16-05-2025
Church to celebrate 130 years of worship in Elmira
ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM) — A Lutheran church in Elmira is set to celebrate 130 years of worship in May, with the oldest parts of the building dating back to the 1920s.
Bethany Lutheran Church at 256 S. Walnut St. is celebrating 130 years on Sunday, May 18, with a special commemorative service. The service is open to everyone and will be held at 10:30 a.m., former pastors and members of Bethany Lutheran were invited back to celebrate the occasion.
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The service will have different music from the church choir, soloists, duets, and instrumental pieces for the congregation to enjoy. Following the service, a meal will be provided for those who signed up.
Bethany Lutheran was started in Elmira in 1895 by the Swedish Branches of the Lutheran Churches in the U.S. The first place of worship was at a small house on Partridge Street, not far from where the current building sits on South Walnut Street.
The oldest part of the structure was built in 1929 and finished in 1931, spanning the whole block along South Walnut Street. The church has seen several additions to the original structure over the 100 years of use.
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