So far as human agency is concerned, the foundation of this congregation began somewhere in Indiana. A certain John Smith, a young farmer, a Primitive Baptist, had a letter from a friend, introducing a minister of the Gospel; saying he had some "new ideas" in his preaching, but assuring John that the minister was a Christian gentleman, with great knowledge of the scriptures, a fine teacher, of excellent spirit and preached the Word of God. The preacher requested Smith to secure the use of the Union Church for a series of services. The Union building was controlled by trustees. Smith was one of them. He promptly presented the request to the others, but they had heard of this fellow, and his "sect was spoken against everywhere," so they declined firmly. Smith reported to the preacher and offered the use of his own little log cabin home which was gratefully accepted. Before the weekend, Smith, his wife and oldest daughter had accepted a faith which made them "Christians only." Smith was a constant reader of the Bible, and was very familiar with the Book, but in speaking of this preacher and his thrilling lesson in after years, he said his sermon on "Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth," gave him more light and comfort than he had ever secured by "reading and hearing up to that time." This little family moved from Indiana, and settled about three miles Northeast of the present town of Hickory Flat, Mississippi. His only son was killed by a falling limb or tree before leaving Indiana. There were five daughters, whom Smith taught diligently by his fireside to read and understand and obey the scriptures. In due time, he and his scattered neighbors erected a small log house to be used for school and church purposes. The Smith girls became the center of attraction to the young men of the community. It was not long till Archie Thompson, John Heliums, John Clary, James B. Armor and William A. Crum became sons-in-law to John Smith. These young men were from the various denominations, but each girl in some way brought her man to the New Testament faith. These formed the nucleus of the Bethel Church. The writer is familiar with the way in which two of the young men were won from denominationalism, and it may be of interest to put them on record. Louisa had pledged herself with John Armor, but before marriage she called Armor's attention to the fact that they had not discussed the religious question. She thought it might be very important. She frankly said that she knew nothing of religion, church, etc., except what she had learned from her father and read under his guidance but she had this to suggest: Let us read the Bible together, hear our ministers fairly, pray while we study, and do what we believe to be God's Will as revealed to us in His Word. The mutual reading, listening, learning and praying in a few months lead Armor to become a "Christian Only." And though his Lou only lived with him a few short years, J. "went marching on in consecrated usefulness in every good work till reaching the seventies, he joined her in the Glory Land. --- M F. Harmon, History of Disciples of Christ in Mississippi, 208-09.