Reverend Nance returned to the pastorate of Bethel and served for 33 years, until his death. Upton and Thomas Knight each held the pastorate of Bethel. Among them are Reverends Azariah and Buck Thompson, who served several churches in Hamblen and surrounding counties.

Historical records of Southern Baptist Churches in the area bear the names of men who also served at Bethel during its early days. The names of several of the early pastors are also well known. This building with some renovations, served the needs of the congregation until 1987. Other trustees from the period are Luke Brownlow, Dave Dickson, Andy Greenlee, Dolphus Harrell, Prince Jackson, Lafayette Kent, Henley Mason, Adam Weaver, and William Wingate. It was deeded by Henry Mullins to Arthur Poe, chairman of trustees. It is more certain that the first building to be owned by the fledgling black congregation was a building on South Cumberland Street. More than likely Bethel Baptist Church emerged from freed black persons and sharecroppers that attended First Baptist Church in the 1800's. Extant records from the period indicate that there were several black members of Bethel South, which later became First Baptist Church of Morristown. The former church building became the first building of Morristown College. Hill, a white Methodist Missionary and educator and founder of Morristown College. This building was eventually conveyed to Rev. This building also served as a slave market and a hospital for both Union and Confederate troops of the Civil War. The original house of worship, a log building dating to 1856, was located on the corner of what is now North Cumberland and Cherokee Drive.

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