Bethel Lutheran Church (Brush Prarie, Wash.)

After two years of meeting together, 32 persons organized themselves on March 16, 1917 as the Norwegian Lutheran Skjold Congregation. Two acres of land were purchased for a cemetery, in addition to the half acre received from Peter Johnson for a church site. In 1927 the names was changed to Bethel Lutheran congregation. In 1947 the parsonage was complete on NE 117th Avenue. Sunday School facilities were completed and dedicated in 1958. In 1961 additional land was purchased and plans made to expand the seating capacity. The expanded church was in 1964. The congregation celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1967. 1973 marked the dedication of the Memorial Bell Tower, built by volunteers.

From the guide to the Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prarie, Washington, Records, 1917-2012, (Pacific Lutheran University)