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| | | | A HISTORY OF BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH | | | 
The sanctuary was built in 1972-1973. | Bethel has enjoyed a rich heritage of service and progress during the last one hundred, fifty years. The congregation celebrated its 150th year in 2001. With faith, prayer and dedication, we will continue our mission as a "House of God."Bethel was established in 1851 by the Reverend Jacob Crim as Franklin Church. In 1854, the name became Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church and has remained the same since that time. The first church building, a small frame structure, was constructed in 1854 on the site of the present church cemetery. Wooden shutters covered the windows, and there was a stone wall surrounding the church and cemetery. A second building, west of the first site, was built to house the church and be closer to the village midway between the old site and the village. This second structure, built in 1880, was larger, and it was dedicated on April 29, 1883.During the time that Bethel and St. Paul's were one charge, the two churches purchased a house and lot in Franklin for a parsonage. This house was later sold and the pastor lived at St. Paul's parsonage. | During the time that Bethel and St. Paul's were one charge, the two churches purchased a house and lot in Franklin for a parsonage. This house was later sold and the pastor lived at St. Paul's parsonage.In 1939, Bethel and St. Paul's arranged to become self-supporting at the end of the year. The following decade were difficult years for Bethel since many members were away serving their country during World War II. The present brick educational building was constructed in 1956. The congregation broke ground for its third "House of God" on June 16, 1972, and dedicated the new sanctuary on June 17, 1973. The building is modern in design with the nave centered upon the free standing altar and hanging cross. an outstanding feature are the windows of faceted, brilliantly colored glass, cut in different shapes and sizes for special effects. The effect is especially beautiful on sunny Sunday mornings. Since 1973 an outdoor worship center, a picnic shelter with tables, and a playground area have been added to our facilities by members of the Boys Scouts of America as a part of their Eagle Scout projects. -Excerpted from a history compiled by Dr. Elaine Stiller in 2001 | | |
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