Pastor Dwight Elder

Reverend Dwight E. Elder is a native of College Park, Georgia. He was born to Deacon Alvin and Frances Elder. From his first union to the late Evangelist Annie Elder, three children were born: Dwight, Jr., Angelika and Barbara along with eight grandchildren. 

On July 24, 2021, Reverend Elder and Robin Farley were married and now reside in Senoia, Georgia. As the wife of Pastor Elder and as a history buff, she wants to be an exemplar continuing to represent the great traditions of our church in honoring God. 

Pastor Elder was educated in the Fulton County School System. He later attended Atlanta Area Tech where he became an ACS Certified Technician. At an early age, Reverend Elder attended the Mount Olive Baptist Church, Fayetteville, Georgia. Years later, he and wife became members of the Valley View church of God in Christ, Decatur, Georgia where he was a member of the Georgia Mass Choir, served as an Usher, a Deacon, a Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, Central Georgia Assistant Superintendent, and Financial Officer. Through these duties and his pastor’s mentoring, he found that he really enjoyed teaching God’s people. One day his faithfulness was rewarded as he was called by God to preach His words.

Rev. Elder accepted his calling where he ministered for 2 years. He then went before the board and became an ordained Elder to preach the word of God at the Valley View Church of God in Christ. 

In 1999, Reverend Elder was licensed and ordained at the Bethlehem Baptist church where he first served as Assistant Pastor. In 2002, he was appointed Interim Pastor, and in 2003, he was appointed Senior Pastor of the Bethlehem Baptist Church of Peachtree City, Georgia. 

Reverend Elder has been Pastor of the Bethlehem Church for 21 years. While ministering, he also teaches Bible Study and Sunday school. With his shared knowledge and his encouragement for the member to study, the church has grown to be a spiritually health congregation. He also encourages others to discover and use their gifts. His enthusiasm about this faith, compassion toward the sick and devotion are appreciated. 

Pastor Elder’s most personal quoted scriptures are: Psalm 119:11 “Thy words have I hidden in my heart, that I may not sin against thee,” and Psalm 119:105 “Thy word (is) a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

Rev. Jesse E. Wrice, Jr. has been an Associate Pastor at the Bethlehem Baptist Church since 2007. Previously, he has served as Pastor for the Gospel of Holiness church in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii; Associate Pastor at Unity Christian Church, Fayetteville, GA; Youth Pastor at both the Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Woodbridge, VA and Union Missionary Baptist Church in Jacksonville, NC. Rev. Wrice is an anointed and skillful exhorter, preacher and teacher. He leads the Men’s Ministry which also reaches out to mentor the young men and boys at church and in the community. 

He accepted his call to the ministry and was ordained an Elder/Pastor in the COGIC in 1996 while stationed in HI. He attended the Ewa Beach COGIC Bible College under the direction of Superintendent Martin. He is a Marine/Navy Veteran serving his country as a Commissioned Officer for over 20 years. Having graduated from the United States Naval Academy (Annapolis, MD) in 1983, he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Science. On May-------, he graduated with a Master of Arts in Ministry from the Luther Rice College and Seminary. He is also a FAA rated single engine airplane and Rotary Wing Pilot. Currently, he is retired from the Air Methods Corp. as an Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Helicopter Pilot. 

Rev. Wrice is a Macon, GA native. He has been married to his high school sweetheart Pamela (Brown) Wrice since 1983. They have been blessed with two wonderful children, Erik and Jessica Wrice and numerous godchildren. He exemplifies and glorifies Christ in all that he does, and he lives by the scripture that says “Let your Light so shine that men may see your good works and Glorify your Father which is in Heaven.” His commitment to God and family is unwavering as he continues to strive to complete God’s Will for his Life and help his brothers and sisters along the way.