Bethany History
On Easter Sunday in 1948, 57 people gathered in the “Upper Room” of a house, ocated on Larkin Street near the present Fellowship Hall. Of those present, 26 became the first members of the Westside Community Church. Its charter remained open until it registered 100 members, and the name was changed to Westside Community Methodist Church.
This house and another, affectionately known as the “Coach House” (because of its original use as an inn), were located on a three acre plot of land, then on the far west side of Madison. The two buildings once housed the YWCA Summer Camp and the Kiddie Camp.
In 1951, the church changed its name to Bethany Methodist Church. The first new building to be erected on the property in December 1952 was a multi-purpose building. This building served as a fellowship hall, until the completion of the sanctuary in 1957. Bethany continued to grow rapidly and to accommodate the needs of the congregation.
A booklet published on the first anniversary of the congregation states, “It was not a proud church in material things – there was no stained glass, no organ – there was little about the old frame building, in need of paint and repair, to inspire the passer-by to admiration. But there was a devout and earnest congregation, with a place to worship – the essentials of a church. Those attending that first service saw their hopes for a church stir to life, and they determined to nurture it to a powerful Christian tree.”
Those hopes and determinations continue to be significant characteristics of the congregation as members have reached out into the community and the world with significant ministries.
Extensive remodeling in 1995 created new offices, a Chapel, a new entrance, and handicapped access throughout the building.
Those 57 people in 1948 laid a strong foundation that has enabled the church to prosper and flourish well into its next 50 years and beyond.
Many pastors have served Bethany over the years beginning with Rev. Robert Adams as the first full-time pastor. He served until 1961. The current pastor is Rev. Julie Wilson who came to Bethany in July 2022.
75th Anniversary
In 2023, Bethany celebrated its 75th anniversary. Following three weeks of historical highlights, the celebration culminated on March 26th with many former pastors attending and a worship service led by Bishop Hee-Soo Jung. Following worship the celebration continued with a traditional ham dinner.
Click here for a gallery of historical photos of Bethany.
The Cross on the Front of the Church
The cast aluminum cross, designed by Howard Packard and made by Madison Brass Works, was given in the memory of J. Stewart by his wife Constance, the P.E. Teegardin family and an anonymous donor. The cross was installed in 1958. The March 1958 issue of the “Fellowship Letter” (the name of Bethany’s newsletter at the time) had the following statement: “The cross…will stand as a witness to a Way of Life to all who pass by. While the interior cross stands as a challenge to us who are committed to its Way, the outside cross presents the same challenge to the whole community.”
