Bethel Baptist Church is the oldest Baptist church in The Commonwealth of The Bahamas and the longest continuing Baptist Church in The Caribbean. Prince Williams, Sambo Scriven, and Sharper Morris, formerly enslaved persons, came to The Bahamas by way of the United States, organized with others, and played a vital role in establishing the church. Bethel served as a safe house for many who escaped slavery and has the distinction of being officially recognized as being part of the Underground Railroad.
The ground-breaking ceremony of the first Meeting House of Bethel Baptist took place at its current site in 1848. The original building was destroyed by a hurricane and rebuilt in 1869, partly funded by a Parliamentary grant. Over the years the church has undergone extensive renovations and additions to accommodate the demands of the continuously growing membership.
