The Second Church
On February 22, 1911 it was decided to build a new church. The following were named to the building committee; D. Westenberg, H. Byers, M. Kallemeyn, J. Eernisse and A. Bolluyt. The finance committee was Alex Muilenberg, G. Wiekeraad, J. Olivier, P. Myer, P. Kortlever, H. Hofkamp, L. Kruen and H. Landhuis. The church was contracted by Jensen, Luverne, Minnesota. John Groen and Anton Baar were some of his helpers. The cost of the sanctuary was about $6600. The cost of the pews was $717. The old church was to be sold for $325, and it's annex for $125. Lumber from the church was used in the J. Pronk home. The annex begame part of the locker plant now known as V&M until it was torn down in 2000.
The debt of the church was to be retired at about $500 per year. The year the church was built it was very dry and no crops were gathered so some could not fulfill their pledges. D. Westenberg paid some of those pledges that could not be met and took personal notes from those who could pay later.
The young people collected money for the bell. It could be heard for seven miles. The church was lit by gasoline lamps operating from a central pressure tank.
The church was dedicated January 30, 1912. Several ministers were present.
The floor of the church was oiled and walls kalsomined in 1913.
In 1941 the basement was dug out and fixed.
In 1954 an educational unit was added.
In 1964 the aisles and stage were carpeted.
In 1996 it was torn down and replaced with the present church.
Back to the Timeline of Bethel's History
The debt of the church was to be retired at about $500 per year. The year the church was built it was very dry and no crops were gathered so some could not fulfill their pledges. D. Westenberg paid some of those pledges that could not be met and took personal notes from those who could pay later.
The young people collected money for the bell. It could be heard for seven miles. The church was lit by gasoline lamps operating from a central pressure tank.
The church was dedicated January 30, 1912. Several ministers were present.
The floor of the church was oiled and walls kalsomined in 1913.
In 1941 the basement was dug out and fixed.
In 1954 an educational unit was added.
In 1964 the aisles and stage were carpeted.
In 1996 it was torn down and replaced with the present church.
Back to the Timeline of Bethel's History