First Bethany Evangelical and Reformed Church (Detroit, MI)

Bethany Evangelical Church was organized under the leadership of Reverend Abraham Schneck. He invited families and interested individuals to a series of meetings he conducted in a vacant store at the corner of Jefferson and Sheridan Avenues in Detroit. This continued to be the format from 1888 until 1893 when it was decided to organize under the supervision of the Reformed Synod of the Northwest. A building lot was purchased in 1894 at the corner of Seminole and Waterloo Avenues. A parsonage was built in 1910 for the new pastor, Rev. Andrew Martin Dedication of the church was on Nov. 17, 1912. Services were conducted in German but beginning in 1918, an English service was held the first Sunday of each month. The congregation grew and flourished (Auxiliary organizations, Ladies Aid, young People's Society and Sewing Circle) contributed to the financial security of the church. many renovations were made during the 30's to 50's In 1953 the congregation voted to merge with First Reformed Church. First Reformed sold their church. The merged congregation became First Bethany Evangelical and Reformed Church. A building committee was formed and in 1956 the Easter Sunday service was held in the new church on Harmon Street in St. Clair Shores. As people continued to move to the suburbs and pastors changed frequently in the late 1900's and early 2000's attendance and income dropped. Members were encouraged to transition to Faith Trinity Reformed Church. The First Bethany property, including the Parsonage, was listed for sale in 2005. Pastors; Abraham Schneck 1888-1908 George Steinert 1902-1905 Andrew Martin 1908-1927 Edwin Mayer 1927-1948 Arnold R. Lambarth 1947-1974 E. N. Krafft 1951-1954 Edwin J. A. Koch 1957-1969 Jenny House 1987-1989 Fred Krauss 2000-2006