 |
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH
On October 11, 1936, a group of Christ's disciples convened and organized the First Church of the Nazarene in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Originally fifty-six chartered members started the church and by 1940, under Reverend Musser's inspired leadership, it had grown to 81 members. On December 13, 1937, it was incorporated as part of the already established Church of the Nazarene, declaring its full accord with the doctrines and policy of the aforementioned church. Since its foundation the Bethlehem Church of the Nazarene has courageously struggled to fulfill The Great Commission.
The Bethlehem church celebrated its 71st birthday on October 11, 2003. During that time, it has had eleven full-time pastors. At first, services were held in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Mirth until a church building could be rented. From 1936 until 1948 the church was located at the Miller Heights Tabernacle on the southeast corner of Greenwich and High streets. From 1948 until the present, it has been at its present location of 1500 Linden Street.
Over the years the building has gone through many modifications and renovations in order to serve God and to meet the needs of His people. A gym was built and dedicated in memory of a parishioner's son. The gym allows for many fellowship occasions and outreach ministries. Other "additions" have been safety glass and repairing of the stained glass windows, reconstruction and repair of the church bells so that they could operate again, installed a handicap elevator to make our church more accessible, brand new portable basketball hoops for the gym and more. By Easter 2004, the church will have cushioned every pew in the sanctuary to provide more comfortable seating during services.
The church has been involved in many ministries to reach the community throughout its years. Various ministries have been: work and witness trips, carnivals, food pantry, shelter for the yearly Candlelight Vigil walk, food donations, donations to various community ministries such as New Bethany, Salvation Army, Turning Point and others, toy/food/clothing collections for needy families, and more.
Praise God for all that He has done and all that He continues to do as we reach out to the Lehigh Valley with His message of love.
PASTORS WHO HAVE SERVED OUR CHURCH
Rev. R.O. Musser .......... 1936-1940 Rev. George P. Woodward ... 1940-1947 Rev. E.G. Lusk ............ 1947-1951 Rev. A.C. McKenzie ........ 1951-1961 Rev. F.D. Ketner, Sr ...... 1961-1965 Rev. Chester Williams ..... 1965-1971 Rev. Ralph Parry .......... 1971-1977 Rev. James Staley ......... 1978-1982 Rev. Ronald Adams ......... 1983-1989 Rev. Samuel Mountain ...... 1989-1995 Rev. Richard Collins ...... 1996-Current
==>What are Nazarenes?
___________
Last updated on ... September 18, 2008
