Founded in 1868, this church was one of the first black Baptist churches in this area. Alexander Bettis, a former slave, established it with the assistance of three white ministers after the local Baptist association refused to ordain him. It grew from seventeen charter members to more than 2,000 members in only three years. It was the first of forty churches Rev. Alexander Bettis organized in Edgefield and Aiken Counties. He also founded Bettis academy in 1881, served this church and three other area churches until his death in 1895, and is buried here. Early services were held in a brush arbor, and the original frame sanctuary was replaced by the present brick sanctuary in 1961.