Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church

Amidst the vibrant tapestry of Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood stands Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church. It has a rich history intertwined with the growth of the community. Our journey begins in the spring of 1905. A group of Lutherans in Edgewater recognized the need for an English-speaking church in their area. Their first service, led by Rev. E.F. Haertel, took place on June 11, 1905, at Kelly’s Hall, located at the corner of Clark Street and Ridge Avenue. This humble beginning with a small congregation marked the birth of Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church. Just six months later, on November 15, 1905, the church was officially organized. The congregation called Rev. Karl G. Schlerf from Trinity Ev. Luth. Church in Hillsdale, Michigan, to be their first pastor. He was installed on January 7, 1906, and delivered his inaugural sermon the following Sunday. Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church started with a small membership. Pastor Schlerf found only a few names on the membership roster upon his arrival, just five voting and twelve communicant members. He immediately launched a missionary campaign, inviting non-church members to services and Sunday school. Kelly’s Hall served as their home for nine months. Then, the congregation sought a more suitable location and rented a store at 2561 Evanston Avenue, now 5540 Broadway. The small store was transformed into a churchly furnished space. With a growing congregation, Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church needed a permanent home. In 1908, they purchased two lots at the northwest corner of Thorndale and Magnolia Avenues for $3,800. Before the main church building was constructed in 1913, three generous members purchased the adjacent lots to the north. They donated these lots to the congregation for a future parish house and parsonage. The first structure built on the property was the Bible Chapel in 1908, designed by architects Patton and Miller. The cornerstone was laid on August 16, 1908. This chapel, now the school facility, cost $14,500, including furnishings. The dedication took place on January 17, 1909, with three separate services. Despite the new chapel, the congregation continued to grow. By 1912, they realized the need for a larger church building. They decided to build the main church adjacent to the Bible Chapel. Architect Grant C. Miller was chosen to design the new structure, complete with a bell tower. Construction began in 1913. The cornerstone was laid on June 22, 1913. A farewell service was held in the Bible Chapel on February 15, 1914. Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church stands today as a testament to the dedication and vision of its founders.