Bethlehem Lutheran Church (Kiowa [Thayer County], Nebraska)

This selection from the Protokolle originally belonged to Rev. Meyer who served as pastor from 1881-1932. Bethlehem congregation began in the fall of 1880 when several members of the Friedensau congregation were released to form a new congregation. About 12 or 13 Lutheran families from Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, and Wisconsin came to the area between 1870 and 1880. In Spring 1881 the group called a candidate and decided to build a church. The congregation and a Christian day school were organized in 1881. The first church building was dedicated on August 28, 1881. This congregation joined the Nebraska District of the LCMS in 1882. The first parsonage was built in 1884, with a second built in 1904. The second church building was built in 1898. The Nebraska District Convention was held in the congregation in 1900. Another school building was built in 1925. The congregation was incorporated under the law of the State of Nebraska in 1939. A parish hall was erected in 1945, and a teacherage was erected in 1947. Several congregations were started by original members of Bethlehem. Some members were released on January 9, 1887 to form Immanuel, together with members released from Friedensau. Several families were released to form Saint Peter Lutheran Church in 1913. The 75th anniversary was celebrated on August 26, 1956, and the 85th on August 21, 1966.