BROOKSVILLE- 155th Church Anniversary Recognized
Bethlehem Progressive Baptist Church, the oldest African American church in Brooksville, will celebrate its 155th anniversary on June 26th, 2016. Established in 1861, the church membership consisted of slaves who wished to hold services for themselves. In 1911, the Hernando County School Board sold a school building on South Lemon Street in Brooksville to the church trustees.
Reverend Arthur St. Clair was the first pastor, one of only ten pastors in its long history. The current pastor, Reverend Cecill Hubbert, was unable to attend the proclamation ceremony at the Brooksville City Council on June 7th. Church member Viennessee Black attended in his place.
Black expressed appreciation to the City Council for recognizing the church. She stated, “We know it’s been nobody but God that has kept the church going for that long, and our doors have never shut.” Windows from the original church were preserved and have been installed in the present location at 661 South Brooksville Avenue.
Black invited the public to attend the anniversary services, scheduled for 11 am and 3 pm on June 26, 2016, with a meal to be served as well.