June 25, 1893: Bethany Lutheran Church was organized with 48 charter members.
September 7, 1893: Bethany Lutheran Church was admitted to the Allegheny Synod.

A need:

In 1891 six people canvassed the 8th and 10th wards in Altoona, Pennsylvania to see if the Lutherans in that area were interested in forming a new church. The canvas revealed sufficient interest and a meeting was held in the John Kline building at 330 6th Avenue in November. At this time a Sunday School was formed with 69 people organizing the Sunday School.

The Sunday School attendance increased and a new location was needed to accommodate the increase. A location was found at 401 6th Avenue and space was rented.

From these Sunday School members a church was formed for Lutherans in the 8th and 10th wards to gather for worship.

A location:

A plot of ground was donated on the corner of 3rd Avenue and 2nd Street for a church to be built. A cornerstone was laid on November 12, 1893 and the church was dedicated on April 1, 1894.

As membership increased and time passed the wooden structure was too small and also deteriorating so the members decided to build a new larger church with brick

More room:

The lot and house at 204 3rd Avenue was purchased for $2,700 and a new church could be built with this additional space.

The lot at 206 3rd Avenue was purchased for $2,500 and this allowed a lot for a parsonage to be built.

Changes with time:

The congregation has changed from just a neighborhood worship to one with many members living in the outlying areas; however these members remain faithful to Bethany as many are descendants of the members who struggled to finance and build this church.

Blessings:

Bethany Lutheran Church has been blessed with the leadership and caring of ministers throughout the years. Only 13 ministers (including our present one) have served this congregation in all the years of our existence, since 1893.

God will continue to bless this congregation if we continue to serve Him and carry out our Mission: "Believers united in Christ by a loving and caring God, encourage people to gather for Worship and Learing and send them to witness and serve in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit."