Much of the information here can be found in the Dedication Booklet for the current Bethel Lutheran church building.
Our congregation’s beginnings start back in 1891. Pastor H. Schwenk, serving Mill Creek Lutheran Church, would come and preach in Sutherland. At that time, no congregation was able to be organized. Later, in 1934, Pastor E.L. Wittkopp, serving in Marcus, Iowa, held divine services in Sutherland. In September of 1934, Candidate Clarence Pauling was called to be the first resident pastor. On Sept. 25, 1934, Bethel Lutheran Church was officially organized and joined the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. Services were held in the American Legion Hall for a time. On August 23, 1936, a chapel (what became the former parsonage), was dedicated. In 1943, Pastor Elmer Greene was called as the second resident pastor. Under his pastorate, a fund for a new and larger church building was started. Pastor Walter Link became the pastor in 1952. Ground breaking ceremonies were held for the new church building on May 16, 1954. On Nov. 21 of that same year, Pastor Fred A. Elze was called as pastor. The current building was completed and dedicated on Oct. 2, 1955. Then, Pastor Leroy Riemer was called and installed as pastor on August, 9, 1970. Bethel was blessed with a long period of service by Pastor Riemer, as he served God’s people at Bethel Lutheran for 49 years before he retired. Our current pastor, Pastor Brett Witmer, was called from the Fort Wayne seminary, and on July 19, 2020, he was ordained and installed.