Musicians at BLC

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BLC enjoys a rich musical heritage and continues to be an integral part of worship.  We are blessed to have a variety of groups to enhance worship, including Cherub and Joyful Noise Children’s Choirs, Chancel Choir, Folk Group, Youth and Adult Hand Bell Choirs, Dulcimer Group, and Praise Band.  Our staff includes an organist and two directors.

Dr. Jim Jefferis

Annette Finkbeiner

S. DePasquale

Dulcimer Group

Praise Band

Folk Group

Organ

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In 1983, Yan Rieger designed and created 12 carved wooden plaques, representing the 12 original Apostles. They were mounted on the altar railing and remain there today.
In 1984, A. David Moore of Vermont was commissioned to design and hand-build a new tracker action pipe organ. It was completed in July, 1985.

Yan Rieger & selected altar plaques

A. David Moore & Pastor Garner

 

Organists

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The original pipe organ was a gift from Concordia Lutheran Church in Rochester upon the completion of the building in 1923.  This was replaced in 1932 by a Wicks two-manual pipe organ, given by the Ladies Aid Society.
Below are the three known organists that served between 1937 and 1952.

Edith Bandhold Moser

Mike DiBiase

S. Edith Brinkerhoff

Outreach

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BLC has a rich heritage of service beyond our walls. In 1979, Bethlehem sponsored a family from Laos. In 1998 and 2003 the Chancel Choir performed Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat as an outreach to the community. They also performed “Journeys with Jesus” to assist other churches in raising money for special projects.
Over the years BLC has generously supported and served many missions including:  Perinton Food Shelf, Lutheran World Relief, Advent House, Safe Journey, The Linus Project, World Hunger, Grace House, Sojourner House, Open Door Mission, and House of Mercy. In addition, we sponsored a medical student, now affiliated with Doctors Without Borders, and a seminary student, both from Africa, and provided Christmas and Thanksgiving baskets for those in need.

1979 – Homsombath family

Joseph… production

Journeys with Jesus

Pastors

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Co- Pastors Walter-Peterson & Hoffman

Pastor Abigail Zang Hoffman came to BLC in 2010 from Bethany Lutheran Church in Elmira, NY. Pastor Amy Walter-Peterson was called in 2017. She previously served in parish ministry as well as on the synod staff and within the churchwide ELCA. As a result of BLC’s recently adopted Team Ministry Model, they both serve equally as Senior Co-Pastors. Three Associate Pastors served during this time, Rev. Korey Finstad, Rev. Paula Roulette on an interim basis, and Rev. Gregory Brown.

Associate Pastor Finstad

Interim Associate Pastor Roulette

Associate Pastor Brown

Renovations

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In 1983-84, the sanctuary was turned 90 degrees to the west. New stained glass Cross and Trinity windows, envisioned by members Jack and Genia Kellow, were installed in the apse behind the altar. In 2001, a 6200 square foot expansion added a greeting space featuring stained glass windows, lighting, altar, and communion rail from the original church building, tying the old with the new. The project also added a sacristy, library, and nursery.

Fund Raising

Ground Breaking

Old sanctuary

Construction

Renovated church

New sanctuary

Rev. Adler

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Rev. Dallas F. Adler

Rev. Dallas F. Adler was installed as BLC’s new pastor in January 1958.  He and his wife, Marge, had five sons, Carl, Gary, Paul, John, and Dean. Carl followed his father and became an ordained minister.  Paul also became a pastor. Marge was the organist and choir director during her husband’s tenure.
Under the leadership of Pastor Adler, we began holding two services year-round instead of summer only. A monthly parish paper was mailed to every home and a library was established. A Senior Citizens group, a Girls Choir, and Junior Mission Band were organized. Building improvements included the addition of a new side entrance, remodeling the kitchen, and installation of new bathrooms.
Pastor Adler served until 1966, when he accepted a call at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Akron, NY.

Rev. Dallas Adler

Adler Family

Rev. Dr. Garner

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Rev. Kent H. Garner came to BLC from St. Paul Lutheran Church in Canonsburg, PA in November 1977. His ministry emphasized worship, music, prayer, and education, along with outreach and mission. The congregation grew steadily and by the time of his retirement in 2008, it numbered nearly 1000 members.
Pastor Garner retired on November 1, 2008, presiding over his final service on All Saints Sunday, the same festival Sunday that he led his first service in 1977.  He served faithfully for 31 years and is its longest tenured pastor.

Garner Family

Kent, Kari, Marc, and Linda

Rev. Jorgensen

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Rev. Herman Emil Jorgensen Jr

Rev. Herman Emil Jorgensen Jr. was installed in 1967, having come from Branchville, NJ, where he served as a mission organizer. He and his wife Dagny, had three sons Erik, Erling, and Rolf. During Pastor Jorgensen’s tenure, BLC celebrated the 25th anniversary of his ordination.
In 1967, the three parcels of land belonging to BLC were merged into one unit in anticipation of a much-needed building expansion. In 1969 the congregation voted to secure plans for a new parish education and office wing. In 1970-71 the former Parish House and parsonage were demolished to make way for the new addition to serve a growing congregation, as baptized membership had reached 669. The completed project was dedicated on September 21, 1971.
Pastor Jorgensen was the first pastor to be given a housing allowance.  He and his family purchased a home near Fairport High School and the parsonage was rented to provide additional income. In 1975, he accepted a call and returned to his native Minnesota.

Jorgensen Family

Perrin Street

Rev. Lindsley

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Rev. Wilbur Lindsley

Rev. Wilbur C. Lindsley was installed on September 19, 1948, with Rev. W. C. Egbert presiding; BLC was his first call.  He and his wife, Lola, had four children. The altar rail was added during Pastor Lindsley’s pastorate. In addition, the Nursery Mothers was formed to provide child care during worship. Under his leadership, BLC began to recognize the need for additional space in order to expand its educational and social facilities to make its ministry more effective. Pastor Lindsley served until February 1951, when he accepted a call in Oconto, WI.

Rev. Wilbur Lindsley

Rev. Lindsley, Lola & Child