Bethany’s History
More than a century of faith, service, and community in Deer River.
Years of faithful ministry
From worship in rooms above a general store to a welcoming one-level church home on County Road 6, Bethany’s story is one of enduring faith, generous service, and a congregation willing to build for generations yet to come.
A faithful past · A living future
Our Story Through the Years
A Congregation Is Born
Bethany Lutheran Church was incorporated and organized on October 1, 1921, under the leadership of Rev. O. N. Hildeton, assisted by the Augustana Lutheran Synod of Minneapolis. Bethany was one of four churches in this area that Rev. Hildeton served. To reach the other congregations, he used a Model T Ford or rode the M&R Railroad from Deer River to Jesse Lake—a journey that took six hours.
Gathering in the Community
The congregation first met in Herreid Hall above the Herreid General Merchandise Store and later in the community room at the school. These simple gathering places became the first home of Bethany’s worship and fellowship.
Reorganized for the Future
Bethany was reorganized on September 23, 1947, and a constitution was adopted. The following officers were elected: John Falk, Harold Krantz, Conrad Rasmussen, Edwin Bock, Ed Erickson, and Mrs. Conrad Rasmussen. Twenty-five families were represented on the charter membership list.
Building on Division Street
In 1952, the cornerstone for the new church on Division Street was laid. The building was constructed by Laurence Peterson and Richard Metcalf, assisted by other members of the congregation. The Lutheran Church Women’s Unit provided valuable financial assistance, and the congregation celebrated the burning of the mortgage in 1962.
Building a New Church Home
In the summer of 2002, after two years of prayerful consideration and increasingly cramped quarters, the people of Bethany—under the leadership of Pastor Dwight Rudquist—began building a new church farther north on County Road 6. The land was generously donated by John Krantz and Karyl Blair, children of original charter members Harold and Amy Krantz.
A Place Designed to Serve
Members hoped the new one-level facility would serve a growing congregation, welcome those with mobility difficulties, and meet the community’s need for meeting space and events. ELCA Mission Builders were instrumental in the building process, along with Bethany’s own skilled members.
A Service of Dedication
On June 8, 2003, Bethany celebrated a service of dedication marking the completion of the building project and the beginning of a new chapter of ministry.
A New Mission Statement
On August 19, 2018, the people of Bethany officially adopted the mission statement “Through Christ, we courageously love.” It continues to guide the congregation’s worship, service, and life together.
Centennial Celebration
Bethany celebrated its Centennial on Sunday, September 26, 2021— giving thanks for a century of faith, fellowship, and service while looking with hope toward the future.
Pastoral leadership
Pastors Who Served Bethany
“We give thanks for the faithful leaders who have shepherded Bethany through the years, and for all who continue to share in this ministry today.”
More Than Twenty Pastors
Since Pastor Hildeton’s time, more than twenty people have served as pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church.
Dwight Rudquist
Served for nearly 20 years, until February 1, 2015.
Lisa Buchanan
Served for eight years, from October 2015 to May 2024.
Jacob Burkman
Called to serve Bethany Lutheran Church on September 1, 2026.
Our mission today
Through Christ,
we courageously love.
This mission statement continues to guide our life together at Bethany Lutheran Church, shaping how we worship, serve, and share God’s love in Deer River and beyond.
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