Imagine Edgewater in Chicago a century ago. A small group of Lutherans felt a need. They needed an English-speaking church. This is the story of Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church. It started with a vision and became a beautiful reality.
The first service was on June 11, 1905. Reverend E. F. Haertel led it in Kelly’s Hall. The hall was at Clark Street and Ridge Avenue. Only a few people attended but the congregation grew. Six months later, they officially organized. They named it Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church of Chicago.
They sought a missionary. The North Illinois District Mission Board sent Reverend Karl G. Schlerf. He accepted and became the pastor on January 7, 1906. His first sermon was a week later. An intensive missionary campaign began. They invited non-church members. They asked them to send their children to Sunday School.
Bethany Church’s start was very small. Its growth wasn’t fast. The pastor found only a few names on the membership roster. There were five voting members and twelve communicant members. For nine months, services were in Kelly’s Hall. The location wasn’t ideal. The congregation sought a better place. They rented a store at 2561 Evanston Avenue now 5540 Broadway. It was arranged to feel churchly.
The congregation soon needed a permanent site. A Site Committee was formed. They sought a desirable corner for a church building. Missionary work increased attendance at church and Sunday School. The store became too small. They needed more space. Immediate steps were taken to buy lots nearby.
The congregation purchased two lots. These were at the northwest corner of Thorndale and Magnolia Avenues. The cost was $3,800. This happened in the early spring of 1908. Later, three members bought the lots to the north. They gave them to the congregation. This was for a future parish house and parsonage. Bethany’s property became 190 x 125 feet.
Early in 1908, a Building Committee was elected. They had plans drawn for a Bible Chapel. Ground was broken on July 6, 1908. The cornerstone was laid on August 16, 1908. Reverend G. Shuessler preached the sermon.
The Bible Chapel was useful. It served for services, Sunday School, and other church activities. On Sunday, January 17, 1909, the Chapel was dedicated. It was dedicated to the Triune God. The congregation was proud of the new building. The Chapel cost about $14,500. This included furnishings. Three services marked the dedication. Pastor J. Adam Detzer preached in the morning. The pastor led a Children’s Service in the afternoon. Peter Schuessler preached in the evening.
The congregation thought the Bible Chapel would suffice for years. But the congregation’s growth demanded more. On May 3, 1912, they decided to build the church proper. It would join the Bible Chapel.
The cornerstone was laid on June 22, 1913. The pastor preached in the Chapel. Then, the congregation gathered outside. They watched the laying of the cornerstone.
A farewell service was held in the Bible Chapel. It was on Sunday, February 15, 1914. Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church stands as a testament to faith and community.
Grant Clark Miller designed Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church. It reflects the Arts and Crafts movement. This style values simplicity and craftsmanship. The church blends with its surroundings. It uses honest materials.
The building features brick with stone details. Arches accent the windows. Stained glass windows add delicate beauty. The overall design emphasizes a connection to nature. It embodies the movement’s ideals.
Today, Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church continues to inspire. It stands on Thorndale and Magnolia. Its presence echoes Martin Luther’s words: “pregnant with the spirit, strongly fortified by faith.”