Batavia Chamber joins celebration of Bethany Lutheran's 150th anniversary

The Batavia Chamber of Commerce helped celebrate the 150-year anniversary of Bethany Lutheran Church on Sunday, Jan. 16.

Bethany Lutheran Church, 8 S. Lincoln St. in Batavia, is a valued member of the Batavia Chamber of Commerce. The ribbon-cutting is one of many celebratory events planned throughout 2022 in honor of the church's anniversary.

Batavia Mayor Jeffery Schielke, along with Bethany's senior pastor, Rev. Jeff Mikyska, presided over the short ceremony on the steps of the church.

During the worship service, Mayor Schielke read and presented a proclamation of well-wishes from the City of Batavia to the church. Additionally, a new hymn composed to honor the anniversary debuted during the service.

The church originally organized as the "Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church of Batavia, Illinois" when scores of Swedish immigrants settled in Batavia. Through the years, the community-minded church became known for its focus on music and its outreach within the community.

Congratulations to Bethany Lutheran Church on their 150th anniversary! To learn more about this valued community member, visit bethanybatavia.org.