The Fifties
THE FIFTIES
In 1950, Bethesda left the Assemblies of God denomination and became an independent local church. The Assemblies had enlarged and consolidated at the same time. The headquarters decided to group Indiana, Ohio and Michigan together and cooperative churches such as Bethesda and Brightmoor were asked to become more under direct supervision of the Assemblies. Part of this supervision involved ownership of the church buildings and properties. When asked what Myrtle would do about this change, she said that she would have to pray about it. In prayer she felt the Lord was telling her to leave the denomination.
In 1952, the first gymnasium building was built. Up to this time recreational activities were not considered "spiritual" enough for the church. But Bethesda had come to learn that because of the grace of God, we were not bound to the rules and regulations man had devised to be "spiritual." This building was equipped with kitchen and locker room facilities. Most wedding receptions were held here. This was also when Bethesda began serving food at its Conventions.
1952 also saw Myrtle's son Harry added to the staff of Bethesda. Beginning in the office, his talents were soon apparent in the music field as well as teaching and preaching. Under his direction the choir developed an outstanding ministry which would eventually lead them to perform as far away as England.
In 1955 the Lord impressed upon Myrtle's daughter Patricia that the children of Bethesda needed to be established in the doctrines of Christ and she began the first Catechism class. In 1959 an adult class was also started. The textbook Understanding God was published in 1962, and with just one revision, is still being used today.
After Myrtle vacationed during the Christmas holiday in the mid-50s, she began preaching the theme that God looked at your heart, not your exterior. This theme bothered Pastor James Beall's wife Anne, because at the time it was a major taboo for a woman to wear makeup and jewelry. One friday night there was a Christian program at the Masonic Temple. Pastor James came home from work and asked Anne to pick up his suit at the cleaners while he fed the kids. While she was gone, she stopped at the dime store and picked up a tube of lipstick. When Anne returned, Pastor James left to pick up the baby-sitter. He returned to the house and waited for Anne in the car. Anne went to the car wearing the earrings Myrtle had given her years ago and bright red lipstick. Nothing was said for quite a while. Finally, Anne said, "Well, say something." Pastor James said, "If I didn't like it I'd tell you."
The next day Pastor James said to Anne that she had a decision to make whether or not to wear it. So Sunday morning, Anne came to church with jewelry and lipstick on. By the evening service, most of the women in the church had on makeup and jewelry. It seemed odd, no stores were open on Sundays, yet the women seemed to find makeup and jewelry to wear!
In 1950, Bethesda left the Assemblies of God denomination and became an independent local church. The Assemblies had enlarged and consolidated at the same time. The headquarters decided to group Indiana, Ohio and Michigan together and cooperative churches such as Bethesda and Brightmoor were asked to become more under direct supervision of the Assemblies. Part of this supervision involved ownership of the church buildings and properties. When asked what Myrtle would do about this change, she said that she would have to pray about it. In prayer she felt the Lord was telling her to leave the denomination.
In 1952, the first gymnasium building was built. Up to this time recreational activities were not considered "spiritual" enough for the church. But Bethesda had come to learn that because of the grace of God, we were not bound to the rules and regulations man had devised to be "spiritual." This building was equipped with kitchen and locker room facilities. Most wedding receptions were held here. This was also when Bethesda began serving food at its Conventions.
1952 also saw Myrtle's son Harry added to the staff of Bethesda. Beginning in the office, his talents were soon apparent in the music field as well as teaching and preaching. Under his direction the choir developed an outstanding ministry which would eventually lead them to perform as far away as England.
In 1955 the Lord impressed upon Myrtle's daughter Patricia that the children of Bethesda needed to be established in the doctrines of Christ and she began the first Catechism class. In 1959 an adult class was also started. The textbook Understanding God was published in 1962, and with just one revision, is still being used today.
After Myrtle vacationed during the Christmas holiday in the mid-50s, she began preaching the theme that God looked at your heart, not your exterior. This theme bothered Pastor James Beall's wife Anne, because at the time it was a major taboo for a woman to wear makeup and jewelry. One friday night there was a Christian program at the Masonic Temple. Pastor James came home from work and asked Anne to pick up his suit at the cleaners while he fed the kids. While she was gone, she stopped at the dime store and picked up a tube of lipstick. When Anne returned, Pastor James left to pick up the baby-sitter. He returned to the house and waited for Anne in the car. Anne went to the car wearing the earrings Myrtle had given her years ago and bright red lipstick. Nothing was said for quite a while. Finally, Anne said, "Well, say something." Pastor James said, "If I didn't like it I'd tell you."
The next day Pastor James said to Anne that she had a decision to make whether or not to wear it. So Sunday morning, Anne came to church with jewelry and lipstick on. By the evening service, most of the women in the church had on makeup and jewelry. It seemed odd, no stores were open on Sundays, yet the women seemed to find makeup and jewelry to wear!