History of Bethlehem

  • Black and white photo of a large group of people, including men, women, and children, standing in front of a wooden house with a gabled roof and a chimney, during the daytime.

    1906

    Bethlehem Lutheran Church is formally organized, housed in a remodeled home at the fork of HWY G & GD in Wales.

  • Black and white photo of a church with a steep gable roof, brick walls, and a small entrance porch, in a rural setting with leafless trees in the background.

    1913

    The cornerstone of the first Bethlehem church was laid at the dedication on September 14th, 1913. The church seated 80 people and was served by pastors of St. Johns Lutheran Church, North Prairie from 1906-1970.

    1964 - 50th Anniversary Celebration

  • A large brick building with a red roof and a chimney, set against a clear sky.

    1967

    1967 - Cornerstone was laid for the present church and education addition

    1971 - Parsonage was built and the first full-time pastor was called: Rev. Burton Harger

    1980 - Parsonage was converted to education building and church office

  • Black and white photo of a large, single-story building with a sloped roof, situated in an open area with barren land in the foreground and trees in the background.

    1992

    1981 - 75th Anniversary celebration and growth to 500 members

    1985 - Mortgage burning service

    1989 - Bethlehem Preschool established for 3 & 4 year olds

    1991 - Ground breaking for the building expansion

    1992 - Dedication of the building expansion

  • A large modern church building with a tall bell tower topped with a cross, surrounded by a well-maintained green lawn and a paved walkway.

    2004

    2002 - Prepare a Place Mission created for building expansion & renovation

    2004 - Dedication celebration of current Bethlehem facility

  • A church building with a tower topped by a cross, surrounded by trees and a well-maintained lawn, under a partly cloudy blue sky.

    Today

    Ministry Expansion Team assembled for future growth and development

Shepherds of Bethlehem

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Shepherds of Bethlehem

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Shepherds of Bethlehem • Shepherds of Bethlehem •

  • A bearded man wearing a white clergy shirt and a red stole, smiling, with a gold cross pendant on a chain around his neck, in a wooden interior setting.

    Rev. Aaron Boerst

    Pastor | 2020-Present

  • An elderly man dressed as a priest, wearing a white clerical shirt, a red stole, and a silver cross necklace.

    Rev. David Dukoven

    Vacancy Pastor | 2019-2020

  • Close-up of a middle-aged man with gray hair and a beard, wearing a pink dress shirt, a black tie, and a flower boutonniere, smiling in an indoor setting.

    Rev. Russell Kampfer

    Pastor | 2016-2019

  • A middle-aged man with gray hair, glasses, and a beard, wearing a red sweater and a collared shirt, posing in front of a blue background.

    Rev. Dr. Neil Rand

    Vacancy Pastor | 2015-2016

  • An elderly man with glasses, wearing a white clerical shirt with a white collar, a red vest, and a necklace with a cross pendant, standing indoors.

    Rev. Allen Behnke

    Pastor | 2008-2015

  • A man with gray hair, glasses, and a mustache, wearing a plaid shirt, smiling at the camera.

    Rev. Don Fehlauer

    Vacancy Pastor | 2007-2008

  • Portrait of a man with short dark hair, light skin, a beard and mustache, smiling, wearing a black shirt, against a plain background.

    Rev. Erik Cloeter

    Pastor | 2000-2007

  • Older man with white hair wearing glasses, a white turtleneck, and a red garment, smiling.

    Rev. Robert Novotney

    Vacancy Pastor | 1999-2000

  • Rev. William Chellew

    Vacancy Pastor | 1998-1999

  • Rev. Jeffrey Smiles

    Associate Pastor | 1994-1997

  • Rev. Richard Schaefer

    Pastor | 1979-1998

  • Rev. Christoph Clausing

    Vacancy Pastor | 1978-1979

  • Rev. Burton Harger

    Pastor | 1971-1978

  • Rev. Marvin Hoyer

    Vacancy Pastor | 1970-1971

  • Rev. William Lewis

    Pastor | 1966-1970

  • Rev. Henry Naumann

    Pastor | 1959-1966

  • Rev. Carl Winter

    Pastor | 1920-1959

  • Rev. Albert Menkens

    Pastor | 1912-1920

  • Rev. Otto Hitzeroth

    Pastor | 1905-1912