Our History
At
the commencement of the twentieth century a small rural church chose to
step out beyond their community and establish a mission congregation.
It was a tiny upstart that lacked the advantage of a large population,
and yet the people of that mission hoped it would grow to spread the
Good News of Jesus Christ in some seemingly impossible ways. That small
mission church was later named Evangelisch Lutheranisch Bethlehems Kirche - our own Bethlehem.
1906
Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Wales, Wisconsin was formally organized. It was first housed in a remodeled home at the fork of Hwy G and GD in Wales.
1913
The cornerstone of the first Bethlehem was laid on September 14. The church seated 80 people and was served by pastors of St. John's Lutheran Church in North Prairie from 1906-1970.
1914
Dedication of the first church.
1964
50th Anniversary Celebration.
1967
Cornerstone was laid for the present church and education unit.
1967
Dedication of present church, education unit and ten acres.
1971
Parsonage was built.
1971
Bethlehem called their first full time pastor, Rev. Burton Harger.
1980
Parsonage converted to education building and church office.
1981
75th Anniversary celebration and growth to 500 members.
1985
Mortgage Burning Service.
1989
Bethlehem’s Preschool established for three and four year olds.
1991
Ground breaking for the building expansion.
1992
Dedication of the building expansion.
2002
Prepare a Place Mission began for building expansion and renovation.
2004
Dedication celebration of current Bethlehem facility.
Present
Bethlehem continues to be a beacon in an
ever-growing community, teaching and preaching the pure and precious
work of God.
Pastors who have served Bethlehem Faithfully:
Rev. Otto
Hitzeroth 1905-1912
Rev. Albert Menkens 1912-1920
Rev. Carl Winter 1920-1959
Rev. Henry Naumann 1959-1966
Rev. William Lewis 1966-1970
Rev. Marvin Hoyer 1970-1971
Rev. Burton Harger 1971-1978
Rev. Christoph Clausing, Vacancy Pastor, 1978-1979
Rev. Richard Schaefer 1979-1998
Rev. William Chellew, Interim Pastor, 1999
Rev. Robert Novotney,
Interim Pastor, 2000
Rev. Erik Cloeter 2001-2007
Rev. Allen Behnke 2008-2015
Rev. Dr. Neil Rand, Vacancy Pastor, 2015-2016
Rev. Russell Kampfer 2016-2019
Rev. David Dukovan, Interim Pastor, 2019-2020
Rev. Aaron Boerst 2020-Present