Part IV - Bethany Church - 1955-1980
The President of Council's Message: 150th Anniversary Book, 1980
To the members of Bethany whom I love dearly:
In the eyes of man, one hundred and fifty years is a long time. This year we are celebrating the one hundred and fiftieth year of the founding of this congregation. It has been my good fortune to have been a baptized member for 70 of those years.
In looking back over the years, I have seen the message of "fire and brimstone" grow into the doctrine of love. I do not mean to infer the "fire and brimstone" has been eliminated. Through the years by trial and error, through education and experience, we have come to realize that Love is the greatest thing in our lives. Without it, we have the "fire and brimstone".
Just what is love? My daughter who lives in Colorado has a Sampler at the end of her cupboard which best describes it. It reads: "Love is a basket with 5 loaves and two fishes. It is never enough until you start to give it away".
During the history of our church, we have been blessed as a people with the good things of life. There have been hard times, but we have been blessed.
Even the most undiscerning person knows that life as we have known it is fast slipping away. We are going to have to make sacrifices of many of the things we have put before GOD in our lives.
We stand at a turning point in history. How we handle it will determine if we will continue to exist as a congregation, as a State or as a Nation. If we, and each time I use the word "we" I include myself, as a congregation can put God first in our lives and treat our neighbors as ourselves, we shall overcome the trials which now face us. People twenty-five years from now will say, "This was their finest hour."
It is not in God's plan that we live in the lap of luxury while the rest of the world is starving or living in substandard conditions.
It is a time to search our hearts to see that as our affluence decreases, we increase our offerings to God both in our time and our money. Jesus told us when we give from our poverty, the offering is more acceptable.
I believe that down deep the people of Bethany are a caring people and are equal to the task.
May the blessing of Almighty God be upon you all.
Carlton M. Mendenhall
Council President
Part IV - Bethany Church - 1955-1980
At the time the first three parts of the church history came to a close in 1955, John J. Lenhardt was Pastor and Dr. O. E. Sunday, Pastor Emeritus.
Subsequent growth and events have carried forth the dedication and hopes of those who have gone before us, as they established and nurtured this House of God to be a credit to the Lutheran denomination and to the community.
In May 1955, Bethany celebrated its 125th Anniversary with special Sunday services and a Homecoming Celebration during the week. All pastors who had previously served the congregation were invited to attend.
In addition to Pastors Lenhardt and Sunday, the church staff at that time included: C. E. McCall, Sunday School Superintendent; Mrs. Randall Clees, Church Secretary; Mrs. Lee Artley, Minister of Music; Mrs. Harry Updegraff, Sexton.
A new organization for the women of Bethany came into being on October 3rd, 1955. The group was known as the Women of Bethany. The first officers were: Mrs. Ralph Hausknecht, President; Mrs. Anna McCall, Vice President, Mrs. Roxie Lundy, Secretary; Mrs. Ora Jane Clees, Recording Secretary; Mrs. Mary Lenhardt, Treasurer. In October 1963, the group adopted the Constitution of and became affiliated with Lutheran Church Women.
The long felt need for additional facilities began to take concrete form on June 6th, 1956. Bethany Church, at a congregational meeting, gave the necessary authority to hire an architect to draw preliminary plans and estimate costs for a Christian Education Building. At that meeting they were authorized to hire a Minister of Music, either part- or full-time. This authority was necessary because Mrs. Lee Artley had resigned as Minister of Music due to occupational conflicts. Shortly after her resignation, Mrs. Dorothy Berndt was hired as organist and Mrs. Marlene Daneker served as choir director.
In July, the youth of Bethany Church were ministered to by four Luther League Caravanners who visited the Church and conducted studies and discussions for the young people.
Owing to the increased response to the Christmas Eve Candlelight Services, a second service was added at 7:30 p.m. Previously many people had to be turned away at the later service.
The Church Council was increased from 9 to 12 members by order of the congregational meeting on January 13th, 1957. The new Lutheran Church in America Constitution was also adopted at this meeting.
Mrs. Marlene Daneker resigned as choir director in January of 1957 and Mrs. Esther Hart assumed her position as Choir Director.
The property necessary for the new Christian Education building was secured from Mr. and Mrs. Max Callahan and Mrs. Irma Callahan at a cost of $43,500.
It was during the year 1957 that Bethany secured their first Director of Christian Education. Mr. Robert Kissell, a member of the Junior High School Faculty, was hired as a part-time Director in June of 1957.
With the coming of the Fall Season, Bethany Church participated in the Lutheran Church in America-wide Preaching Mission program. Dr. J. Ray Houser, President of Waterloo Lutheran Theological Seminary in Ontario, Canada was the Missioner.
Bethany also participated in the Sector Project. The program was designed to stimulate congregational life and increase stewardship. The program lasted through December 1957.
In December of 1957, a Christmas Tea was held at the Parsonage for all the women of the congregation. Mrs. Lenhardt and the wives of the Church Council members hosted the activity. The tea was later discontinued in 1962.
Mrs. Esther Hart resigned as Choir Director in October 1958 and Mrs. Marlene Daneker was rehired to fill this position. Mrs. Lee Artley also returned to Bethany at this time to fill the position of organist.
After 25 years of service, Mrs. Elsie Updegraff resigned as janitor of Bethany. Her son, Harry, Jr. assumed this responsibility.
Evangelism efforts began afresh with the organization of the "Fisherman's Club" in February 1958. This group consisted of members of the congregation who were interested in "fishing for human souls".
That Spring a questionnaire was mailed to the congregation to determine the attitude toward hiring a full time Director of Christian Education. The entire Christian Education program was reviewed, and the Christian Education Committee recommended to the Church Council that a full-time Director be hired. The Church Council concurred with the committee's recommendation.
The men of Bethany organized a fellowship on April 29th, 1957, and held a banquet in May of 1958, at which time they agreed to sponsor a Boy Scout Troop, Troop 39. William DeLong served as the first Scout Master. The Troop was chartered on January 19th, 1959.
Because of a favorable increase (35%) in church giving during 1957, it was agreed that a second phase of the Sector Project be undertaken.
The newly organized Lutheran Church in America issued a new hymnal entitled The Service Book and Hymnal. In October of 1958, Bethany Church purchased 225 copies. Mr. Frederick Snell of St. Mark's Church, Williamsport, conducted a workshop to educate the congregation with the new hymnal.
The necessary funds for the new educational building were to be raised by a Capital Funds Campaign. The Lutheran Laymen's Movement was hired to conduct this project at a special congregational meeting in April 1959.
June 14th, 1959, was a significant day in the life of Bethany Church. Dr. and Mrs. O. E. Sunday were honored at a dual 50th Anniversary celebration. The congregation gave thanks to God for the Sunday's 50th Wedding Anniversary and Dr. Sunday's ordination. Bethany Church presented the couple with a gift of a week's vacation at The Inn at Buckhill Falls in the Pocono Mountains. A reception was held that afternoon for the friends and congregation to greet them personally.
In August of 1959, Bethany Church issued a call to the Rev. Earl W. Zellers as Assistant Pastor. His primary responsibility would be in the area of Christian Education. Pastor Zellers would also assist Pastor Lenhardt in the care and ministry of the congregation. That same month, Dr. Sunday, who had served Bethany as a Minister of Visitation resigned his position.
Pastor Zellers assumed the responsibility for the Children's Church which had been organized. The usual attendance was 50 young people present for the worship service.
At a special congregational meeting on December 8th, 1959, Bethany Church accepted the drawings of the architect, Mr. T. Norman Mansell, for the new Christian Educational Building.
The Executive Building Committee chairman was Mr. Roy Stiger. Due to personal reasons, Mr. Stiger resigned from this position and Mr. Robert Engel assumed this responsibility. When Mr. Engel was transferred to another employment opportunity, Mr. Howard Kremser accepted responsibility for the construction project.
During the period from 1959-1961, Rev. Earl W. Zellers served as Associate Pastor.
In April 1960, the Men of Bethany organized and elected these officers: Luther Updegraff, President; Eugene Lundy, Vice President; Francis Poeth, Secretary-Treasurer. Bethany's Capital Funds Drive began in January 1960.
The Women of Bethany merged with the Women's Missionary Society to form a local united of the United Lutheran Church Women. In April, this group formerly associated with the national women's group.
Mrs. Daneker resigned as Choir Director in August 1960 because of home responsibilities and Mrs. Kitty Hall was hired to fill this vacancy.
Pastor Earl Zellers resignation was regretfully received on March 1st, 1961, as he accepted a call to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Altoona.
The committee for the new Christian Educational Building was confronted with some untimely financial difficulties. They recommended to the congregation on April 30th, 1961, that the project be postponed for one year.
A Groundbreaking Service was held on Sunday, March 4th, 1962, for the new educational building. Construction was begun at the end of the month depending upon weather and material availability. The George H. Roller Construction Company was the prime contractor. The total cost of this new building was $184,206.
The Cornerstone for the new educational building was laid on September 9th, 1962. The building committee consisted of: Robert Engel, Howard Kremser and George Naugle.
A part-time Director of Christian Education, Mrs. Jack Buckle was hired in the Fall of 1962.
