Rev. Donald G. Rehkopf

Rev. Donald G. Rehkopf was installed on July 1, 1951 in a service officiated by Rev. Harold C. Osterman of Pittsburg, president of the Eastern District of the American Lutheran Church.  Pastor Rehkopf and his wife, Jean, had four children. They were the first to live in the newly purchased parsonage. Previous to his ordination, Pastor Rehkopf was a school principal in Ontario, Canada in order to earn money to attend college and seminary.

During this time, the congregation numbered 440 baptized members with an average Sunday attendance of 150. Building and expansion plans were begun, and in June 1955, the congregation decided to purchase the house on the corner for use as a Parish House to provide additional space, and to remodel the church basement. Pastor Rehkopf presided at BLC’s 30^th Anniversary in 1951, in which former Pastors Schulz, Hoffmann, and Tejan participated. Pastor Rehkopf served until 1957.

Rev. Donald G. Rehkopf

Jean Rehkopf

Rev. Claude Tejan

Rev. Claude Earle Tejan was installed as BLC’s second pastor on June 21,1936 in a service conducted by his father, Rev. G. B. Tejan of Pittsburgh, PA. Pastor Tejan and his wife, Leota, were married at BLC in August 1937. They had three children, Joan, Janet, and Paul, as well as a daughter who died at birth.

During his tenure, the church became self-supporting, no longer requiring funding from the synod. In addition, a concerted effort was made to reduce its debt which totaled $3900 in August 1941.  By the end of that year, as part of the 20^th anniversary celebration, the debt was reduced to $1225.

Pastor Tejan left in 1944 after accepting a call in his native Pittsburgh.

Rev. C. Tejan

Rev. Tejan, Leota & Child

Stained Glass Windows

The original church was graced with 13 stained glass windows, the most noted of which is the Good Shepherd window, donated by the 1922 Sunday School. Two in the bell tower remain there today. The original front door contained two small stained glass windows below an arched one bearing the name Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church. This arched window is now part of the Bethlehem Star window located in the place of the original front door. The remaining stained glass windows where donated by charter members. Donors names include Steubing, Fett, Schumacher, Wahl, Albrecht, Bandhold, and Steffen.

Original Windows

As our purpose statement reminds us, “Worship is the heart of our congregational life from which everything flows. Worship provides an experience of the living God that deepens our faith and calls us to action in daily life.”  Worship can look very different – in our sanctuary, outdoors, Brunch Church, or online – but always, it invites us into God’s presence.

Sanctuary worship

Outdoor Worship

Camp Worship

Online Worship