Bethlehem Lutheran Church came into being with the signing of the charter by 52 members on December 18, 1949. The congregation originally met in a small barn, thus the name Bethlehem. The present building was completed in 1952 and the parsonage in 1954. Much of the work was accomplished by men of the congregation who donated their time and energy. By 1964, 220 students were enrolled in Sunday School and 259 in Vacation Church School, so an educational wing was added to accommodate them.
By the early 1970s these “children” had become adults and moved away, causing a sharp decrease in membership. Now in the 1980s the neighborhood is changing again with young families moving into the area, and once again Bethlehem is experiencing a growth in membership and community involvement.
Bethlehem is proud to have had five “sons of the congregation” enter the ordained ministry.
From the guide to the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Billings, Montana, Records, 1949-2012, (Pacific Lutheran University)