The popularity of the Christmas Eve services continued, and in 1962 an additional service was added at 9:00 p.m.
Our part-time janitor, Mr. Harry Updegraff resigned, and Mr. Floyd Hanner began as the first full-time sexton. Upon his resignation, Mr. Carl A. Bower assumed the duties. When Mr. Bower was unable to continue the position, the services of Mr. Sylvester W. Twigg were secured. He began his duties in February of 1965 and served for 12 years.
Another son of Bethany, Harry Forse, Jr. was ordained into the ministry at an evening service on June 23rd, 1963.
Following a successful pastorate, Rev. John J. Lenhardt resigned at Bethany Church effective March 31st, 1964. Mrs. Jack Buckle resigned as Director of Christian Education early that month.
A call was extended to The Rev. Charles M. Heaps on June 21st, 1974. Pastor Heaps had served a number of years as a United States Air Force Chaplain. He assumed his pastoral duties on July 22nd, 1964. Ora Jane Clees began the first full-time secretary of Bethany Church that year after serving a number of years part-time.
Mrs. Kitty Hall, who resigned as Choir Director in August of 1964, was replaced by Mrs. Jane Landon the following month.
Bethany's Cub Scout Pack for young boys became the second scout related organization in Bethany Church. Bethany's newly organized Cub Pack held its first meeting January 21st, 1965. The church now sponsors two boy scout related organizations.
A long time, faithful servant of Bethany Church, Dr. O. E. Sunday, died April 8th, 1966. His death marked the close of an era for this congregation.
The Clover Circle Class, which had met for 56 consecutive years dissolved in 1966.
Later that summer, the Lutheran church's Pro Deo et Patria award was granted to Scouts Richard S. Hillegas and Robert M. Hillegas.
They joined Bethany's scouts Ronald McCall, Thomas McCall, William Gilbert, Philip Wahl, Allen Ertel, Allen Gilbert and James Gilbert in receiving this coveted award for service to the Church of Jesus Christ. The following August, Robert Bohlander also was given this award.
The worn carpet in the Nave of the Church was replaced in December 1966 at a cost of $875.
With the service of Praise and Thanksgiving, Bethany Church burned their mortgage on November 19th, 1967. The Rev. John J. Lenhardt was the guest speaker. The indebtedness was satisfied in just five years.
This building has been a great asset to the church and a focal point for many community activities, such as a classroom for Trainable Children, meeting place for Golden Agers and Single Parents.
Under the sponsorship of Bethany's Social Ministry Committee and Tressler Lutheran Service Associates, Bethany has housed the Family Life Counseling Center.
This was an era of many improvements: In 1968, in order to provide easy access to the auditorium for the elderly and handicapped, an elevator was installed in the entrance of the new wing.
On Sunday, February 11th, 1968, Jerald A. Christie received the Pro Deo et Patria award.
The needs of the elderly and invalid were remembered when Bethany Church voted to install an 8 passenger Otis hydraulic elevation by the south entrance of the Christian Education Wing. The elevator would serve three levels: Sunday Memorial Hall, the ground level and the Church Nave level. The cost was $30,000.
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Bethany's second Associate Pastor, The Rev. William A. Martin assumed his duties February 2nd, 1969. The month previous, Mr. David A. Wynn was hired as organist for the congregation.
In the two-year period of 1968 and '70, two more young men of the congregation were awarded the Pro Deo et Patria citation. It was Ronald Hillegas and Robert Lomison, who joined their fellow scouts as they received this coveted award.
The Social Hall in the new educational building was officially named O. E. Sunday Memorial Hall through a resolution of the Council at their April 1969 meeting. Dr. Sunday had been pastor of Bethany Church from 1916-1946. He was Pastor Emeritus until his death in 1966.
Through a gift from Mrs. Gertrude Perris in memory of her husband, Ronald O. Perris, a Scholarship Fund of a $1,000 was established to assist students preparing for full-time church vocations. An additional $200 was added to this fund by Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Schriner. Subsequent amounts have been added by other members of the congregation.
Another son of Bethany Church was ordained into the ministry in June of 1970. The Rev. Ted F. Oswald was ordained a pastor of the Lutheran Church in America at the meeting of the Central Pennsylvania Synod at Gettysburg, Pa. A new activity for the youths in Grades 4, 5 & 6 was begun by Pastor Heaps in September of 1971. This activity, known as Junior Club and held after school, provides Bible Study, refreshments and recreation for these children.
Mrs. Carol Waltz assumed the duties of Director of Church Music January 1st, 1972. A Single Parents Group was organized for adults who were minus their mates for various reasons in October 1972. Bethany Church served as the meeting place for the group until early 1979. Pastor Martin was instrumental in calling the group together.
