By Junious Smith III

It has been quite the journey for Bethel Christian Academy.

This year, the institution celebrates its 50-year anniversary, starting just three years after Bethel Christian Church moved into its current building on Hwy. 258 North in 1967. The church celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2017, opening in 1942 and eventually opening up the school under the guidance of Rev. David Paramore.

On Sept. 8, 1970, the academy opened with about 500 students from first through 10th grade.

“The original concept was to have six grades, going from first through sixth,” Bethel Christian CFO Greg Fordham said. “Then, someone said ‘if there isn’t a seventh grade my child can’t go,’ so they continued to grow. The main objective was to have a school with a Christian influence, and this was around the time private schools became more prominent.”

Fordham enrolled in the school’s first year as a ninth-grade student and graduated in 1974, but was a member of the church prior to. Fordham has spent plenty of time seeing the growth and development of Bethel Christian, eventually holding jobs of teacher and business manager before his current position. Fordham’s children went to Bethel Christian and his grandchildren are currently enrolled as well.

“I didn’t think I’d be a part of this history when it opened,” Fordham said. “I was in the ninth grade and my biggest concern was passing driver’s ed.”

Kenny Sutton was another student who was part of the inaugural group, enrolling in the eighth grade and graduating in 1975.

“It was different than the public schools,” Sutton said. “The classrooms had air conditioning, the classes were smaller and it was a different atmosphere. Over the years, there’s been a lot more progression—the teachers were very good then and now, and I see the benefits with a little more individual attention.

“My brother, sister and I all went to Bethel Christian, I met my wife there and she graduated from Bethel Christian, all three of our children graduated from there and I would love for my grandchildren to go.”

Doug Phillips, the principal at Bethel Christian, said the philosophies haven’t changed as the school continues to celebrate 50 years of service.

“Going through the old yearbooks, the message remained the same ‘All for the Glory of God,’” Phillips said. “The verse is 1st Corinthians 10:31 and whether it was education, athletics or anything, it was to be done for the glory of God. The students and staff have taken it to heart and have helped this school become strong.

“For our 50th anniversary, we’ve worked on a parent appreciation and teacher appreciation, giving out numerous awards where we can. We’ll also have a student appreciation on the 50th day, Nov. 8.”

Chris Truett, the current pastor at Bethel Christian, has been with the church for 22 years, taking the job as music and worship pastor in 1997 before taking over in his current position in 2013. Truett said the philosophies haven’t wavered, changes have been tremendous in his time.

“There’s been a lot of remodeling, the church went on TV (in 2002), and there has been a greater emphasis on spiritual, academic, athletic and extracurricular activities,” Truett said. “Five years ago, we received our first accreditation and recently had it renewed — this was the vision of Pastor Paramore and his leadership really helped push everything forward.”

Michelle Williams teaches middle school math and student leadership at Bethel Christian, and said the environment is conducive to learning.

“The goal for each teacher is to show the love of Christ,” Williams said. “If we follow His example in the ministry of children, loving them as Jesus would, and treating them with respect and kindness, we can create a welcoming atmosphere to learn. Our STEM activities also play a part as we encourage students to do their best. The curriculum is at its highest quality, and we have high standards for the students here — most of them are able to not only meet expectations, but exceed them.”

Kendall Sanderson graduated in 2012 after spending her entire high school career at Bethel Christian, and said it was a great experience.

“Being a part of Bethel gave me so many great memories, friendships and a support system that never goes away, no matter how old I get,” Sanderson said. “Bethel is a place full of love and compassion that changed my life as a teenager and an adult.”

Michael Fulcher, Jr. spent most of his childhood at Bethel Christian, as he went from second through fourth grade, then from seventh grade until his graduation in 2018. Fulcher said he was drawn to the community’s camaraderie.

“Bethel was small and a lot different from many of the other schools in the area,” Fulcher said. “It was a tightly knit and good community — you knew everyone from kindergarten on up and ran into the same people, so I enjoyed the close aspect it provided.”

Fulcher, the leading goal-scorer in Bethel Christian history, helped the team undergo a dramatic turnaround — the Trojans broke a 47-game winless streak in 2014, then won 10 games while making it to the NCSAA second round the following season.

“Sports is a part of the culture here,” Fulcher said. “There were a lot of successful teams in the 70s and I’ve seen the highs and lows during my high school career. I was a part of a state championship team in baseball (in 2017) and part of the worst soccer team in our history. Still, I had a lot of fun because each year I was playing with my friends and we developed the chemistry in such a close environment. A lot of times it’s hard to get out of a rut with someone you don’t like, so our chemistry transferred over nicely from the classroom to the field.”

Ashley Stroud, the school’s athletic director, graduated from Bethel Christian in 1997 and said it’s been a blessing to come back.

“The year before working as an AD, I was helping (basketball coach) Bert Potter with the varsity boys (in 2015) and it rekindled the love I had for the school,” Stroud said. “The environment was always family-oriented and the facilities have certainly improved since I went to school here.”

Current students have enjoyed their time at Bethel Christian as well. Senior Lucas Ezzell has been at the school since sixth grade and loves the environment.

“It’s a good school, the teachers have your back and you can strengthen your relationship with God,” Ezzell said.

Eighth-grader Jeffrey Pridgen said the fit has been great at BCA.

“I like it’s a Christian school and if you have any issues, the teachers will help you fix it.”

Freshman Emily Johnson shared similar sentiments.

“I like how the teachers really put an effort into the classes and educating us,” Johnson said.

Samuel Stonebreaker, an eighth-grader, said he’s thankful to be a part of Bethel Christian.

“The teachers are really helpful and they care about how you’re doing,” Stonebreaker said.