History

On September 7, 1910, Winfred and Phoebe Emery donated the land at the comer off Rt. 28 and Mill Creek Road for a church dedicated to the gospel of Jesus Christ. In 1911 the Ladies Circle built what was called the Bethel Church at this location. The ladies circle was formed on January 23, 1883 to "work for the benefit of the Bethel Church." At that time the Bethel Church was located in South Harwich.

On August 20, 1917 the Bethel Church of South Chatham, was burned to ashes. After the fire the ladies offered the use of their hall for church services and immediately began to raise money for the construction of a new church. Architecturally the simple stained glassed windows and the tin ceiling give a simple elegance to the sanctuary.

When the new church was completed the bell from a church in South Harwich was installed. It was later removed due to its weight and now stands in the yard of the church.

Several additions were subsequently added to the original structure. A fellowship hall and basement room, now the Benefit Shop, was built in the 1960's. In 2003 the church dedicated a new addition which added a classroom, office, hallway and made the church completely accessible to those with disabilities. The church was given an award by the town committee on disabilities for their work in making the church accessible. Click on images to enlarge.

On March 4, 1919 the church was transferred to the Methodist Episcopal Church.

The church continued in the Methodist tradition until 1969 when its members voted to become an independent interdenominational church, The South Chatham Community Church.

The church is congregational in its governance, evangelical in its witness and commitment to Biblical authority, and committed to preach the gospel to the local community and partner with missionaries around the world.