular Sunday service and still keeping up the weekly prayer meeting. There is an active Ladies Aid society.
