Mt. Bethel's 1969-70 operating budget included $300 for "office supplies and flowers" and paid the pastor $1,500 per year.
As the end of the 1960’s approached, Mt. Bethel was at a crossroads. The small and struggling church was landlocked in its existing location and, although the congregation was gaining membership, compared to the gains made by surrounding East Cobb community, Mt. Bethel’s growth was at a snail’s pace.
At the time, the District Superintendent even went so far as to suggest that Mt. Bethel consider a merger with one of several nearby Methodist churches which had better prospects for growth and success. Five churches were mentioned specifically as possible “acquirers” of Mt. Bethel. Ironically, it’s interesting to note that Mt. Bethel’s membership now exceeds the membership of these five churches combined.
Empowered by the vision and energy of a handful of members, rather than merge, Mt. Bethel decided to move forward on its own. In 1967, Larry W. Rary joined Mt. Bethel as its first full-time minister. Then in 1969, Mt. Bethel purchased eight acres at the present location on Lower Roswell Road in anticipation of a future move and expansion. The five-year loan was paid off in less than two years and a ground-breaking ceremony was held on the new property in July 1971.
Mt. Bethel in 1972, less than a year after the church was moved to it's new site on Lower Roswell Road.
The 1870’s church building and the attached classrooms were moved from the Johnson Ferry intersection to the new Lower Roswell location. After renovations and the addition of a kitchen, fellowship hall and restrooms, Mt. Bethel was poised for a new and vigorous period of growth.
The first service was held at the new location on February 13, 1972. In early 1972, Mt. Bethel’s membership was approximately 150. But by the end of the year the rolls had swelled by 25%, to 200 members.
The cost of these renovations and new facilities was approximately $92,500. Of that amount, the sum of $90,000 was borrowed with a guarantee by nine courageous Mt. Bethel families (Mr. and Mrs. Clint Bowen, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Champion, Mr. and Mrs. Herman Conn, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Cork, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Day, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Greenrose, Mr. and Mrs. Don Hipps, Mr. and Mrs. Morris Johnson and Mr. and Mrs. Howard Marshall). These families are true Mt. Bethel heroes and deserve our gratitude, love, and respect. At a time when Mt. Bethel desperately needed imagination and courage, the faith and vision of these people helped provide the impetus for where Mt. Bethel is today.
