Bethlehem Lutheran Church
Lutheran services were first held in Ravenna in 1910, conducted by the Rev. Harre of Trinity Church, south of Ravenna. After his removal, services were discontinued until work was again taken up by Pastor Harms in 1914. At that time services were held in the Methodist Church.
The first resident pastor, Rev. A.R. Sander, was installed on August 26, 1917. Bethlehem congregation was established in May 5, 1918. The cornerstone for the first church building was laid on June 16, 1918, and dedication took place on December 8 of the same year. Pastor Sander left in 1919. He was followed by Pastors E. Kuehnert and C.J. Spilman. In 1927 Pastor Wm. Dallmann was installed. He was succeeded by Rev. A.E. Bohlmann in 1934, Rev. G.O. Kebschull from 1936 to 1956 and Pastor Arlyn A. Russert in 1956.
Three Trinity congregation disbanded or discontinued services and joined the congregation of Bethlehem: Trinity, known as Majors, joined Bethlehem in 1938. They were located nine miles southwest of Ravenna and had been organized in 1899. Trinity, known as Hayestown, joined Bethlehem in 1947. They were located seven miles northeast of Ravenna and had organized in 1882. Trinity congregation of Hazard joined Bethlehem in 1947. They were organized in 1883.
Bethlehem Lutheran's present church building was dedicated on November 28, 1954. The Parish Hall was dedicated in 1975. In 2001, Bethlehem joined with Zion Lutheran, North Shelton in a dual parish agreement. Rev. Micah R. Gaunt is currently serving as Pastor of Bethlehem.
The first resident pastor, Rev. A.R. Sander, was installed on August 26, 1917. Bethlehem congregation was established in May 5, 1918. The cornerstone for the first church building was laid on June 16, 1918, and dedication took place on December 8 of the same year. Pastor Sander left in 1919. He was followed by Pastors E. Kuehnert and C.J. Spilman. In 1927 Pastor Wm. Dallmann was installed. He was succeeded by Rev. A.E. Bohlmann in 1934, Rev. G.O. Kebschull from 1936 to 1956 and Pastor Arlyn A. Russert in 1956.
Three Trinity congregation disbanded or discontinued services and joined the congregation of Bethlehem: Trinity, known as Majors, joined Bethlehem in 1938. They were located nine miles southwest of Ravenna and had been organized in 1899. Trinity, known as Hayestown, joined Bethlehem in 1947. They were located seven miles northeast of Ravenna and had organized in 1882. Trinity congregation of Hazard joined Bethlehem in 1947. They were organized in 1883.
Bethlehem Lutheran's present church building was dedicated on November 28, 1954. The Parish Hall was dedicated in 1975. In 2001, Bethlehem joined with Zion Lutheran, North Shelton in a dual parish agreement. Rev. Micah R. Gaunt is currently serving as Pastor of Bethlehem.