Photo: An additional Bethlehem Lutheran Church Marker

Photographer: James Hulse
Taken: June 14, 2020
Caption: An additional Bethlehem Lutheran Church Marker
Additional Description: Bethlehem Lutheran Church
The present sanctuary
Sometime in the latter part of 1912, the original stone sanctuary of the congregation was struck by lightening during a storm and damaged. At a congregational meeting in January of 1913, members voted to postpone any repairs to the building. On June 2, 1913, members voted to appoint a building committee to get estimates for repairing the church and building a new church. On June 22, master builder Brucks presented his proposals for repairs and the building of a new sanctuary. On June 30, the congregation voted to approve Brucks' proposal for building a new sanctuary. A sum of $2,604.50 had been collected for this project and was put at the disposal of the building committee. Members of the congregation agreed to fetch all needed building materials from Hondo or Dunlay. It was also resolved that the church steeple should be 12 x 12 and have a concrete floor. In September, 1913, the church council decided to put in the cornerstone two lists of members and non-members who contributed to the building of the church and that the cornerstone would be on the east side of the steeple. Brick made in D'hanis was hauled to Quihi by members.

In September, 1914, the new church building was dedicated by pastor L. Hoefer. The building committee was composed of Adolph Grell, Henry Balzen, George Heyen and the deacons of the congregation. The total cost was about $2,700, though a good amount of volunteer labor from members reduced the total expenses considerably.

The interior of the church was arranged with church choir and piano on the left and the pulpit on the right, although prices for a new altar had been obtained; the altar salvaged from the old church, took place of pride in the center. Regular church funds were used to provide other furnishings. This building has been well maintained and continues to serve Bethlehem congregation today. It stands as a legacy to the faith, hard work and vision of those members who founded and maintained this congregation over the years.
Quihi & New Fountain Historical Society
2014
Marker number five
Submitted: September 5, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
Database Locator Identification Number: p537351
File Size: 3.922 Megabytes

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