Bethesda Lutheran Church of Alexandria, MN

Bethesda Lutheran Church

Alexandria, Minnesota

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Our Staff Family...

Pastor Jerry Lanes has retired

Pastor Jerry Lanes has retired. He was born and raised on a farm in Montevideo, Minnesota. He married his wife, Bonnie, in 1977. They have been married for 49 years. They have 3 adult children, one daughter-in-law and 1 grandchild.

Pastor Jerry felt his calling at an early age. He has been ordained for 41 years and had served in several churches; however, noted he feels blessed to have served at Bethesda for 13 years.

“Scripture tells us we are surrounded by a ‘great cloud of witnesses’ and that is certainly the case at Bethesda Lutheran Church. As we work together to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ we strive to Grow in faith; be gracious in love and generous in mission.” – Pastor Jerry Lanes

Supporting Staff

Bethesda's Family of Staff can be your family too.

“He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.” – Acts 10:2

Bethesda History

On March 29, 1907, Bethesda began with 23 members who met in their homes. In 1915, a building was purchased at Fourth and Irving. This church building had been built in 1915 by Congregationalists and due to its unique steeple design was known as the “toothpick church.”

At this time Bethesda was part of a four point parish including Chippewa Lutheran of Brandon, Lands Lutheran of Hoffman, and Trinity Lutheran of Ashby. The first pastor was Rev. Chris Ytrehus serving from 1907-1909. Services were held in Norwegian until 1928 at which time it was decided to rotate between English and Norwegian.

In 1954, land was purchased on the north side of Alexandria and a parsonage was built: total cost was $12,000. In 1957, a parish education building was constructed for $48,000 and used for worship until 1972, when the round sanctuary was completed.

In the early 1960s, Bethesda affiliated with the newly created American Lutheran Church and partnered with Our Savior’s in Nelson. In 1980, needing more room, an education annex was built at the west end of the fellowship hall. In 1990 the congregation added Sunday School rooms, offices, a family room and remodeled the fellowship hall and kitchen.

We celebrated our 100th anniversary in 2007. In 2012 the family room, offices, restrooms and fellowship hall were updated with new furniture, fixtures and carpet throughout.

Since 1907, Bethesda has had 43 different pastors serve the congregation. Membership at Bethesda has changed through the years . . . starting at 23 members in 1907. Currently, Bethesda has 332 baptized members and 162 households.

Our most recent pastor, Pastor Jerry Lanes, has retired. He served here from September of 2013 to May of 2026. Pastor Clay Ellingson will serve as interim pastor until a new pastor is hired.

There are a lot of things going on at Bethesda and we happily invite you to come share our beautiful, abundant life with us.

Mission Statement

Bethesda Lutheran Church is a collection of people with Gifts and Talents. God has provided these skills and tools to accomplish ministry and mission. Each of us is called to be the church, “A Congregation: Growing in Faith, Gracious in Love, Generous in Mission”. We are gathered in Christ’s name and sent to proclaim and serve the Lord, sharing our gifts and talents to bless one another.

Annual Fall Baazar

In 1972 the Ladies WELCA Group started a Fall Bazaar. They made homemade Lefse to sell. This tradition has continued and evolved as an annual event that the entire congregation now participates in.