BETHLEHEM EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN SCHOOL
Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran School began in a small log structure in 1879. This building also served as the church. (see photo right)
in 1902, a schoolhouse was built during Pastor William Meyer's pastorate. In the early times all instruction was given in german. Then in 1914, some english Confirmation instruction was given "when necessary." During this time and up until 1920, the resident pastor taught school. After that, the congregation endeavored to engage vicars or supply teachers.
In 1920, S. H. Beckman, who later became a pastor, was the first of these ministerial students to teach at Bethlehem.
In 1943, the school was moved from the northwest corner of the cemetery to across the road on the two acres that the church had purchased. A basement was added at that time as well. In 1951, water was piped to the school from the parsonage making a welcome addition to the comfort of the students. Also in 1951, Bethlehem's first "called" teacher, Mr. Raymond Flesch, arrived from the school at River Forest. In June 1961, Mr. Flesch accepted a call to Wilton Junction, Iowa. This teaching position was filled in the fall of 1961 by Mr. Ronald Koehler of Freemont, Wisconsin.
The 85th Anniversary of the Day School was commemorated in 1964.
Mr. James Hanson of Redwood City, California arrived in September 1964 and would accept a call just three years later in September 1967 to Hollywood Township in New Germany, Minnesota.
In 1967, Mr. Darwin Scauer of Green Isle, Minnesota was the fourth and last called teacher.
The school was remodeled in 1969.
Sadly, the school closed its doors permanently on May 31, 1971.
Photo (above): The original school and church as it looked in 1953.
It was built in 1878.
Photo (above): The schoolhouse, parsonage, and church in 1941
Bethlehem's School Teachers
(and the pastor they served under)
Pastor Streufert
1920 - 1922 - S. H Beckman
1922 - 1923 - Rev. P. W. Lueck
1923 - 1924 - Rev. R Troeger
1924 - 1925 - Rev. Arthur M. Senne
1925 - 1926 - Rev. Ernst H. Stalke
1927 - 1928 - Rev. A. W. Rogge
1928 - 1929 - Rev. G. F. Gehlhar
1929 - 1930 - Rev. Walter Sylwester
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Pastor Kanning
1930 - 1931 - Rev. W. Koenig
1931 - 1932 - Mr. H. Wenzel
1932 - 1933 - Mr. Linton Elwein
1933 - 1934 - Mr. Henry Radeke
1934 - 1935 - Mr. Clarence Ude
1935 - 1936 - Mr. Paul Juengel
1936 - 1937 - Mr. Paul Steffens
1937 - 1938 - Rev. W.H. Michels
1938 - 1939 - Miss Mary Behling
1939 - 1940 - Miss Emily Traugott
1941 - 1942 - Mr. Norman Niles
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Pastor Klausmeier
1942 - 1943 - Mrs. Elsie Erickson
1943 - 1944 - Martin Brauer
1944 - 1945 - Miss Ruth Petske
1945 - 1946 - Marcus Strohschein
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Pastor H. E. Bentrup
1946 - 1947 - Miss Elvira Albrecht
1947 - 1948 - Miss Irene Boeschans
1948 - 1949 - Edmond Bentrup
1950 - 1951 - Elton F. Sprengler
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Starting of Permanent Teachers
1951 - 1961 - Raymond Flesch
1961 - 1964 - Ronald Koehler
1964 - 1967 - James Hanson
1967 - 1971 - Darwin Schauer
Photo (above): The schoolhouse in 1943