The History of
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
The history of Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church began in 1886 with Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church purchasing a few lots of land in Dayton’s Bluff to build a Lutheran School. There was not a pastor available to lead the school, so Otto Luebke, a college student was placed in charge. Otto would assist Rev. E. Rolf with preaching duties as well.
In December of 1886, Zion Lutheran sold its property on Ninth and Rosabel Streets and bought new land on Jackson and Sycamore Streets. This made the location from Dayton’s Bluff even further away and so members of Zion asked to be released from membership to organize a new congregation.
On April 11, 1887, 27 members were given their release from the mother church. On May 01, 1887, this nucleus of Lutherans organized Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Unaltered Augsburg Confession, of St. Paul, Minnesota. By a unanimous vote, this newly formed congregation joined the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and other States and has been a member ever since.
The present church building was completed in 1915. It was designed by Emmanuel L. Masqueray, a native French architect, whose ecclesiastical projects include St. Paul’s Church on the Hill, and the Cathedral of St. Paul. Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church is listed in the 1964 edition of “Historic St. Paul Buildings.” The Parish house adjoining the church was completed in 1957. The Parish house has been the home for all educational activities since 1959 and also houses the Bethlehem church offices.
Pastors at Bethlehem
Bethlehem Lutheran Church has a long history of dedicated pastors that have served both the congregation and community. In the early years of the church, services were primarily conducted in German. English services were added in 1903. In 1937, English became the main language for all the services. Below is a list in chronological order of the pastors who have served Bethlehem:
- Rev. Ed. Albrecht (1887 – 1891)
- Rev. W. Von Schenk (1892 – 1900)
- Rev. H. Meyer (1900 – 1906)
- Rev. F. Busse (1906 – 1908)
- Rev. A. Oetjen (1908 – 1911)
- Rev. A. Soldan (1912 – 1915)
- Rev. Theo Kohn (1915 – 1926)
- Rev. H.A. Gamber (1926 – 1953)
- Rev. E. Koberg (1953 – 1958)
- Rev. G.W. Zunker (1958 – 1961)
- Rev. Harold C. Braun (1961 – 1981)
- Rev. Robert Krueger (1981 – 2010)
- Rev. Nathan Raddatz (2007 – 2014)
- Rev. Tom Park (2014-2016)
- Rev. Douglas Wanderer (2017-2022)
- Rev. Scot Missling (2023-present)
Historical Dates
1886 – Spring
Land purchased and Lutheran School built by Zion Lutheran Church in Dayton’s Bluff.
1887 – May 01
27 former members of mother church, Zion Lutheran, formerly organize, “Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Unaltered Augsburg Confession, of St. Paul, Minnesota.”
1887 – August 07
The Rev. Ed. Albrecht was ordained and became the first pastor for the mission church.
1888 – September 23
Bethlehem’s first church building was dedicated. It was 32 x 60 feet with a balcony on one end and was considered “spacious.”
1892
The congregation built a “large” and “roomy” parsonage on Margaret St for Rev. W. von Schenk.
1901
The Ladies Aid Society was formed by Rev. H. Meyer.
1903 – January 04
The congregation passed a resolution to introduce English services, which lasted for a little while.
1907 – February
Due to a reported lack of attendance at the English services, they were discontinued.
1912 – April
English services were reintroduced every Sunday evening.
1914 – May 07
The congregation resolved to build the present church building. E. L. Masqueray was chosen as the architect. A bid for $45,750.00 was received to build the entire church.
1915 – October 10
A dedication service for the new church was held.
1917 – April 06
The beginning of WWI. Twenty six young men from Bethlehem answered the call.
1927 – June 05
The 40thAnniversary of the church and entrance into the newly decorated church.
1938 – May 01
The congregation “burned” the mortgage.
1940 – October
The present two console Wickes organ with chimes and numerous pipes was installed.
1943 – 1945
The communion rail and candelabras were given as memorials. The baptismal font was refurbished and dedicated. The art glass windows were installed above the altar. The Rose Window was given as a memorial by members and installed in the balcony.
1939 – 1945: WWII
One hundred four men from Bethlehem answered the call to defend our country. The bell in the tower was donated in memory of Gordon Lindholm, who did not return from war.
1946
Pastor Gamber started a mission church (Eastern Heights Lutheran Church), a few miles east of Bethlehem.
1948
Pastor Gamber was elected district president of the Minnesota District – Missouri Synod. He took a call also to a smaller parish.
1957 – May 26
The new “Parish House” was dedicated on the church’s 70th Anniversary.
1959 – Fall
Bethlehem Lutheran Church and Eastern Heights Lutheran Church formed a cooperation to operate a joint school (K – 6), East St. Paul Lutheran School Association. Later, Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church on Johnson Parkway the association. ESPL offices were located at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church. East St Paul Lutheran School was closed in 2009.
1959 – Fall
Bethlehem took an active part in starting St. Paul Lutheran High School, which opened its doors at Bethlehem. It is now known as Concordia Academy and located in Roseville.
1967
The outside and inside of the church went major renovation (i.e. tuck pointing, chancel, altar, windows)
1971
JOY Preschool started at Bethlehem.
1981 – September
Bethlehem purchased a parsonage in the Battle Creek area for its new pastor and family. The home was sold in 2015.
2009
With the closing of East St Paul; Lutheran School, Bethlehem opened JOY Academy.
2019
After ten eventful years, JOY Academy closes
The history of Bethlehem continues to play out