By Steven Aldrich
When Carmel’s Bethlehem Lutheran Church first began meeting in 1991, the congregation held services in an old library building.
The church has come a long way since then, purchasing a 4.3-acre property near Main and Meridian streets to accommodate growth. Recently the church expanded again, adding a new sanctuary that can seat 200 people, a large welcoming area, three offices and additional restrooms.
The project also included a remodel to expand preschool and other classrooms. With all of the new additions, the church has nearly doubled in square footage.
Pastor George Ferch said that although the church now has a different look, its mission has remained the same.
“We plan to use our expanded facilities to better serve Carmel and neighboring communities with the gospel of Jesus Christ,” he said.
Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 13225 Illinois St., will hold an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 19 to introduce the public to the changes. Attendees will be able to take a tour of the building, enjoy refreshments and pick up free coffee mugs, T-shirts and other items.
