"Our church felt we wanted to help preachers who needed some relief from the demands of the pastorate and the stress which goes with serving faithfully in meeting people's needs," Pastor Curtis L. Barbery explained.

An idea became a reality when the church turned an attractive home -- once the church's pastorium -- into a retreat facility where ministers and their families could come to rest, relax and renew themselves for ministry.

All without cost to the preacher and his family.

"We wanted to make it easy for preachers who needed a break to walk into the Bethany House and not have any responsibility for anything except their food," Barbery said.

The large, sprawling ranch-style house is fully furnished in every way. A modern kitchen, dining room and living room are complemented by several bedrooms, two family rooms, a utility room and porches which are bright and airy. The home is heated, air-conditioned and equipped with telephones and television.

"The whole intent of Bethany House is to enable the preacher to relax and be relieved of the demands and stress which accompany his daily ministries on his church field," Barbery explained as he walked through the house and pointed out its features.

The ministry of Bethany House is a response to the needs Barbery has observed during his 40 years of ministry.

The South Carolina native is well-known for his pastoral and evangelistic ministry.

Barbery preaches 20-25 revivals per year -- 22 in 1997 even though he suffered what could have been a fatal heart attack during a revival last year.

He felt sick as he preached one evening and was rushed to the local hospital where he received excellent medical care while experiencing the heart attack.

His strength has returned and he has disciplined himself with exercise and daily walking.

"The pace at which most preachers go is demanding on them physically, emotionally and mentally," Barbery observed. "We want Bethany House to provide a break in that schedule."

The graduate of Fruitland Baptist Bible Institute is rarely gone from his own pulpit on Sundays. His revival engagements are scheduled Monday through Friday evenings to enable him to be at Beulah on Sundays.

Barbery marked his 35th anniversary at Beulah in January 1997. Last year the church's income exceeded $500,000. The first year he was pastor, receipts totaled approximately $12,000.

The congregation has approximately 525 resident members and Sunday morning attendance is normally between 350 and 400. The membership is diverse, including farmers, those who work in neighboring cities, doctors, lawyers and teachers.

"We have about 60 public school teachers in the church," Barbery noted, "which gives us close ties with the communities all around us." The church has been able to attract young people and younger couples who are starting their families.

"This is a church which is absolutely run by committees," the pastor said with a sense of satisfaction. "No church could have better lay leadership than Beulah."

In addition to the traditional aspects of a typical Baptist church, Beulah maintains a full-blown recreation and activities program at the family life center which is at a separate location a short distance from the church facilities.

The family life center has a full-size gymnasium, exercise room and space for several activities going on simultaneously. A full-size baseball field is adjacent to the center, and nearby is a play area for smaller children which is fenced for security and safety.

The church is growing at a steady, stable rate. Last year there were 22 baptisms; in 1996, there were 25. The music, education and ministry programs of the church are strong.

"In the years I have been pastor, Beulah Church has conscientiously tried to minister to all types of people -- where they are and with the real needs they have," Barbery said, "but the one area where we had done little or nothing was to help ministers in times of stress."

"Bethany House was not established to provide anyone with a free vacation. It's purpose is to help those who are weary -- perhaps facing burnout -- recover their strength, spirit and vision for the Lord's work," Barbery says.

Several preachers and their families have already spent time in Bethany House and Barbery expects the number to increase as more people learn of its availability.

Beulah Church and Pastor Barbery are on schedule for a unique combination of anniversaries. In 2002, the church will be 100 years old, Barbery will complete 40 years as the church's pastor, and he and his wife will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.

In the meanwhile, Bethany House will endeavor to help other ministers reach such milestones.