Pastor E. Don Cox

In November 1982, Pastor and Mrs. E. Don Cox, Philip and Christina began God's work at Bethel. Under the ministry of Pastor Cox the church has sat under the teachings from God's Word from the books of Romans and Ephesians. Counseling young married couples is a team teaching ministry of Pastor Don and Rose Marie. The removal of the two partitions in the front of the sanctuary and the lengthening of the platform gave more area for the choir and music ministries. The parking lot was paved and the drainage problem was corrected.

Because a school built in 1921 on the corner of Foundry and Washington Streets was condemned and had to be closed, Savage children were schooled in churches or the community hall. In 1938, at a cost of $45,000, Savage School was erected on Guilford Road. It was enlarged in 1951, costing about $60,000. The elementary school (1953) had grades one through six.

In 1984, Pastor Cox was informed that the school was up for bids. After discussion with the church members it was voted to make a bid. Pastor gave the bid of $57,500. Two bids were made. Pastor Cox's bid was accepted and so Bethel Assembly was to begin Christian Education. Bethel Christian Academy was started that September with 27 students. The school became another teaching place to train children in Christian principles. Renovations were necessary and many church members and families volunteered many hours refinishing wooden doors, hanging drapes at the large window, repairing the gym floor, roof, and bathroom facilities. Rose Marie Cox became the school principal and has served faithfully since its beginning. There have been several graduations and a spiritual renewal is being felt by this younger generation. Sunday School classes are also conducted in many rooms of the school. The building is an extension for expansion. God's Word is taught and prayer is changing things and people all through the year.

Bethel Christian Academy

Under the leadership of Pastor Cox and Royal Rangers commander James Magill and the experience of men such as Larry Sames, additional rooms were made available by raising a roof. The added rooms were to accommodate the growing Royal Ranger program. many of our young boys had gained experience in camping and spiritual growth through this program, training young men to be our future leaders.

Jeanette Hyre is the Missionette Director and also secretary to pastor Cox. Mrs. Bonnie (Williams) Perkins is in charge of the Rainbows, which are the little tots. As Missionettes continued to grow two young ladies completed the "Stairway to the Stars" program and have become "Honor Stars". They are Loveta Cook and Heather Perkins. The first "Honor Sponsor" to complete the program is Doris Busick, Star's Sponsor.

Some of the most recent youth leaders have been Keith Jackson, Alfredo and Angel Berrios, Jamie Gibson, Richard Sommer and Chris Auld. Mark and Vickie Daniel have been very faithful in children's ministries, both in school and church. Mark, as assistant pastor, has been used of God in many different ministries in Bethel. Vickie has been a faithful Missionettes sponsor. Dawn Cook has also been faithful in Prims.

A two-story house next to the school was purchased as a place to house staff.

Missions has always been an important part of Bethel Assembly of God. Mike Henningsen, a member of Bethel, has done great work through the eye clinic and is head of Vision Care International. Bethel is a great missions giving church.

Members voted to purchase land near Route 32 near Vollmerhausen Road in order to erect a larger sanctuary. Money was designated for the project, but with God's leading, Pastor Cox held off in purchasing the land. God in His wondrous ways spoke to the owner of the property, Wayne Newsome, to give the land, seven and a half acres, to Bethel, free of charge, saving the church several hundreds of thousands of dollars. Plans were made for the building and so the church is "Forming the Future Today." Pledges toward the building project are being made and pledges are coming in monthly, God is supplying the funds. God has spoken to pastor Cox saying, "You build it, I'll fill it." And so the church goes on, looking to God for the promises to be fulfilled and His people being filled with His power to do the work for His glory in this day, until He comes. Pastor Cox retired in 2003 and became the Presbyter for the Eastern Section of the Assemblies of God.