ENGELHARD — The annual June meeting was held at historic Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church on North Lake Road near Fairfield on Sunday, June 1, with 32 people in attendance. The meeting house dates back to 1832. Brother J. P. Bush served as moderator while Brother R. S. Spencer, Jr. was the church clerk. Trustees elected for the church year were Dot Berry, Dewey Sawyer, Willene Brinn, Mack Carawan, Peggy Rascoe Hare, J. P. Bush and R. S. Spencer Jr.  A financial report was given and conference minutes for 1914, 1864 and 1814 were provided and discussed. The 1814 minutes told of plans to hold one of the monthly meetings at the old meeting house in Swan Quarter and also told of a letter received from the church at Mattamuskeet thus providing evidence that the Primitive Baptists were active in Hyde County for a number of years prior to 1814.

Brother John Cox of Engelhard was the preacher for the occasion. He brought a powerful message by reading from the book of Ezekiel regarding the impending demise of Jerusalem and the harsh judgment that was ahead for Israel. He stated that corruption in government and leadership has continued throughout history until this very day with even some churches providing a “feel good” religion instead of warning of the consequences of sin. A covered-dish luncheon followed the service. The church will meet again on the second Sunday in October with Elder Johnny Ray Gardner of Raleigh preaching the sermon.