Mount Bethel plans to reenact original ground breaking to celebrate 50^th

Fifty years ago on a cold Saturday church leaders and members met at the Haliwa Indian School, marched across the field, then crossed the road, and held the original groundbreaking at the current site of the Mount Bethel Indian Baptist Church.  The date of the ceremony was March 29, 1958.   The next day, Sunday, March 30, the group returned to the Haliwa Indian School and formally organized the Saponi Indian Baptist Church. The name of the church was later changed to Mount Bethel Indian Baptist Church.

The original church was made possible under the leadership of Rev. Charlie Horace (C.H.) Richardson, other tribal leaders, and members.  The group was committed to building a church near the Haliwa Indian School where they were currently holding church services. Also, Rev. Charlie D. Brewington and members of other tribes from Robeson and surrounding counties helped to establish the church.

To celebrate the 50th Anniversary original event plans are underway to conduct the reenactment of the original ground breaking ceremony on Saturday, March 29th.  The group will assemble at the Haliwa-Saponi Tribal School then march to the church to complete the ceremony. On Sunday, March 30th, a Commemorative Organizational/Recognition Service will be held at the church. The guest speaker for the occasion will be Rev. Dr. Michael Cummings, director of Burnt Swamp Association.

 To help plan the activities for the memorable and historical event, a 50th Anniversary Committee was formed that included: Mrs. Polly Richardson and Dr. Ogletree Richardson, co-chairs, Rev. Willie Silver, pastor, Deacon McConnel Silver, Rev. Mac Arthur Mills, Mrs. Connie Hedgepeth, and Mr. Gilbert Lynch. For more information on the Haliwa-Saponi tribe you can visit www.haliwa-saponi.com/.