About Bethlehem Lutheran Church
A Legacy of Faith and Service in Kennewick
History of BL
Bethlehem Lutheran Church can trace its connection to the Kennewick community to a small group of German and Norwegian immigrants worshipping together in 1907 under the care of Pastor Henry Brockmann. Construction on the first church building began in 1909. A small part of our history can be found in the buildings of the church and school over the years, but since the beginning, Bethlehem has been about people being on mission with God to reach, serve, and grow.
April 1910
The German Evangelical Lutheran Bethlehem Church of Kennewick, WA, moved from worshipping in a home to the new church on Third and Benton.
The church recognized the need for formal education in the community, leading to the establishment of a new ministry that became Bethlehem Lutheran School.
Fall of 1914
The first school building, measuring 24’x34’ with 12′ ceilings, was completed for $710.59.
Fall of 1939
The church was renovated to include a basement, pastor’s study, and trussed ceiling.
1945
To accommodate the growing school, an addition was added.
1947
Another church remodel took place with multiple expansions including a narthex, parish hall, and a new steeple.
April 4th, 1954
A stand-alone school building with four classrooms and four teachers was dedicated on 14th Ave. and Garfield Street.
September 1955
The church’s name was formally changed from German Evangelical Lutheran Bethlehem Church of Kennewick, WA, to Bethlehem Lutheran Church.
1960
An addition to the sanctuary was completed including a baptistry and additional pews.
1998
The property on 27th Ave. was acquired to merge the church and school into a single campus.
2007
The long-time church on Third and Benton was sold and services began being held in the school’s gym.
January 2008
Ground was broken on the new campus on 27th Ave.
November 2009
The new church was dedicated and worship services began in the new building.
Fall 2011
The school classrooms were finished and the school began its first year in the building after Thanksgiving.
Summer 2012
The Gym was completed, finalizing the merging of the church and school onto one unified campus.
we look forward with hope
Embracing Our Legacy, Looking Forward in Faith
While we rejoice in the past and the many ways God has blessed Bethlehem Lutheran Church and School’s ministry, we look forward with hope to where God is leading us. You are invited to join us as we seek to continue the legacy God has built here at Bethlehem to reach, serve, and grow.
