Bethlehem Church of God in Christ began in the year 1957 under the charge of Elder Charles and Missionary Myrtis Mae Varnado. The vision of the church was and remains to bring souls to Christ. The church started with a few members. Some of whom you may know. Mother Blackmon, Mother Jones, Mother Felton, Sister Valencia, Mother Monroe, Mother Nelson and Sister Elizabeth Brown. Throughout the years, many people joined the church and some are still members today. Elder Varnado was a strong, stern leader and preached the pure unadulterated word of God (2 Timothy 4:1-5) until he went home to be with his Savior in 1979.

     From that time, Supt. Robert Washington became the surrogate Pastor until the installation of the late Gene McGhee in 1980. Pastor Gene McGhee and his wife Lady Merland McGhee made it their life calling to continue the vision of the church and bring souls to Christ.

     He had a heart for the church as well as the community. He was the founder of what we know as The Community Wellness Fair.

     Under his tutelage, the sanctuary went under renovations. Walls were knocked down, the sanctuary was enlarged, the dining hall was opened, new offices built in the basement and the lot was purchased.

     Until his demise (September 2, 2007) He continue to serve the church and community with love and respect, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).

     Thereafter Bishop Frank Otha White became our shepherd father until the induction of our Pastor Willie James McGhee in 2009. Pastor Willie McGhee and his wife, Lady Jannie McGhee also continues the vision of winning souls to Christ. He desires the church to grow spiritually and naturally, with his famous Marathon Services, preaching and praising God all day long!

     Under his leadership, the church purchased the building, which is known as the Reverend Gene McGhee Agape Center, the first floor bathroom, the new sanctuary chairs and the pavement of the lot.

Pastor Willie McGhee continues to serve and he is a willing advocate for the Lord. Though many people have come and gone, Bethlehem Church of God in Christ continues to be a pillar for the community and a beacon light for the lost.