Elkhart, Anderson County
Organized in the latter part of 1861, the Beulah Baptist Church first held worship services under a brush arbor. Reverend John Briscoe was the first pastor of a historically African American congregation first numbering seven people. In 1869, rev. L.W. Waters became pastor and during his 21-year pastorship held services in a building owned by R.C. Parks. Bro. Jack reed purchased the property including the building and officially deeded the property to the church on December 4, 1885, for use as a meeting place and school. The church experienced minor unrest when around 1905, the church split and rev. G.E. Daniel organized the Rocky Mountain Baptist Church adjacent to the present building. The two congregations reconciled shortly after the split. Rev. Webb became the eleventh pastor and led membership to erect a new building around 1920. Rev. A.E. Ealy served as pastor for 19 years (1926-45). In 1953, rev. A.D. Duncan proclaimed that renovations needed to be made. A week of nightly services resulted in donations for improvements to the grounds, and eventually a cornerstone ceremony for a new facility in 1957. In 1960, rev. W.C. Craig became pastor. Rev. and Mrs. Craig were instrumental in education, missions and also assisted the church in building a house for an elderly church member. Beulah Baptist Church has served the community as a worship center and school since the late 1800s. Beulah Baptist Church remains a spiritual and cultural center for members and neighbors through service and outreach.