Bethel History

Bethel Lutheran Church had its official beginning at an organizational meeting held on August 7, 1891. The Rev. A.J. Frost of Atwater presided at this meeting in response to the call for an organizational meeting signed by ten men. The ten original signers were joined by others so that 43 persons were enrolled as charter members of the "Swedish Evangelical Bethel Congregation."

Bethel is the daughter of the county's earliest church, organized in a log cabin on the shores of Eagle Lake in 1859. The Scandinavian pioneers preached the gospel in the area and survived the Indian War, drought and pestilence, to give Kandiyohi County its rich Lutheran background.

The first church building was a frame structure with brick veneer erected at Becker Avenue and West Second Street. The congregation grew until it was realized that more space was needed. Property was purchased at Becker Avenue and Fourth Street West and the cornerstone for the present sanctuary was laid on August 15, 1926.

Again Bethel's congregation grew and a fund drive was orgainized that eventually resulted in the present parish education building and the chapel.