History :

August 1, 1984 marked the beginning of what would become St. Andrew Lutheran Church of East Bethel. The groundwork was started by Pastor William Patterson who was the “Pastor Developer” for the New Mission” in East Bethel. Pastor Patterson moved into the area and began calling on the homes of its people and inviting them to become part of a new congregation.

St. Andrew held its first Worship Service on December 2, 1984 in the gymnasium of East Bethel Community School with an attendance of 100 people. December 15, 1985 marked the day when the congregation was formally incorporated with a total of 83 adult Charter Members.

Pastor Patterson left St. Andrew in October of 1987. The congregation “called” Pastor Timothy Baglien in December 1987 to serve as their Pastor.

Under Pastor Baglien’s leadership the congregation continued to grow. The long awaited day of ground breaking for the congregation’s first Church Building was held on July 16, 1989. Ninety-Five percent of the labor was provided by members and friends of the congregation.

Construction of the Church Building proceeded with the goal of “move-in” in time for Easter Sunday Worship. However, the very first Worship Service was held in the unfinished Sanctuary on Christmas Eve of 1989. One hundred Seventy very excited individuals celebrated Christ’s birth in the midst of unpainted walls, uncovered floors and sitting on folding chairs!

The building was finished and the congregation moved in permanently by Easter Sunday, April 15, 1990. The goal was achieved! One month later, the congregation held the traditional Service of Dedication.