1879
On April 15th, 1879, the church began with 35 members, originally called the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Congregation of Escanaba. We joined the Augustana Synod and were served by a traveling pastor.
Nels Ludington, a lumber company owner, gave us the parcel of land for the original church on the same corner we're on today. The original church building was 45 ft. by 24 ft.
The Sunday School program also began this year.
1889
Senior Choir and Ladies Aid were organized.
Bethany had its first resident pastor.
The parsonage was built.
1891
A 2nd church that seated 300 was built. This church had a 175-foot tower that guided ships into the harbor.
1899
Nearly 80 baptisms. Anyone who didn’t regularly attend church was dropped from the membership.
1900
Electric lights were installed in the church and parsonage - some of the first in town!
1903
The church basement was completed.
A pipe organ was installed.
1905
A chapel (now Christ the King) was built in North Escanaba for weekday worship, Sunday School, and other church organizations. The chapel cost $900.
1906
Over 400 confirmed members and over 200 children.
During this time, there were many sermons against drinking, as there were 100 saloons in town.
1909
The first issue of the Bethany Echo was published.
Plans were made for a new church, with members asked to give three days’ pay towards the cost.
1911
Meals were sold in a tent at the U.P. State Fair. People brought food from their gardens and cooked for the carnival workers and visitors. This continued until 1942.
The 2nd church was torn down to make room for the new church.
1912
On December 25th, 1912, the new church (our present building) was used for the first time. The total building cost was $39,000.
1917
The church’s name was changed to The Evangelical Lutheran Bethany Church.
1919
The church’s first English services were held every other Sunday night.
1921
For the first time, council minutes were written in English.
1922
The parsonage was built at a cost of $18,000.
1924
Tower chimes were installed in memory of WWI veterans.
1929
English was voted the official language of the church. The early service was still held in Swedish until about 1948, but English was spoken at the 10:45 a.m. service.
1932
Children’s Choir was formed.
1935
One of the first concrete sidewalks in town.
The fireproof vault was also installed.
1939
The Men’s Dartball league began.
1942
A service flag was displayed in the sanctuary for World War II. Bethany had 53 members in service at the time.
1945
Swedish and English services were conducted on WDBC.
Some Sunday School classes were held in the parsonage basement, which prompted plans for a tunnel to be built from the church to the parsonage basement.
A nursery room was made in the basement.
The church office moved from the parsonage sunporch to the church basement.
1948
The Prince of Sweden was in Escanaba and appeared at Bethany.
1950
1,400 members
1953
New organ was purchased for $30,000 (now valued at $200,000).
A new sound system was installed.
Lunds brought a Displaced Person family to Escanaba.
Cherub Choir was formed.
1954
Bethany celebrated its 75th anniversary! Different programs and services were held every day for a week, including anniversary banquets, special church services, and historical plays in period costumes.
1956
Started Sunday worship at the chapel, which became Christ the King in 1958.
Property was purchased on 8th Avenue to build a new chapel, but Immanuel built across the street, so the property was sold.
Houses on 1st Avenue were purchased to build an educational building.
1958
Educational Building was dedicated.
Lutheran Church Women started with 14 circles for 145 women.
1963
Bethany became part of the Lutheran Church in America after Augustana and other church bodies merged.
A Director of Parish Activities, Youth Worker, and Calling Pastor were hired.
The church sanctuary was completely renovated and dedicated in December 1963.
1967
The church basement was renovated.
More homes on 1st Avenue were purchased to build the retirement center.
1968
Two apartments were built.
During this time, the grounds were beautified. We started having flowers in church every Sunday and more decorations for Christmas and Easter.
1973
The first 9th grade Confirmation trip to Chicago took place.
1975
Adult Forum was started.
More committee work took place.
Ecumenical services began.
Bethany got a new grand piano.
New liturgies were introduced every few months, in addition to those in the Lutheran hymnal.
1976
Bell Choirs started.
1977
The Ark Preschool was established.
1979
Bethany celebrated its Centennial! A different event was held each month throughout the year.
1980
The sanctuary was painted.
1981
The green hymnal was purchased.
The tradition of soup suppers during Lent began.
1988
After another merger, the ELCA was formed.
1991
More non-green book services took place.
Our offices were renovated and entered the computer age.
Maundy Thursday enactment.
1992
Released Easter balloons and had a congregational picture taken.
Began using artificial Christmas trees.
1993
Elevator addition was dedicated.
Handicap accessible bathrooms in the basement were remodeled.
1999
The Educational Building was renovated at a cost of $878,305.59. Church offices moved, new Sunday School classrooms, conference room, council room, and Ark Preschool classes added onto existing building.
2009
The entire building debt was paid off on February 28th, 2009.
2019
Bethany’s steeples were restored and repaired.
2020
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person services could not be held for much of the year.
From March to July, services were pre-recorded and posted on YouTube.
In July, live-streaming equipment was installed so services could be held in the sanctuary and streamed via Facebook Live.
2022
The Ark Preschool closed after 45 years of service to the community.
The parsonage was leased as a Women’s Recovery Home in an agreement with Catholic Social Services of the UP, effective February 1st.
Bethany’s Free Store opened in March to assist families in need.