Bethesda Covenant Church to celebrate 100 years in Rockford
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Bethesda Covenant Church will mark a century of service this year, starting with a 100th anniversary worship service on Sunday.
The anniversary service is slated for 10 a.m. Sunday at the church, 2101 E. State St. It’s designed to kick off a yearlong series of events intended to honor Bethesda’s past, celebrate its present ministry and look forward to the next 100 years.
“Bethesda is an imperfect community of people learning to love God, love one another, and seek to make our city a better place,” Lead Pastor Dan Hinz said in a news release. “For 100 years, Jesus has been on the move in and through Bethesda. As we celebrate this milestone, we give thanks for God’s faithfulness and look forward with hope to what God will continue to do in and through this church.”
The church was founded in 1926 as the city’s first exclusively English-speaking Evangelical Covenant congregation, church leaders said.
Its historic church building was dedicated in 1928 and stands out for its large bell tower, arching windows, stained glass and other distinct architecture. Church leaders said it has gone through renovations and expansions that meet the evolving needs of the ministry while preserving the structure’s historic character.
The church is inviting current and former members, neighbors and the greater Rockford community to take place in the centennial celebration.
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“These gatherings are not just about remembering history,” Hinz said. “They are about celebrating what God is doing right now and positioning Bethesda for another century of meaningful ministry in Rockford.”
Other upcoming events
- Celebration Dinner: Thursday, Feb. 26 at Prairie Street Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St., Rockford
- 100th Anniversary Program: 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26 at Bethesda
- ‘The Next 100 Years’ Celebration Worship Service: 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 27 at Bethesda (outdoor picnic follows)
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at [email protected] or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
