The Swedish Christian Mission church was organized on Aug. 25, 1888, with 13 members signing the charter under the first constitution and this making up the first membership list. These people held regular meetings and Sunday School sessions, though they did not have a resident pastor or meeting place. The congregation was the forerunner of Bethany Evangelical Covenant church of today.

Visiting pastors, including the Rev. E. August Skogsbergh, made occasional visits otherwise the members conducted their own services. The first resident pastors were the Rev. J. Sjociuist and the Rev. Andrew Johnson.

In 1892, a committee was appointed to lay plans for a building on the site purchased in 1889 on the corner of Ninth and Maple from the Northern Pacific Railroad company. Before the year had come to a close, the building was completed at a total cost of $1,722.94. Basically, the original building is the present sanctuary. In 1903, a furnace was installed.

The parsonage was built in 1918 at a cost of $4,000. Remodeling programs have frequently been undertaken to keep it attractive, with necessary conveniences. A natural gas furnace was installed in 1968. In 1926, a remodeling program, including a full basement, a tower capped by a modified steeple, stucco replacing the old brick veneer and a completely redecorated sanctuary was dedicated.

The next remodeling program was undertaken in 1951, when the present facilities were completed. This was a major remodeling program which included an enlargement of the sanctuary, lower auditorium and kitchen. Since then, there have been no major changes except needed decorating and upkeep. In the spring of 1967, the chancel steps were constructed and new carpeting laid.

The current interim pastor serving the church is Daniel B. Drown. Since the church organization in 1888, 27 pastors have served the congregation.

Reproduced from the Centennial Edition of the Brainerd Daily Dispatch (1871-1971).