1730: The original church was a log cabin meeting house situated on old Route 513, just west of Race Street in what is now the northeast corner of the old graveyard. It was located in what was then Bethlehem Township (which was much larger in those days.) Bethlehem means 'house of bread' in Hebrew.

1760: Thirty years after the original church was founded, the growing congregation took down the small log church and built a frame church on the same site. There was no bell, so Reverend Hanna would sing on the front step to call his flock to worship.
 
1770's: The Bethlehem Presbyterian congregation supported the Continental Congress. They opposed England's tax laws and worried that a State Church would be established. Many members served in the Militia.
 
1830:  By the late 1820s, the old Frame Church needed repairs. Members subscribed $1,800 and decided to build a new structure. They purchased an acre of land on the other side of Race Street for $120 and quickly built a stone church. From start to finish, it took only 14 months and the final cost for labor and materials was $2,700. This was also the Church's 100 year anniversary.
 
Mid 1800's: Railroads brought settlers and trade goods and supplies to the area. Several Civil War veterans who were members of Bethlehem Church are buried in its graveyard. (The railroad line that passes behind the graveyard was built in 1875 and was originally the Bound Brook, NJ to Allentown, PA mainline of the Lehigh Valley Railroad - eventually to become part of the Norfolk Southern.)

1870: During the 1850s and 1860s there was a period of revival and population growth. The Stone Church wasn't big enough and could not be enlarged; so, the members subscribed $15,000 for a new building. They took apart the stone and used it for a foundation on the same site. They built the wonderful frame church which we now use. The building's cornerstone is located in the southwest corner of the building.

1895: The Church organ was built and installed.

1930: 200 year anniversary of the Church
 
1954 - 1960: Christian Education Building built

1954: The growing congregation knew they needed more room. The Christian Education (CE) Building was proposed, constructed, and dedicated. The CE building is near to, but separate from the Church building. It has a cornerstone with a time capsule.
 
1957 - 1959: Renovation of the interior of the church was proposed and completed. Photos and information for further study are available in a history notebook kept by the Church.

1970: Rev. Frederick L. Black was called to be pastor of Bethlehem United Presbyterian Church. He was installed on June 21.

1971: The congregation approved the purchase of a Rogers Electric organ to replace the pipe organ.

1980: 250 year anniversary of the Church
 
1989: A second renovation of the interior of the church took place.

1999: Time capsule from CE Building cornerstone opened

 2003: Reverend Frederick Black retires

2004: Reverend Cynthia J. Strickland called as Interim Minister

2005: 275 year anniversary of the Church

2005: Reverend Michael R. Burkley begins serving as pastor of BPC on November 1, 2005 

2007: Reverend Paul F. Rack called as Interim Minister on June 11, 2007

2009: Reverend Laurie Sponaugle called as pastor of BPC November 29, 2009 

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