History

The constitution was adopted in 1871. Honorable Canute Anderson donated the grounds for the church building and it was completed in 1889.

In 1907-1908 the building was moved closer to the present location of Bethany Lutheran Church.The name Bethany emerged on May 10, 1921 when the St. Olaf Congregation united with the Wood River Evangelical Lutheran Church Congregation to form the Bethany Evangelical Luther Church.

In 1950 an addition was added on the back (east end) of the church.In 1954 the church steeple was struck by lightning and a fire ensued. In 1955 the church was rebuilt. A bell tower was constructed by the church in 1965.On March 2, 1969, Pastor Myron Carlson of Clayton, Wisconsin, was installed by the Reverend Clarence Solberg and began his ministry at Bethany Lutheran Church. We were greatly blessed by Pastor Carlson's ministry for 31 years.

Following are some of the historical records of the past 10 years at Bethany Lutheran:

• 1980 – The parsonage was sold to Pastor Myron and Mrs. Carlson.
• 1986 – An addition on the east end of the church was erected because of the need for more Sunday School space.
• 1987 – Julie Henriksen was hired as part-time Youth director. When she left, Bethany Westre, was hired.
• 1990 – A new narthex was erected as the new entrance to the church. An elevator was provided which gives access to all three floors.
• 1993 – Betsy Monge was hired full-time as Youth director.
• 1995 – Celebrated our 125th anniversary. Geraldine Larson honored for 40 years as church organist. Dedication of stained glass windows in sancurary and narthex, made by Bethany member, Mary Snyder.
• 1996 – The big west window was completely upgraded prior to the installation of the stained glass window, made by Mary Snyder.
• 2000 – Bethany Congregation approved resolution to separate from being a two-point parish. Pastor Carlson’s last day at Bethany was September 30, 2000. On October 1, 2000 Pastor Laurence Day (wife Joan) began serving as Interim Pastor
• 2001 – New outdoor sign erected. Pastor Day retired as of December 31, 2001
• 2002 – Leonard Nadeau (wife Janice) started as Interim Pastor in February and served until July 31,2002. Pastor dawn Pederson from Strum, Wisconsin, was installed by the Reverend Carmala Aderman on August 20, 2000. Confirmands began serving as acolytes.
• 2003 – Mariam Lang honored in appreciation of 50 years as church pianist.
• 2004 – Pastor Dawn Pederson received a call to Jesup, Iowa, and left on September 12, 2004. Pastors Julie Brenden and Nanette Hagen Hinck began as Interim Pasotrs on October 15, 2004.
• 2005 – Interims Julie Brenden and Nanette Hagen Hinck left on June 20, 2005. Pastor Jay Ticknor accepted a call to serve Bethany. He was Ordained by Bishop Robert Berg on July 10, 2005 at Peace Lutheran Church at Dresser. He preached his first sermon at Bethany on July 24, 2005 and was installed by Bishop’s Assistant the Reverend Gary Hedding on July 31, 2005.
• 2006 – The Stewardship play “To the Castle” was performed for the congregation and a great outreach program to the community. Kingdom Assignment #1-6 members of the church were given $100 each and asked to use it for God’s work. Youth group went to ELCA National Youth Gathering in San Antonio, TX. Dolores Johnson retired the end of December after serving as church treasurer for 62 years.
• 2007 – Kathy Anderson elected new treasurer. New sound system installed and kitchen was upgraded. Noah’s Ark Playground was dedicated.