The church bell will ring at historic Beulah Primitive Baptist Church on Sunday, Jan. 17 and those who would like to step back in time are invited to be a part of what, hopefully, will be the first of many church services at Beulah.

Catherine Liepins, secretary of the board that oversees Beulah Church and cemetery, said the Sunday service is an opportunity for the community to be a part of an old-time service and a part of breathing new life into the historic church.

The Rev. Mack King will be the guest preacher and special music will be provided by Old Southern Gospel.

“Many people are familiar with Mack King because he has preached in the area and Old Southern Gospel has sung at events at Beulah and everyone really enjoys them,” Liepins said.

“It should be a very meaningful service.”

Old Southern Gospel will begin singing at 10:45 a.m. and the church service will begin around 11 a.m. and close at noon. Old Southern Gospel will sing again following the service.

Beulah is Pike County’s oldest church and, although it was a Primitive Baptist Church, the Sunday service will be non-denominational.

“We invite everyone to join us for this special service,” Liepins said.

“We have been working on the church for the last five years and I think everyone will be pleased with the work that has been done.”

Liepins said the church building is being made available to clubs and organizations that need or want a place to meet.

“The United Daughters of the Confederacy are meeting at Beulah Church and the Sons of Confederate Veterans will meet there in February. The Pike County Historical Society is considering it as a meeting place. It’s a convenient and comfortable place to meet.”

The Beulah board doesn’t charge a fee for using the church building, however, a donation to help with the utility bills is appreciated. The church has heating and air conditioning.

Beulah Primitive Baptist Church started in May 1831 at the home of Louis Pugh. The first church was built in 1837 on land belonging to Lee. In 1839, the founders of the church bought about 40 acres from Lee.

Historic Beulah Cemetery is included in the 40 acres.

“The present church building is the third or fourth and it was built around the mid-1950s,” Liepins said.

“Some of the old church was used for this building. There was wood with pegs and it’s a part of this church. The pews are the ones from the first church and also the pulpit.

“In 1993, we added bathrooms and the church closed in 1999 due to declining membership and the need for repairs.”

Those who would like to work with the board and other volunteers in getting the church and land back as it once was are encouraged to call 566-7340 for more information.