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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. 
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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

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Photo (above) : Teacher Mr. Marcus Strohschein who later became a pastor

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Photo (above) : Mr. Norman Niles
1941-1942

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Photo (above) : M. Mertz & Arnie Goerke

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Photo (above) : Mr. Martin Brauer with Ronald Marohn and Kenneth Marohn
1943-1944

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Photo (above) : Mr. Marcus Strohschein, Pastor Klausmeier with Ronald and Kenneth Marohn
1945-1946

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Photo (above) : Miss Ruth Petske
1944-1945

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Photo (above) : First Grade Class 1944

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Photo (above) : School Class in the late 30s, early 40s

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Photo (above) : School Class in 1945 - 1946 with Mr. Marcus Strohschein

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Photo (above) : School Class in 1946-1947

Photo (above) : The church grounds as it looked in 1953. The school sat on the south side of County Road 35. It was then moved from the northwest corner of the cemetery in 1943. It has a field where ball was played. 

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