A Brief Church History
Why do we have two steeples at right angles to each other???
In March 1856, a young German missionary began preaching in homes in the rural area southwest of Faribault. Out of these humble beginnings, two churches were created - Bethel and Immanuel. Through the years, the two congregations built churches, established cemeteries, shared a pastor and a parsonage. They also developed programs that nurtured the rural community and emphasized mission giving to the world. Our forebears built well - their dreams are still being pursued in spite of the changes time has brought to the prairie.
In 1951, a merger symbolizing the unity of Bethel and Immanuel churches took place, creating Blooming Grove United Methodist Church. As a physical symbol of that unity, the Immanuel building was moved several miles to the Bethel site and the buildings were joined together. This church with its two steeples is a physical symbol of cooperation, compromise, and trust.
Come journey with us as we grow in faith, as disciples of Jesus Christ!
