Our Heritage

Bethel Lutheran Church was organized in 1925 for the Lutheran, mostly Swedish, families living on the west side of Jamestown. The church quickly outgrew the small wood frame chapel that was its home. In December 1929, a new 400 seat, gothic style church was dedicated. The financial hardships facing the country in the 1930’s also affected Bethel. But these were years of growth and the church had dynamic programs for music, youth and adult education and foreign missions. As were most congregations of the day, Bethel was a focus for both religious and social functions. During the Second World War, 129 young men and women served in the armed forces, all but one returning safely home. Those on the home front worked to collect clothing and make quilts for delivery to families in Europe.

The growth in the 1950’s presented a need for additional space and an educational building was built and dedicated in 1960. Throughout this time Bethel had only one pastor, Lawrence F. Nordstrom. He and his wife, Ellen, were dedicated servants of God who guided Bethel through 35 years of growth.

Bethel’s second pastor, George R. Kroon, served the church through the 1960’s. Pastor Charles H. Gustafson succeeded him in 1970. During the twenty-two years that he was at Bethel, the church saw the installation of a new organ, the organization of the bell choir and a new pastoral program: an assistant minister for two years and interns for twelve years. Following the retirement of Pastor Gustafson, Norman R. Gauch was called to serve Bethel. The last decade of the twentieth century and the first decade of the twenty first century saw a lively music program at Bethel as well as a major building restoration project. Following the sudden death of Pastor Gauch, Pastor Adam Miller-Stubendick became the pastoral shepherd for the church. Early in his ministry he led the congregation through a process of evaluation and renewal.

In recent decades there have been many changes in society. These have coincided with a declining population in the city of Jamestown. Both have had an effect on Bethel. Yet today we remain a diverse, welcoming place of worship committed in our service to God and to the community.