Bethany Story

In 1940 the Home Missions Committee of Classis Holland began considering the organization of a new congregation on the south side of Holland. Following World War II this need became even more apparent due to the tremendous growth being experienced, as war veterans moved home to begin raising families and building new homes.

The first official meeting was held on May 12, 1946 in the gymnasium of the Christian High School, which is now where the present Evergreen Commons is located. The church met at this location for five months and officially organized on September 26, 1946 with forty eight families comprised of two hundred five persons.

At the April 8, 1947 congregational meeting, the first pastor, Reverend Oliver Breen was called. Property at 32nd and Central Avenue had been purchased earlier, and plans forged ahead to begin with a basement structure which was dedicated July 15, 1948. Rapid growth followed and plans were made to plan the rest of the facility and the cornerstone was laid June 19, 1951 and the church was dedicated a year later on June 11, 1952.

Since its beginning, Bethany Church was eager to bring the gospel to others, both here at home and abroad. An active home evangelization program was begun, and in November of 1954 the church called its first missionary to South America.

The educational wing which currently houses the fellowship areas, staff offices, and classrooms was added in 1966. A remodeling of the church was done in 1980 which included the entire church as well as the front of the sanctuary. The youth activities building was constructed in 1987 and serves as a gathering place for the youth programs and activities.

In 1996 the sanctuary was upgraded and a new sound reinforcement system and video projector were installed.