Bethel was the name suggested in 1802 for the upper end of St. Clair township, "that being the name of the meeting-house." More than three-quarters of a century, however, elapsed before the name was given political as well as religious significance. The township of Bethel, the most recently formed subdivision of the county, was erected June 7, 1886, from that part of Snowden northwest of a line running 1,277 7/8- perches nearly due northeast from the Washington county line to the line of Baldwin township. This territory is almost identical with that taken from Upper St. Clair in 1845 to form Snowden.

James Miller was one of the earliest settlers in what is now Bethel township. His sons were Alexander, John, Joseph and Thomas. Alexander Miller, a brother of James, came at the same time. He had sons, Oliver, and several others whose names are forgotten. Both these Millers and their sons are dead. Some of their descendants are still here. Robert McKee was among the first who came. His sons were John, William, James and Thomas. Two grandsons of the original Robert reside on the old place.

Daniel Long came very early. He had two sons, one of whom, Arthur, remained here till his death. Four of the sons of Arthur still reside in this vicinity. Robert Smith was another pioneer. Daniel and Robert were his sons. Robert emigrated many years since, but Daniel died here. John Lafferty came here early from Ireland. He died here some twenty-five years since, at the age of ninety-six. He had five sons — Daniel, Jackson, James, William and John. Of these, John is still living. James Foster came early. His son John K. lived and died here. Four other sons died young. William McCullough was another early immigrant who came from east of the mountains and settled in this township. His sons were James, John, Thomas, Jesse, Josiah and William. Of these, Josiah is now living at the age of eighty-three. Gustave Mait and his son John are both dead.

Joseph Higbee had sons James and Stephen. James still lives in the township. All these original settlers were here prior to the commencement of the present century, and some of their descendants still relate anecdotes of the part which they took in the affairs of the latter part of the eighteenth century. Some of them were "Tom the Tinker’s" men, and were present at the burning of Neville’s house. Some were here prior to the erection of the blockhouse in Pittsburgh. This territory enjoyed railroad facilities during the short period that the Pittsburgh & Southern was in operation, and the names of Smithton, Upperman, Bethel, Cowan, Rockridge, Norwood and Library yet adorn the map. The postoffice at Library was established in 1842. The village is on the line of division between Snowden and Bethel, and possesses some importance as a local business center.

Bethel Presbyterian Church, the oldest organization of that denomination in the county, was founded in 1778 by Rev. John McMillan. The first deed or property bears date 1780, and the second, 1826. Three churches have been erected, the first a log building and the others brick, the last of which was built in 1854. There have been only four pastors in the one hundred and ten years of its history; Revs. John Clark, 1781-96; William Woods, 1797-1831; George Marshall, D. D., 1833-72; C. W. Wycoff, 1875-. The first-named three are buried in the cemetery adjoining. Peter’s Creek Baptist Church, at Library, was organized November 10, 1773, and with one exception is the oldest church in Western Pennsylvania. It has the finest church-edifice in the county outside the cities; membership three hundred, and a good Sunday school. Rev. J. K. Cramer was pastor from 1879 till his removal recently to Pittsburgh. Among his predecessors were James Estep, William Shadrach and David Phillips. It is evident from the early organization of these churches that this region was settled at a much earlier period than is commonly supposed.