History
For over 147 years, Bethel Lutheran Church has been an active congregation in south central Nebraska. On November 12, 1877, at the home of Gustaf Hanson, the congregation was organized and became affiliated with the Augustana Synod. At that time there were thirty charter members, all of Swedish heritage.
The first church was built of sod and worship there began in June of 1879. Through its long history, Bethel congregations have had two frame churches and the present brick structure in the center of Holdrege. The church has traditional, elegant stained glass windows, a beautiful oil painting of "The Ascension" and a wood carving of the Lord's Supper above the altar.
In 1988, Bethel, as part of the Lutheran Church of America, merged with several other Lutheran synods to become the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
In 2010 the congregation elected to leave the ELCA with two successful votes. On February 13, 2011, the congregation of Bethel Lutheran Church voted to join Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC).
