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Rev. Francis Cummins, D.D., was ordained and installed as our second pastor. Cummins, a native of Pennsylvania, was articulate, well-educated, and was himself an active patriot during the Revolution. In 1788, Rev. Cummins was chosen by the people of York as one of their representatives to the convention of South Carolina, which was called to decide upon the adoption of the constitution of the United States. Of the eleven men elected,. At least three, Rev. Cummins, Samuel Watson, and William Hill, had strong ties to Bethel Church. Of those eleven, only Cummins voted in favor of ratifying the Constitution. Indeed, only eleven of the seventy-four delegates representing the Upcountry voted in favor of ratification. When it was originally proposed, the Constitution was decidedly unpopular in many parts of South Carolina, and especially so in the Upcountry. Most historians agree that if the Constitution had been submitted to the people of South Carolina for a popular vote, it would have been soundly defeated. It is believed this caused dissatisfaction in the congregation, and in 1789, Rev. Cummins resigned and moved to Georgia. He died in 1828, loved and respected by all who knew him.

The church had no pastor for the seven years between 1789 and 1796. According to recorded history, this was probably the gloomiest period in the History of Bethel. "A spirit of sloth and inattention to the gospel seems to have prevailed. Unhappy dissension's arose among the people through animosity and party spirit…" During this period, part of the congregation which resided in North Carolina, divided and formed a church under the name Olney, which is in present day Gastonia, North Carolina. The division took place in 1793, with Rev. William C. Davis as the pastor.

In 1796, Bethel joined with Beersheba in calling Rev. George G. McWhorter to be their pastor. With the formation of Olney, the Bethel congregation was decreased in number, thus requiring the alliance with another church in order to support a minister. After five years, Rev. McWhorter resigned and moved south.

Bethel was without a pastor for the next ten years. The congregation, however, built their house of worship. In 1811, Rev. James S. Adams was invited by the congregation as a stated supply. He was a son of Bethel and was born about four miles northeast of the church. He continued his ministry at Bethel for twenty-nine years. "It was not uncommon during this period , on sacramental occasions, for many families to leave their homes, come in their wagons, with provisions prepared. These "camp meetings" generally began Friday, and lasted until Monday and sometimes longer. Three services were held each day. It has been said that Rev. Adams had more to do with forming the character of our church than any other minister. At the close of 1832, 100 members had been added to the roles of the church. In 1840, Rev. Adams requested release from his ministerial duties, due to illness and age.