Celebrate 135 Years!
Keeping the Faith Alive, Yesterday, Today and Forever
2017 marked the 135th Anniversary of the congregation that worships at Bethany Lutheran Church. In 1882 sixty families from northern Door County, all originally from parishes in Sweden, Norway and Denmark, came together to form what is now known as Bethany Lutheran Church. The site of the church, high on a hill, was purchased from Mrs. Marie Olson and construction of the building we worship in today was completed on October 23, 1882 at a cost of $1,569.14.
The first pastor was Rev. John Olson and he served year round for ten years. From 1882 to 1966 sixteen pastors served Bethany. Since 1966 Bethany has been a seasonal ministry served by visiting pastors. This year we gather from Memorial Day to mid October and our fifteen visiting pastors will stay in the historic and remodeled parsonage and preside over worship. The original church building remains much the same as it did in 1882 including the lack of running water. The interior has been refreshed but the history and simplicity can be felt when you enter through the original doors. Our gracious Lord has blessed our past, present and future congregation and we continue to grow and to be vibrant. One of our main ministries is to welcome visitors in the County to worship on Sunday morning. We also support ministries in Door County, Wisconsin and the World with our offering. We are truly grateful for the 135 continuous years of worship and service to the Lord and look forward to many more.
