This Is

Our Story

Bethel’s congregation first gathered for worship in the village of Conestoga in 1896.  From the first day until now, the mission of Bethel Church has been to help people of all ages know and follow Jesus.  The congregation grew as the Bible was preached and people were challenged to turn from sin and receive God’s gift of salvation in Jesus Christ.  The current sanctuary was dedicated on January 31, 1897.  The church was expanded in 1937 and again in 1952-53 with the addition of the Sunday School wing, vestibule and basement.  More importantly, each expansion represented growth and new opportunities for ministry.  Bethel sent several of its members to the mission field and two of its men into the pastoral ministry.  In the 1980s, Bethel once again expanded its ministry into the community with the establishment of the Conestoga Food Bank.

Today, Bethel Church is pursuing the vision of being a Gospel-centered congregation for Conestoga village and township.  This vision is being fulfilled in partnership with Grace Community Church of Willow Street.  Together, in Bethel’s 125th year, we are helping even more people know and follow Jesus.

This Is

Our Denomination

Bethel Church is a congregation of the Evangelical Congregational (EC) Church, which is headquartered in Myerstown, PA.  EC congregations are Gospel-centered with a passion to for community outreach and global missions.  Each local church owns its own property and determines the direction of its local ministry as it partners with the EC church to know Christ and make Him known.  You can learn more about the EC Church here