Bethel Lutheran Church (Chicago, Illinois) Records

In 1891, Rev. Martin Fuelling began mission work in the area by conducting services and starting the school. Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized on June 22, 1894. The first church building was constructed in 1896. Due to growth, the second church building was constructed in 1910, dedicated on May 14, 1911. The first Sunday School class was held in 1926, and the first eighth grade graduation from the school occurred in June, 1928. The school building was dedicated in September 1928. In 1941, interior renovations were made to the building, and in 1949, the church organ was refurbished. A service of Thanksgiving was held on May 26, 1946 for returned veterans of World War 2. More than 125 members served in the Armed Forces, and four were killed. The church building was renovated again in 1958, and the school building was renovated in 1963. The closing service was held on October 26, 2008.