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History of
Bethany
Lutheran
Church
In the fall of 1940 Pastor William Schweppe was called to make a preliminary canvass of the north side of
Appleton. This resulted in the Mission Board calling a permanent pastor to organize the work and establish a mission congregation. The call was extended to Pastor D.E. Hallemeyer, a candidate of theology. He began his work in April, 1941, and conducted the first service on Pentecost, June 1, 1941. There were 12 souls present to hear the Word of Life.
The actual birthday of
Bethany was September 19, 1941. It was on this day the constitution of the church was adopted and the voting member called Rev. D. Hallemeyer to serve as the pastor. Then on Sunday, October 12, 1941 the congregation voted to become a member of the evangelical Lutheran Joint Synod of Wisconsin and other states.
On November 17, 1941, the congregation purchased lots on the corner of West Parkway Boulevard and North Alvin Street for the sum of $1,850.00. At this same time the plans were made for the chapel-parsonage. With free-will offerings and a loan, construction began in January, 1942. The outbreak of WWII, caused many delays and postponements, however on June 21, 1942 the congregation was privileged to dedicate the chapel-parsonage.
Palm Sunday, April 2, 1944 -- 1st Confirmation
Sunday, May 15, 1949 -- Basement
Church Ground Breaking
November 6, 1949 -- Dedication of the basement of the church took place. Cost of the basement structure was approximately $20,000.
September 23, 1956 -- Mortgage was burned and 15th anniversary of the congregation was celebrated.
May 5, 1957 -- Pastor Lyle Koenig was installed as pastor of Bethany.
October 13, 1957 -- Corner Stone laid for present church.
May 18, 1958 -- Dedication of the present church building took place. The cost of the project was approximately $160,000.
September 23, 1966 -- Celebrated the 25th anniversary of the congregation.
October 1969 -- Purchased Lee Parker home at 1900 E Erb St. for use as the new parsonage. The parsonage at Alvin St. was converted to an educational building.
February 1974 -- Purchased new Allen organ.
Fall 1983 -- Pastor Lyle Koenig retires from active ministry.
February 1984 -- Pastor John Dolan is installed as pastor at Bethany.
Summer 1986 -- Interior of church undergoes major redecorating.
September 1990 -- Pastor Craig Weber is installed as the new pastor at Bethany
April 26, 1992 -- The dedication of the building addition and 50th anniversary of the congregation are celebrated.
September 17, 1998 -- Pastor Daniel Helwig is installed as Bethany's first associate pastor.
July 6, 2000 -- Bethany closes on the purchase of Twin Willows School property (corner of Lynndale and Capitol) from the Appleton School District.
August 28, 2000 -- Our Shepherd Child Care and Family Ministry Center opens its doors at the former Twin Willows School.
September 24, 2000 -- Dedication of Our Shepherd Child Center and Family Ministry.
September 9, 2001 -- Bethany observes its 60th Anniversary.
September 23, 2001 -- Our Shepherd's 1st Anniversary and the installation of Mrs. Ann Potter as Our Shepherd's called administrative director.
January 6, 2002 -- Pastor Mark Henke is installed as associate pastor at Bethany.
September 22, 2002 -- Mrs. Jodi Ninmann is installed as Pre-kindergarten teacher at Our Shepherd Child Care and Family Ministry.
Summer 2004 -- Our Shepherd renovations, new roof, HVAC and windows.
January 9, 2005 -- Pastor Darin Aden is installed as associate pastor at Bethany.
Pastors who have served at Bethany Lutheran Church:
Pastor William Schweppe - 1940-1941, exploratory, canvass work
Pastor Delmar Hallemeyer – 1941–1947
Pastor Lyle Koenig – 1947–1984
Vicar Bruce McKenney - 1982-1983
Pastor John Dolan - 1984-1990
Pastor Craig Weber - 1990-2001
Pastor Daniel Helwig - 1998-2004
Pastor Mark Henke - 2002-present
Pastor Darin Aden - 2005- present
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