The Name and Early History of Bean’s Corner
The area was named after the Bean family, who settled there and built several homes around the intersection of Routes 133 and 156. As the Bean family grew and established roots in the area, the location became known as Bean’s Corner. The Bean family was deeply involved with the local church, attending Bean’s Corner Baptist Church for generations.
Church Building and Early Denominations
Construction of the church building began in 1865, with services starting in 1868. The church was not fully completed until 1869. In May 1868, Joshua Allen deeded the land to the Union Meeting House Association. Multiple denominations used the building, with the denomination with the largest attendance leading services. By the early 1870s, the church became a Free Will Baptist Church, and in 1950, under the leadership of Rev. Alfred Ham, it became a Conservative Baptist Church.
Church Financing and Pews
A special Building Association was formed to support the church’s finances. The sale of pews helped fund church expenses. If someone failed to pay for their pew, it was auctioned off, though attendees were still welcome to join services, even if they didn’t have a permanent seat.
Deacon Rufus Taylor and the First Wedding
Deacon Rufus Taylor was a pivotal figure in the church’s early history, serving as a deacon for 46 years. He was a faithful member of the church for 70 years. The first wedding held in the church was that of Alex Luce and May Taylor, daughter of Deacon Rufus Taylor. To honor her parents, May Luce later dedicated a stain glass window in their memory, which still remains in the old sanctuary.
The Friendship Club and the Bell
The Friendship Club raised money for the church bell and bell tower, a 3-year project that raised $600. The bell, said to have been cast by Paul Revere, called many congregations to worship, the last being the East Dixfield Baptist Church between 1950-1952 before it arrived at Bean’s Corner. Lula Robinson, Marilyn Turner’s mother, and Geneva Toothaker, her aunt, were part of the friendship club. When the new auditorium was constructed in 2017 the bell and tower were removed from the old building and now has a home on the church lawn.
The Mortgage Burning and the First Parsonage
In the 1950s, the church held a mortgage-burning service. The church had taken out a $2,600 mortgage in 1947 to finance repairs and remodeling on the church’s first parsonage. At the time, there were about 50 church members, and this was the only mortgage the church had ever taken out.
Ranger Hall and Its Role in the Community
Across the street from the church stood Ranger Hall, which hosted various community events like dances, church dinners, meetings, and children’s services, such as Sunday school and children’s church. The hall was torn down when the church was moved across the street in 1984.
Beans Corner also has a rich history of Old Home Sundays, Vacation bible schools, singing groups and musical presentations such as; Cantatas, singing groups like the Miracle Messengers, Singing Deacons, Men’s Quartets and so on.
This history highlights the resilience and dedication of the Bean’s Corner community, from its early days to the significant moments that helped shape the church and the area around it. The church’s connection to the Bean family and the church’s evolving role in the local area speaks to its deep roots in the community’s life.
Record of Pastors from 1891 – Present
N. K. Simpson (1891–1892)
Sidney Wokely (1892–1894)
H. B. Huntoon (1894–1895)
Welhee Butterfield (1900–1901)
Rev. George Edward Manter (1901–1903)
Wm. O. Keistand (1903–1905)
L. S. Williams (1905–1912)
Forest L. Littlefield (1912–1918)
L. S. Williams (1919–1932)=
Henry R. Osgood (1932–1937)
Horace Taylor (1937–1938)
William Jewett (1938–1939)
Hyland Richmond (1940)
Roy Bohanan (1940–1941)
Earl Hunt (1941–1945)
Alfred Ham (1945–1950)
Under his leadership, the church became a Conservative Baptist Church.
Alan Swain (1950–1952)
The church bell was donated by the Friendship Club during his time.
Edith Bryant (1953–1955)
The church was redecorated. She is also known as the only female pastor to serve at Bean’s Corner.
Rev. Clayton Fulton (1955–1977)
A new baptistery and foundation were installed in the church. New paneling, carpet, pulpit ensemble, and chairs were donated by the L. S. Williams family (relatives of Sharon & Glenda Farrington). The radio program “Inspiration Time” was also started.
Wayne Farrington (1976)
Served as Assistant Pastor for 6 months.
Rev. James McLaughlin (1978–1988)
The parsonage was remodeled, and the church was moved across the street to a new location on Rt. 156 in 1984. This move was part of phase one of an expansion that also added a basement, new entrance, offices, bathrooms, and balcony.
Rev. Thomas Shell (1988–1992)
No additional notes.
Rev. Roger Nauss (1993–2005)
Ira Hall was hired as youth/associate pastor. Plans for the education wing addition were developed.
Rev. Ira A. Hall (2006–Present)
Became pastor after serving 10 years as youth/associate pastor. Oversaw both building additions. In 2009, construction of the education wing was completed. In 2017, the new auditorium was constructed with help from the Mobile Baptist Builders and Builders for Christ.