The Living Temple

Written especially for the Quasquicentennial of Bethel Church on July 3,4 and 5th in 1992 by Dorothy Baumgartner

"Midst the throes of the 1860’s our forefathers came
To the land of Missouri, Can you remember their names?"
There was Aeschbacher, Basinger, Gerber, too,
Lehman, Loganbill, Moser and Welty
To mention a few.
To worship their Lord
They migrated far,
From the banks of the Ohio,
To follow their star.
Their creed was Unity in the Essentials,
Liberty and Charity in Non-Essentials.
Rev. P.P. Lehman was the first minister in 1871,
Sunday School started the year he began,
In 1895, Christian Endeavor was initiated.
And l50 church members in worship participated.
Sunday School enrollment was 192
C.E. membership numbered 92
Choral members were 35
And Ladies Sewing circle was 75.
The new church was dedicated in 1909,
The old church soon outgrew it’s time.
To their faith in God,
They built this shrine.
For 125 years the church has grown,
And the love of God through it’s life has shone.
But God dwelleth not in a temple made with hands, Acts: 7:48a.
Created and molded by humble man.
But He dwells in the hearts of his servants true,
Who with His Spirit their hearts He imbues.
O Gracious God,
Loving Friend of the weak,
We praise You we thank you for past blessings.,
And seek your will for this church,
And may we rightly live,
So your quiet benediction we may receive.