On September 4, 1927, fifteen “hardy souls” signed the church roster as charter members of Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church of Beaumont. After a time of meeting at the Woodsmen of the World Hall and in an unused Baptist tabernacle, the growing congregation purchased a residence at 2005 Hazel to use as its worship space and pastor’s living quarters. Purchased for $5300, the dwelling was a great improvement, although “the tantalizing smell of the pastor’s lunch cooking while he preached was something of a distraction.”
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| This structure housed the growing congregation for its first decade. Worship space was increased to accommodate 75 with the removal of interior partitions. |
In
1938 the chapel/parsonage structure was moved to allow room for construction of
what is now the chapel at the corner of North and Hazel.
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| Dedicated Oct. 1, 1938, the first "real church" is now the chapel |
In June of 1939, months after the dedication of the new
church building, the congregation called Pastor C. A. Woytek. The
Beaumont Journal headline gave an apt introduction to the young minister: “Latest Addition to Local Ministerial Family
Takes Degree, Bride and Pastorate in Memorable Month.” His ministry at Bethlehem would encompass 37
½ years of growth and stability.
In January, 1942, the “mission congregation” became a
self-supporting church with membership of 150 baptized and 110 confirmed. In April, Member Richard Hoffman and Pastor
Woytek were designated Church Air Raid Wardens in compliance with national
wartime preparedness requirements. A
year later a national polio epidemic would prompt the banning of all children
under 12 from attending Sunday School.
These years marked much growth in the ministries of the
congregation. The congregation, led by
Pastor Woytek, reorganized the youth and men’s organizations, started a Boy
Scout troop, conducted adult and youth confirmation classes, and broadcasted
worship services over the local radio station KFDM. Worship was enhanced through the addition of
a Baldwin Electronic Organ that replaced the Everett Orgatron pump organ, and
the music program expanded.
The prosperity of the postwar years saw Bethlehem’s physical plant undergo considerable expansion. The congregation retired its construction note in April, 1944, and to give the pastor a more private residence (his home was also the meeting space for Sunday school classes and various organizations during the week), purchased a home at 2020 Harrison in November, 1945, to use as parsonage. Debt from the parsonage was retired by the end of 1948, and the growing congregation undertook the construction of an education building adjoining the sanctuary. Ever the good stewards, they sold the original house/church building/parsonage for $1500 and had it moved to make room for the new construction, which was projected to cost $30,000, but, through many generous gifts of material, equipment, and labor, a bank loan of just $15,000 was needed to finance the project.
The church and education buildings were air conditioned in 1953. The education building debt was liquidated early in 1954, and the congregation celebrated by dedicating the art glass window above the altar in the church. Recognizing that church expansion could not be delayed much longer, the congregation voted to purchase the Fiegelson property at the corner of North and Fourth for $30,000. The large, two-story frame home, named Luther Hall, provided much-needed classroom space for the growing Sunday school, although it was drafty and nearly impossible to heat, and teachers had to work to make themselves heard over windows rattling in the winter winds.  |
| Member George Langhoff, a craftsman from Germany, built most of the furnishings seen here. |
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| Forties-era adult and children's choirs show the enduring importance of music to the Bethlehem congregation. |
The pipe organ, donated by Dr. and Mrs. M. E. Suehs and their son Dr. James Suehs, was dedicated September 13, 1964. The only tracker-action pipe organ in the area, the pipes and keyboard were made in Germany, and the organ was built by master organ builder Otto Hoffman of Austin. Wooden lathe-work creates the mechanical action powering the pipe organ. A small panel may be removed to reveal the moving wooding lathes to the curious as the organ is played. Hoffman constructed the organ specifically to complement the contemporary design of the worship space.
In subsequent years the church has undergone various
facelifts and building projects. In
early 1990 a bell tower was constructed in the courtyard. Neighbors hear the pealing of the bells each Sunday morning, welcoming all to worship God. The bell also peals at funerals, tolling once for each year of life.The free-standing altar was completed and dedicated in 1993. Sculpted by David Cargill, who was assisted by member Cu Cong Nguyen, the altar legs depict Biblical scenes reminding us of God’s grace, faithfulness, and the promise of salvation.
