Bethania was founded June 12, 1759, as the second oldest Moravian settlement in North Carolina established upon 2,000 acres (original grant) of the Wachovia Tract.  According to Herrnhut maps, Bethania had been planned as a linear agricultural town but was settled somewhat earlier because of warring conditions on the pioneer front. Bishop August Gottlieb Spangenberg, administrator for Moravian settlements in America, came to Bethabara in 1759, observed the overcrowding and immediately took a group with him to search for the new town site. The place was named "Bethany, meaning house dates or figs" from a much loved spot dear to Jesus.

The first meeting house was built on Lot 6 on the southwest corner of town square.  It was opened for a communion service March 15, 1760, and dedicated April 13, 1760, when Bishop Spangenberg organized Bethania Congregation. God's Acre was laid out on the hilltop east of the church with the burial of little Mary Hauser.  This meeting house was damaged by heavy rains that flooded the minister's living area, the first floor.  Worship and school classes were held on the second floor

On Sunday, June 23,1771, the second meeting house, Gemein, was solemnly dedicated on  higher ground diagonally across the street. The building was an excellent example of brick nogging construction and contained the third organ built in North Carolina (1773).  Its builders were Joseph Ferdinand Bulitschek and Jacob Loesch.

The cornerstone for the third church building was placed in 1806. More than 1,800 people attended the dedication services in 1809 marking the 50th Anniversary.  In 1884, the sanctuary was changed from European to Colonial interior to accommodate the growing congregation. After a devastating fire in 1942, the re-opening of the sanctuary led by Rev. George Higgins was a glorious occasion. The Christian Education Building was added during the pastorate of Rev. Richard Amos; additional classrooms and expansion of the sanctuary under the leadership of Rev. David Burkette. The parsonage was built in 1956
while Rev. Herbert Weber was pastor.

Music, education and Biblical preaching are characteristics of Moravian believers.  A new Allen organ was given by Dr. Edward Strickland as a memorial to his wife who served as church organist for many years. Other musical memorial instruments include a grand piano, a set of handbells and a Kingston harpsichord.  In 1833, the church established a Sunday School and rewarded Scripture card holders with books. Spiritual Pastors, inspiring laymen to witnessing service, have been instrumental in the organization of Olivet, A.M.E. Zion, Mizpah, King and Rural Hall churches and assisting in the mountain missions at Mt. Bethel, Willow Hill and Crooked Oak.

Each anniversary is a thrilling, glorious occasion to give thanks for God's spiritual blessings for another year and for Biblical nurturing by 31 faithful pastors. Our ministers continue to be spiritual leaders, sound in doctrine, interested in well-rounded opportunities for spiritual growth, music to enrich worship and many areas of Christian service for preschoolers, youth, middlers and senior friends. May the future years of Bethania be years of great blessing.