Photo Archives

Bethlehem is continually adding to our history of photos and documents. Here are a few items from our collection. If you know of more, or have any that you would like to loan to us for posting, please contact our webmaster.

A postcard receipt to Rev. Holthusen, dated October 21, 1903, for materials used in the formation of Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

Grocery Store that was Bethlehem's first storefront home from November 1, 1903 to May 27, 1906.

A November 26, 1904 receipt from William Haedrich & Sons Printers & Lithographers for circulars to Pastor Lindemann.

A Christmas Pledge card and invitation used in Christmas 1904. Written in German, a rough translation of the card says:

Evangelical Lutheran Mission of Trinity Church Parish
Anna Fastner hereby pledged and is recognized this Year for giving to the Sunday School pupils a Christian tree to decorate and small Gifts. Every one, even the smallest gift, is received with Thanks and a sincere "Vergelt's God." At the same time the Mission takes the liberty to invite all of its Friends and Sponsors to the first Christmas-night holiday at its Location on 51st Street and 6th Avenue, Brooklyn, N.Y., at _O'clock in the evening, and take part Solemnly in this event. In the Discharge of the Mission: Paul Linemann, Pastor

(Vergelt's Gott is an old German expression similar to God bless you.)

A construction receipt from T. E. Thoele Carpenter & Builder for materials for Bethlehem's portable church at 51st Street & 6th Avenue.

Business card of Pastor Halfmann. At the time Bethlehem offered services in English and German, on alternate Sundays.

After moving out of the storefront, Bethlehem was located on 51st Street & 6th Avenue. These two photos are of the interior (top of alter, bottom at Christmas 1907).

A February 16, 1910 postcard to Pastor Halfmann about the purchase of hymnals (35 cents each). The note at the bottom is addressed: "Dear Halfie."

A receipt for Pastor Schuermann from May 14, 1915 in German.

A September 25, 1914 postcard to Fred B. Newman of the Bethlehem Church Council from Pastor Otto Sieker of St. Matthew Lutheran Church, about a financial matter. (The problem was apparently resolved, as Rev. Sieker gave the sermon at Bethlehem's corner stone laying in 1922.)

Laying of the cornerstone at 4th & Ovington Avenues on November 26, 1922. Pastor Herbert at top right.

The following are from the Bethlehem Lutheran newsletter (February 1931 issue).

The February 1931 issue of the Bethlehem Lutheran newsletter (4 pages).

Pastor Bobzin in 1932.

Pastor Bobzin in 1935.

Pastor Surburg on the church steps in 1945.

Bethlehem Church Council 1955.
Henry Hirschmann, President; Theadore Speh, Treasurer; Harold Schatz, Financial Sectretary; Trustees Herman Boehling, Walter Bernthal, Karl Droge & Charles Lots; Elders Henry Wilcken & Herman Steike.

Bethlehem's Junior Choir 1955.

Lillian Hansen (holding child) and Pastor Helmers (right of center) with the Vietnamese boat family sponsored by Bethlehem.

A note from Pastor Bobzin on Bethlehem's 75th Anniversary in 1980.

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The Heart of Bay Ridge

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Bethlehem Lutheran Church - Sunday Service: 10:30 am
Fourth & Ovington Avenues - 718-748-9502

- A congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America -
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