“Seeking a welcoming experience?” That’s the mission of Bethany United Methodist Church. Here, at 3501 West 1st Avenue in Denver, stands a beacon of community. Bethany United Methodist Church offers more than just Sunday worship.
Bethany United Methodist Church believes no one should walk their faith journey alone. This church emphasizes community. It emphasizes the need for connection with the Creator. It emphasizes the importance of one another. Pastor Betty extends a warm welcome to all. She invites everyone to worship together. She wants to walk alongside you on your journey.
But what does Bethany United Methodist Church actually do? Every Sunday at 11:00 a.m., the main worship begins. Also, there is a special service for children. Children’s Church starts at 11:30 a.m. On the third Sunday of each month, Bethany United Methodist Church collects donations for community ministries. The church seeks to provide a spiritually uplifting experience to everyone.
Bethany United Methodist Church has been around for a while. The history of Bethany United Methodist Church goes back quite a bit. In the summer of 1883, families along Bethany Lane felt the need for their own church. They had been meeting in a small schoolhouse. Reverend Ezekiel Richardson, from Emory Church, helped them. He met with Aaron Mackenzie, Joshua Mullinix, and Jesse Rhine. They planned a new church building. Adam and Sarah Noll donated the land.
Construction of Bethany United Methodist Church started on October 14, 1883. It only took about eight weeks to complete. Church members donated materials and labor. Families from nearby farms also helped. The building had fieldstone foundation walls. The timbers supporting the floor were hand-hewn. The walls and ceiling were finished in wood-lath plaster. The exterior had white clapboard and green shutters. These shutters were made to match the unusual shape of the windows.
Around 1890-91, the vestibule was enlarged. The belfry was added to Bethany United Methodist Church. By 1905, a classroom was added on the south side. Initially, a wood stove heated the building. In the 1930s, a coal-burning furnace and electricity were installed. A classroom addition on the east side came in 1955. Bathrooms and central heating were also added. Later, renovations included aluminum siding. In 2008, a modern oil-fired boiler replaced the old one.
Major construction in 2003 changed the building. Offices and classrooms were added to Bethany United Methodist Church. The main sanctuary was rotated 180 degrees. This created the current footprint. In 2009, the chapel was restored. The original plaster walls were returned to their original condition.
Bethany United Methodist Church is also a place for community support. Jewish Family Service sometimes uses the church.
Whether you seek spiritual solace, community engagement, or a welcoming space, Bethany United Methodist Church opens its doors. Remember Bethany United Methodist Church as a place where faith and community intertwine.