ABOUT US

HISTORY

Bethany Lutheran began in Ericsonville in 1907 when a pastor of the Augustana Synod visited the area, seeking to organize a church. A canvass of people revealed a desire for a church organization. The first services were held in the hall above Werner’s store on the riverfront.

The first church was officially organized in 1909 with 19 members. Services were held in Swedish as well as English. Due to the shortage of ministers there were only two
services per month, one in each language. About 1925 Rev. O.G. Berg of Milaca was called to the community to perform a funeral service. He became interested in rejuvenating and reorganizing the congregation and spent considerable time in the area. His efforts resulted in the reorganization of the
church.

The new congregation was chartered February 25, 1926, under the name Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church of Onamia. The board of Trustees made an application for membership in the Minnesota Conference of the Augustana Synod.
An agreement was made in early 1926 with the Presbyterian Church’s board to use their church building. In April 1928 Bethany purchased their building. In 1933, Rev. Author Pearson became Bethany’s first ordained resident Pastor.

Bethany and Immanuel in Hillman shared a pastor until 1979. Again the congregation outgrew its quarters, and in 1956 a building fund was started under the new pastor, Rev. Ray L. Forstrom. A building committee was named September 22, 1957 and on March 18, 1958 a resolution to build a new church at Bethny’s current location.

Ground breaking ceremonies were held on May 25. 1958, Pentecost Sunday, and the new church was dedicated July 26, 1959. In 1963 a new parsonage was constructed
just north of the church. In 1963, the bell tower was constructed, using the bell from the previous church. This
impressive structure with three crosses was completed in 1973. In 1974, an electronic bell ringing system was installed.

As Bethany continued to grow, there became an urgent need for more classrooms, office space, and fellowship facilities. On May 7, 1978 after much discussion and planning, groundbreaking services were held. Construction began with many hours of hard work and generous contributions; the new addition was completed and dedicated in 1978.

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