With a history dating back over 150 years, Bethlehem Lutheran Church has been through plenty of change and happenings. Here are just some of the key dates:
1860
From its formation in October 1860 until 1872, the Bethlehem congregation, consisting of about twenty families, worshipped in a church in Waymouth St, just west of Light Square.
1866
The membership had increased, so land fronting Flinders St was purchased through the South Australian Company for the sum of 200 pounds.
1871
The foundation stone was laid for Bethlehem Lutheran Church on 23rd June.
1872
The new church building was opened and dedicated.
1889
Dedication of organ.
1903-1904
First major alterations to church interior. Pulpit removed from above and behind altar; altar placed hard against northern wall; pulpit with voice hood shifted to right hand corner of nave; organ enlarged for first time and transferred from gallery to front left of church.
Circa 1910
Services in English slowly introduced. Monthly German services continued until 1939.
1919
Grand opening of Excelsior Hall with a youth concert.
1956
New toilet/amenities block completed. Gallery floor reconstructed to accommodate enlarged and rebuilt organ; ladies cloak room converted to a cry room; men’s cloak room converted to a meeting room/library.
1961
New chancel and Sunday school rooms dedicated. View some photos in our gallery.
1963
Ground floor of Excelsior Hall converted into a large supper-room officially opened.
1974
Church office established at 172 Flinders St.
1987
Congregation purchased land on eastern side of new carpark roadway (Sudholz Place) from the Adelaide City Council for new church office complex.
1989
Bethlehem House complex dedicated.
2002
Commemoration of the 130th anniversary of the opening and dedication of Bethlehem Lutheran Church.
2005
Dedication of refurbished organ.
2009
Launch of the first ever Bethlehem web site
2010
Celebration of the 150th anniversary of the founding of Bethlehem congregation.
2017
Bethlehem gets a Facebook page