Our Delmar History

It started when…

Bethlehem Lutheran Church began as a mission church in 1955 under the Rev. Lawrence Heuchert at Delmar Public Library on Sunday morning and the Slingerlands Fire House for Lenten and Advent Wednesday night services. A cornerstone was laid for a building on seven acres of land on the corners of Elm and Murray in April 1956. The first worship service was in November 1956, dedicating the worship and education facilities. There were ninety charter members.

As the congregation grew, a parsonage and new worship facility was built on the existing land. The parsonage was dedicated in January 1966 and the new worship facility in 1970. The original worship building became the Parish Hall and Contemporary worship was held there until 2017 when a new Contemporary facility was built onto the existing church and dedicated.

But it really started here…

In February 1933, the first service in the Delmar Lutheran Mission was held under the auspices of St. Paul’s and St. Matthew’s Lutheran Mission Society. The services began in a Fish Market on Delaware Avenue (prior to that it was a blacksmith shop) and was located at 311 Delaware Avenue, which is currently the location of Stewart’s and next to the Veterans Memorial Park.

And Now…

In 2009, an organizational structure was approved by the voting members of the congregation. Our Church Council consists of five congregational officers, six members-at-large, all of whom are elected. The Senior/Sole Pastor serves as a non-voting, ex officio, member.

Senior Pastors who have served Bethlehem Lutheran Church:

Rev. Lawrence Heuchert (1955-1958)

Rev. Harold Scheibert (1959-1964)

Rev. Paul Gassman (1965-1976)

Rev. Warren Winterhoff (1977-2004)

Rev. Mark Mueller (2004-2022)

Rev. Jessy Wilson (2022-Present)