History

On Friday, February 23, 1923, in the German Lutheran School House, on McHenry Avenue, under the leadership of Pastor Frank Carlson from Elgin and with Gus Moberg as secretary, the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Bethany Church was formed.

The congregation purchased a lot at the corner of Elmhurst St. and Crystal Lake Ave., for $3000. The ground breaking for the original building was September, 1924. The members dug the building's foundation by hand to hold down costs. The building was dedicated on September 27, 1925.

By 1952 membership had reached 301, with 267 enrolled in church school. In 1953 Bethany embarked on a new building program, a wing for education and construction of the original Luther Hall addition began on September 1, 1957.

In 1978, Bethany embarked on another building project to expand worship space. The old church building was torn down and the structure was expanded with a new sanctuary, fellowship room, church offices, and additional Sunday School space. Bethany purchased adjacent properties as they became available in anticipation of further expansion.

In 2002, a new wing that houses a larger Luther Hall, a pre-school, and a large community room were completed. The church offices were moved into a remodeled original Luther Hall and a large gathering area opened up.