Church Council

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During this time, the following served as council president:  Robert Oppelt,1967; Evert Nelson, 1968; Al Vokes,1969; Hugh Brown,1970-71; Randall Houck, 1972-73; Ken Blohm, 1975. In 1974 Connie Helbig was the first woman to be elected to council; she was also the first woman to serve as president. It is unknown who filled this position in 1976 and 1977.

Al Vokes

Hugh Brown

Connie Helbig

Church Groups

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Men’s Brotherhood

Under Pastor Tejan’s leadership, the original Men’s Brotherhood was succeeded by an organization known as the Booster Club. The focus of this group was bringing men together as well as reaching out to the unchurched in the community.
The youth were involved in the Young People’s Society, which later became known as Luther League.  It was thought advisable in 1936 to form a Senior Luther League, with the former organization known as the Junior Luther League. Each group numbered about 25 and each was asked to record details of service to the church.

1940s – Luther League

League 1939 – District Luther League Gathering

The Women’s Missionary Society, organized in December 1940, replaced the Ladies Aid Society. They were affiliated with the Women’s Missionary Federation of the American Lutheran Church. The aim of this group was to aid the cause of foreign and home missions as well as all benevolent work in the church. At the time, this was the only BLC organization that centered its activities on missions.

1951 – Women’s Missionary Society

Confirmation

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Catechetical instruction was a central focus.  Classes were offered yearly with youth beginning the program around the age of 11-12. As the congregation grew, the size of the confirmation classes increased as well.  A current member, Sandy Schrader Goehle was in the 1966 class.

1953 Confirmation – Pastor Rehkopf

1966 Confirmation – Pastor Adler

Confirmation Class

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Confirmation Class 1938 – Rev. Tejan

By 1941 the congregation had grown to 310 baptized members.  The Sunday School was active, with nine teachers and an enrollment of 150.  Catechetical instruction continued to be an important part of the Christian Education focus.

1948-51 – Rev. Lindsley

1947 – Rev. Lindsley

ConfirmationBLC

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Catechetical instruction is an important step in the faith journey of the youth. As the congregation grew, so did the size of the classes, requiring instruction to be held on both Saturday and Sunday. Confirmation was often observed at both services on Pentecost Sunday due to the number confirmands.

1978–Pastor Garner

1993–Pastor Garner

2009–Pastors Connor & Finstad

Education Wing

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1971 Education Wing with Ramp

BLC was the first in the community to provide a ramp to allow full accessibility to the church facility. The congregation felt this was important, as it provided a point of entry for those with physical limitations and made the building more welcoming to all. The new education wing and ramp were dedicated on September 21, 1971.

Construction of education wing

Education wing and access ramp

Floats

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July 4, 1960

During Pastor Adler’s tenure, his family was instrumental in ensuring that BLC was represented in the Fairport 4th of July celebration.  Floats with a BLC theme participated in several parades during this time.

1958

1959

1960

1965

Founder

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William J Hoffman

Rev. William G. Hoffmann, then pastor of BLC Plank Rd., was also the founding pastor of BLC Fairport. He led the first worship service on Sunday, August 7, 1921 in the Fairport Town Hall with 95 people attending. Following that first service, the new congregation worshiped in the Bown Building in the Village of Fairport. On August 18, the newly-formed church became Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Interim Pastors

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Rev. Albert R. Horn

Following Pastor Jorgensen’s departure, BLC was left without a full-time pastor. Rev. Albert R. Horn served as Interim Pastor from 1975-1976. Rev. Franklin Blank was thought to have assisted him by teaching Confirmation Classes.

Rev. Franklin Blank

Musicians

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Marge Adler

Edith Brinkerhoff was the organist and choir director from 1954-1958. Upon her retirement in 1959, Marge Adler, wife of Pastor Adler, took over both of these roles. Marge organized a German Band that played at church events. She also provided piano accompaniment for Pastor Adler and their five sons when they sang for special occasions.

Marge Adler

Adler brothers sing with Pastor Adler

S. Edith Brickerhoff

German Band