Bethesda Lutheran Brethren Church

Bethesda Lutheran Brethren Church and Parsonage 

Bethesda Lutheran Brethren Church was organized on March 7, 1941, at the home of Robert Berger with Reverend O.N. Flugstad presiding over the meeting. The constitution of the Lutheran Brethren Synod was accepted and the newly organized church became a member of that church body. The church was served by Reverend O.N. Flugstad with services held in Robert Berger’s home and various other homes.

In 1942 a parcel of land, about three miles east of Westby, was bought for a cemetery. Also, a house and property were bought on West Park Street. The first floor of the house served as a meeting place for worship, while the second story became the parsonage for the second pastor, Gaylord Jacobson. Under his leadership the congregation took a forward step by building the “basement” church to the east of the parsonage. Much of the labor was donated by the pastor, members, and friends. The dedication was December 3, 1944, with Reverend M.E. Sletta officiating. This labor of love has been repeated twice since then. In 1957, under the encouragement and guidance of Pastor Harley Frey, a beautiful and practical log edifice was built on top of the “basement” church.  In 1976 with the encouragement and guidance of Pastor Lindell Quam, and under the direction of a Building Committee of five, a thirty foot sanctuary addition, study, classrooms, and a ground level entrance were added.