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History of Bethany |
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Bethany Lutheran Church was founded in 1958. We will be celebrating our 50th anniversary on June 8, 2008. |
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A Look Back at Bethany’s First 40 Years…
1953 The National Lutheran Council assigned the Augustana Lutheran Church to establish a new congregation… 1956 The board of American Missions purchased 3/5 acres of land on Northwest Highway as a future church site...1957 The first worship service, led by new pastor Charles L. Hanson, was held at the White Rock Armory...1958 The congregation was officially born on June 8th when 41 members signed the charter roll...1959 The congregation broke ground for a church building...1960 The new building was dedicated on May 29th...1961 Bethany welcomed the Rev. J. Glen Sandquist as its new pastor...1965 The Rev. Dennis J. Johnson became Bethany’s third pastor…1966-68 Bethany built and dedicated the church building at the present site. First services in the new home were held on October 13th...1970 Bethany cooperated with Mt. Olive Lutheran Church on a preschool project in South Dallas...1971 The Lake Highland Youth Activities Commission established a community counseling center at Bethany. Bethany opened the Ned Ritter Memorial Library...1973 Nelson Hall, named in honor of charter members Alfred and Martha Nelson, was dedicated on June 10th. Richard Brunk became the Youth Director...1975 Bethany sponsored the relocation of the Chum Vantha family, refugees from the Vietnam War. The Bethel Bible Study series was launched...1976 Bethany joined the Meals on Wheels program. Richard Brunk was ordained as Associate Pastor at Bethany...1977 Bethany welcomed new pastor Melvin J. Hammer on July 31st. Richard Brunk left to take a pastoral call in Lubbock, Texas...1979 Koinonia groups began meeting. The Rev. Earl Eliason became Bethany’s new pastor following Hammer’s resignation…1980 Bethany merged with All Saints, which was a small Lutheran mission congregation...1983 Bethany 25th Anniversary...1986 Bethany enlarged Nelson Hall and built new offices...1988 Bethany began a Mother’s Day Out program. The Search study program began meeting...1991 Intern pastor Jeff Carlson served at Bethany...1992 Intern pastor Mae Jean Zelle served at Bethany...1993 Pastor Eliason resigned to join Bishop Mark Herbener’s staff...1994 The Rev. Herbert Palmer joined Bethany’s staff in August as the new pastor...1997 Pastor Palmer resigned and Bethany welcomed Pastor Carol Spencer as Interim Pastor. The Search study program completed after ten years with a study of Revelations.
...And at Bethany Today Bethany once again felt God’s touch after a fire severely damaged our church building in March 1998. The fire stirred the congregation as we came together to repair the damage and rededicate ourselves to fulfill our church mission. Bethany was able to touch the entire community and reach out to the people around us who so sorely need God, including the four young men who set the fire.
Bethany continues its mission to reach out to the community through its participation in Lutheran World Relief, blood drives, and the White Rock Center of Hope.
Children’s ministries are still a priority at Bethany. The Mother’s Day Out became the Child Development Center, which offers quality Christian care four days a week. In addition, Bethany offers Sunday School and Vacation Bible School to help our children grow in faith.
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Join our 50th Anniversary Celebration
Bethany Carnival on May 3rd. This will be at Bethany from 11:00 am—4:00 pm. Face painting, a bounce house, games, prizes and more. All the snacks will be 5˘ (1950’s) - popcorn, soft drinks, and more. This is an event for the community. All of the proceeds will go back to the four elementary schools in the area.
Banquet on May 31. Saturday evening at the Royal Oaks Country Club
“Festival Worship Service” on June 1st Come worship with us at Bethany Lutheran Church
Questions? Please call the office at 214-348-9690! |