Church History

Humble Beginnings Blessed by God

On October 31, 1962, Bethel Baptist Church began in a small one-room schoolhouse located in the remote East Rockhill area of Upper Bucks County. Under the leadership of Pastor Richard A. Harris, 28 adults signed the church's charter that autumn day. Tremendous growth, numerically and spiritually, occurred those first ten years of the ministry of BBC. Lives changed for eternity, families reconciled, marriages reunited, ministries formed to reach children, teenagers and adults combined to bring about a ministry that has pointed and continues to point people to Jesus Christ. The ministry of BBC was developed and cultivated by Pastor Harris and much of what we enjoy today is the fruit of his and many other church members’ faithful labor.

Realizing something more was needed in order to train children and teens to live for Christ, Bethel began a school in 1967 with the purpose of teaching all subjects from a biblical perspective. The school grew rapidly and in 1976 nine seniors received their diplomas from Upper Bucks Christian School. In 1999 the first “second-generation” student graduated from Upper Bucks and many more are following.  Countless UBCS graduates are across this nation and in foreign countries using the training they received for the Lord.

Today, because of the sacrifices of God's people, Bethel's physical complex consists of 3 campuses on 50 acres and is home to Bethel Baptist Church, Upper Bucks Christian School and Hidden Meadows Camp.

After 39 years of faithful and fruitful service Pastor Harris retired from his position as senior pastor. Bethel Baptist Church is now led by Pastor Rob Campbell, who served for 9 years as youth pastor in Denver, Colorado. Under Pastor Campbell’s ministry the church is experiencing a renewed excitement and energy for what God is going to do through the ministry. Pastor Campbell’s priorities of ministry are 1) teaching people to passionately love God with all their heart, soul and mind; 2) emphasizing close and loving family relationships; 3) developing a heart for local and world evangelism; and 4) training the next generation to love and serve God.

Once again as Bethel steps out in faith and trusts God to work, the God who has blessed past generations is blessing this present generation at BBC. We wholeheartedly believe that the future of Bethel Baptist Church is bright, not because of our past, but because we have a God who desires to show Himself strong in each generation.