Mission & History

The purpose of the Bethlehem Center is to strengthen families physically, emotionally, spiritually, socially, educationally, and intellectually.

• To be Aware
• To Contribute
• To Foster
• To Provide
• To Empower

In 1930, the Women’s Missionary Society of Bethel Methodist Church and local Black leaders of Spartanburg established the first Bethlehem Center in South Carolina.

These community leaders recognized the existence of inhumane conditions in the Highland Community. These inhumane conditions included inadequate housing, unpaved streets, insufficient care for preschool children, and high juvenile delinquency related problems. The mission of this interracial group was to address and improve these conditions and meet the needs of community members.

In 1950, the Bethlehem Center moved into its present facility in the Highland community where it has remained, faithfully providing services and programs for all members of the community and surrounding areas of Spartanburg County.

The Bethlehem Center is currently a National Mission Institute related to the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church.