Church History

Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Warrensburg was organized in June of 1939, but services were regularly held since 1928, first in the old Woodmen Hall and later in the hall above Vernaz Drug Store on Pine Street. After years of worshiping in rented halls, the members of Bethlehem dedicated their first church building on South Street in 1941. Sixteen years later a colonial style edifice, complete with white pillars and a tall steeple, was dedicated on North Maguire Street.

Since the early years, Bethlehem Congregation has reached out to the students attending Central Missouri State University. Today the congregation supports the ministry of the Lutheran Campus Ministry, which has a student center about a block north of the campus at 215 South Holden Street. A dozen or more students worship at Bethlehem each Sunday. Some enjoy staying for the free dinners held occasionally after worship.

Bethlehem also regularly serves officers and enlisted personnel stationed at Whiteman Air Force Base, many of whom have become active members of the congregation. In 1983 the congregation took a leading role in beginning a mission congregation in Knob Noster. Faith Lutheran Church, our daughter congregation, holds regular Sunday services at 9:00 a.m. During the earlier years our pastor often preached at both churches on Sunday mornings.

Pastor Roger Beese served Bethlehem Lutheran Church from October 1974 until April 2006. On July 8th we installed our new Pastor. His name is Rev. Joel R. Kurz, he came to us from Forsyth Missouri.

Contact information
Bethlehem Lutheran Church Mailing Address:
607 N. Maguire
Warrensburg, Missouri 64093

Church Phone Number: 660.747.6742
Pastor's Cell Phone: 660.441.5710
Office email: blc@iland.net
Prayer requests welcome

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