When was it published?

November 26, 1949 in Courier Herald

Domestic News November 26, 1949

Courier Herald

Q: What entities or persons were involved?

Rev. W. Janssen, Rev. E. Streufert, Rev. M. C. Kauth, Wilbert Grimm, Rev. Ed Doering, Rev. Bohl, Rev. H. Brockmann, Rev. Woker, Rev. H. C. Messerli, Henry Otte

Q: What keywords are associated?

Kennewick Lutheran, Bethlehem Church, Dedication Service, Church History, Organ Concert

Kennewick, Pasco, Benton County, Franklin County, Washington

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What is this article about?

Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Kennewick dedicates new building Sunday with services by Revs. Janssen, Streufert, and Kauth, plus organ concert. Article details 40-year history from circuit riders to current pastor, school, and organizations.

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Kennewick
Lutheran Church
To Be Dedicated Sunday

The Bethlehem Lutheran church, 3rd and S. Benton, Kennewick, will dedicate its new house of worship tomorrow with services at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

The Rev. W. Janssen of Renton will deliver the dedication sermon in the forenoon services and the Rev. E. Streufert of Walla at 3 p.m. He will also give a brief explanation of the various symbols that have been used in the windows and elsewhere in the church.

The local pastor, the Rev. M. C. Kauth, will speak the dedicatory prayers. In the evening a sacred organ concert will be given by Wilbert Grimm of Portland, Ore. A special free will offering will be lifted during the concert for the Lutheran hour sponsored by the Lutheran Layman's League of the Lutheran church.

The first Lutheran minister to preach in Kennewick was the Rev. Ed Doering who worked as a circuit rider in the three states of Oregon, Washington and Idaho. Before the U. P. built its spur line from Wallula to Kennewick he often walked on hot summer days from Wallula to Kennewick, carrying his suit case filled with hymn books, Bible, gown, etc.

Later the congregation was served out of Yakima by the Rev. Bohl. In the fall of 1907, the Rev. H. Brockmann became the first resident pastor of the congregation, serving it until 1913 when he was called to Menno Wash. He organized the present Bethlehem congregation in 1909.

He was succeeded by the Rev. Woker of Pasco, who served the congregation from 1913-1916. The Rev. H. C. Messerli of Edgerton, Ohio was pastor of the congregation from 1920-1924. Since April 1924 the congregation has had its present pastor. Henry Otte of East Kennewick is the only remaining charter member.

Besides the church and Sunday school the congregation also supports a three roomed Christian Day school in which three teachers teach 106 pupils. The congregation also sponsors a Ladies Aid, Choir, Christian Fellowship league, P.-T.A., Walther league and Voters' Assembly and A. A. L. This year the congregation is observing its 40th anniversary.

What sub-type of article is it?

Religious Event

What keywords are associated?

Kennewick Lutheran Bethlehem Church Dedication Service Church History Organ Concert

What entities or persons were involved?

Rev. W. Janssen Rev. E. Streufert Rev. M. C. Kauth Wilbert Grimm Rev. Ed Doering Rev. Bohl Rev. H. Brockmann Rev. Woker Rev. H. C. Messerli Henry Otte

Where did it happen?

Kennewick

Domestic News Details

Primary Location

Kennewick

Event Date

Sunday

Key Persons

Rev. W. Janssen Rev. E. Streufert Rev. M. C. Kauth Wilbert Grimm Rev. Ed Doering Rev. Bohl Rev. H. Brockmann Rev. Woker Rev. H. C. Messerli Henry Otte

Outcome

dedication of new church building; 40th anniversary observance; supports school with 106 pupils and various organizations

Event Details

The Bethlehem Lutheran church at 3rd and S. Benton, Kennewick, will hold dedication services at 11 a.m. (sermon by Rev. W. Janssen of Renton) and 3 p.m. (sermon and symbol explanation by Rev. E. Streufert of Walla). Local pastor Rev. M. C. Kauth will offer dedicatory prayers. Evening sacred organ concert by Wilbert Grimm of Portland, Ore., with free will offering for Lutheran hour. Historical background: First sermon by Rev. Ed Doering; served by Rev. Bohl from Yakima; Rev. H. Brockmann resident pastor 1907-1913, organized congregation in 1909; succeeded by Rev. Woker 1913-1916; Rev. H. C. Messerli 1920-1924; current pastor since April 1924. Henry Otte only remaining charter member. Congregation supports Christian Day school (3 teachers, 106 pupils), Ladies Aid, Choir, Christian Fellowship league, P.-T.A., Walther league, Voters' Assembly, A. A. L.