The Bethlehem story began in 1848 when one and three-fourths acres on present day Bethlehem Loop Road were deeded by William and "Aunt Betsy" Armstrong to six visionary trustees for the purpose of erecting a bigger more centrally located place of worship for Methodists in north Williamson County. The first church building rose on the present site in 1849. Made of hand hewn logs, the one-room structure featured oil lamps for lights and two wood stoves for warmth. At that time, the land was valued at about $900 and fresh water was obtained from a spring at the head of the creek passing to the  rear of the present property.

The decades that followed were marked by a prevailing theme of growth. Our membership grew, and our members always rose to the occasion when buildings became too small to serve parishioners. Over the years, additional acreage was acquired; two sanctuaries were built (1956 and 1989) along with an education wing (1956), plus a gym and classroom addition (1975). In 2002, the congregation voted to erect a new Family Life Center. Upon completion in 2003, members immediately occupied all the new adult Sunday School rooms, attractive new infant and toddler facilities for our youngest members, along with a multi-use gymnasium.  In 2006, BUMC rose to the occasion once again and embraced the opportunity to acquire adjoining property to the North of the church. The ultimate use of our precious acreage will be determined by our collective imaginations and the prayerful consideration of Bethlehem members. To read the complete history of Bethlehem United Methodist Church, read Catch the Spirit: A Sesquicentennial History, Bethlehem United Methodist Church, Franklin, Tennessee, 1848-1998. Written by longtime church member Stan Tyson, the history was published in 1998 on the occasion of Bethlehem's 150th anniversary. Free copies of this 96-page soft cover book are available at the church office.