The first recorded date of a formal organization was 1788. Since this date, the church has served its members in three different locations. Originally Bethlehem was known as "Ellisor Church" located near the present St. John's Lutheran Church of Irmo, SC. In 1847 this congregation moved to another location near the Broad River and became known as the "Bookman Church". At this time the church pulled out of the South Carolina Synod and joined the Tennessee Synod. In 1922 it rejoined the South Carolina Synod. The present location was occupied in 1899 and acquired many members from "High Hill" church when it was covered by the waters of Lake Murray. The present structure was built in 1950 and the educational building in 1977. Extensive renovations and additions to the sanctuary were completed in 1994.