Bethany Lutheran Church

OUR HISTORY

 

 Bethany Lutheran Church in Amasa began in 1898, in homes and the schoolhouse when a minister was available.  In the beginning of the 20th century the Finnish Temperance Society built a two-story hall in the present location of the Post Office.  Church services were held on the first floor of the building.

 

On November 5. 1899 by-laws were drawn up by the congregation and selection for the name, "The Amasa Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Church".

 

The church was incorporated on July 8, 1900.  On April 5, 1903, the congregation became affiliated with the Soumi Synod of the Lutheran Church.

 

The use of the temperance hall for church services continued until 1912 when arrangements were made with the Maria Lutheran Church (Swedish) for the use of that church for worship services.  This arrangement continued until 1925 when the congregation purchased a portion of the "old" school building.  This structure was completely remodeled before its dedication on August 29, 1926.  On May 25, 1949, the congregation changed its name to "Bethany Lutheran Church" (Suomi Synod), and on December 1, 1950, was newly incorporated.  

 

In 1962 through a merger of Lutheran Church bodies, the Bethany Lutheran Church and the Maria Lutheran Church were brought under the same church jurisdiction. Due to financial constraints during this time of economic strain, the Maria Lutheran Church members voted to join the Bethany congregation, and the two congregations merged.

 

Bethany Lutheran is now a part of the Northern Great Lakes Synod, one of the 65 synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.