Mr. Robert Christie, an active member of Bethany Church, was presented the Lutheran church's Lamb Award on October 15th, 1972. This award was granted for outstanding service to young men in the field of boy scouting. The same year his son, Mark D. Christie was awarded the Pro Deo et Patria citation.
That same year the exterior of the church was sand blasted to remove the old white paint, the mortar joints repointed, and a silicone waterproof spray applied to the surface.
The Tressler Lutheran Service Associates, a merger of the Tressler Lutheran Home and the Lutheran Inner Mission of the Susquehanna region opened a Counseling Center in this congregation. Meeting and conference space was provided as part of Bethany's contribution to that activity. "Tressler" continues to serve the counseling needs of many people, Lutheran and non-Lutheran in the upper Susquehanna region.
In mid-summer of 1973, a used Baldwin electronic organ was secured for use in the Chapel at a cost of $1,300.
The resignation of Pastor William Martin on September 15th, 1973, left Bethany Church without the much-needed services of a second pastor. Pastor Martin became the spiritual leader of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Williamsport.
At the annual congregational meeting in 1973, the congregation voted to increase the number of members on Church Council from 12 to 15.
At a congregational meeting in July, 1978 Bethany extended a call to The Rev. Robert H. Logan of Simeon United Lutheran Church, Gratz, Pa. as pastor. On August 20th, 1978 Pastor Robert H. Logan who had been unanimously elected in July, started his Pastorate. Pastor Logan was installed in November of that year.
The services of Bethany Church were broadcast over radio station WWPA beginning in the Fall of 1978. This service enabled our members and shut-ins to worship with us at home. The Bethel Bible study program of the Adult Christian Education Foundation, Madison, Wisconsin was begun in January 1979. An intensive two-year training program will equip teachers to conduct an intensive Bible Study for members of the congregation.
In the Fall of 1979, a new program of Christian Education instruction was begun. The program is patterned over the Independent Study type instruction whereby the youth, guided by adult instructors, proceed through their catechetical program at a rate with which they feel comfortable and able. The Bethel teachers join the Pastor in guiding the youth.
The Lutheran Church in America in 1979 introduced the new Lutheran Book of Worship. The members of Bethany Church contributed funds for the purchase of 300 of the new hymnals. The congregation began singing hymns from the new hymnal in January 1979 and proceeded to use the entire service the Sunday following Easter of that year.
In order to serve the shut-ins of Bethany Church, a tape-recorded ministry was instituted through the memorial program of Bethany Church. Recordings of the Sunday worship service and other activities are carried to the shut ins by member couriers.
The Church Council proposed that the present brick parsonage be either sold or demolished in 1980. The congregation met on June 24th, 1979, and approved the council's resolution. The Property Committee was authorized to find a buyer who would move the parsonage to another property or demolish the structure.
Our Director of Youth Ministry, Terry Early resigned his position in November 1979 because of increased work responsibilities.
A Carillon donated by Dr. Donald E. Shearer Family was installed in time to serenade the community with Christmas carols in December 1979. Another gift in memorial brought a two-octave set of tuned handbells to Bethany Church. Two choirs, youth and adults, have since been organized and have provided music for our services of worship. Other gifts provided new choir robes for the Chancel and Youth Choirs of Bethany. These gifts were all dedicated at services on February 17th, 1980.
At the annual congregational meeting in December 1979, the members voted to add two youths to the Church Council, who will serve for one year only.
Current church staff members are Ora Jane Clees, Secretary; Carol A. Waltz, Director of Music; Jerry Dockey, Sexton; Mrs. Dorothy Naugle, Sunday Church School Superintendent; and Frank W. Shipman, Director of the Men's Chorus.
Council Officers in 1980 are: President, Carlton Mendenhall; Vice President, Paul Martin; Secretary, Thomas Blass; treasurer and Financial Secretary, Ora Jane Clees.
These are just the highlights of an illustrious past. There are many other significant events. And there are many dedicated persons, here unnamed who served the church as council, choir and committee members; teachers, acolytes, lay readers, communion assistants, ushers, greeters, delegates, officers; who counted money, typed, stuffed envelopes, cooked, cleaned, served, prepared the altar and communion, played musical instruments, built, painted, decorated, chaperoned, supervised, visited, telephoned, collected and donated.
As Bethany Church marks this significant point in her history, it is with a deep sense of gratitude and thanksgiving to Almighty God that we accept His divine love and care of this fellowship. May it be our prayer that this congregation will be open to the leading of God's Holy Spirit and that we will continue to serve Him with all that we have.