The beginnings ...

In many instances God begins with very little. Jesus created food for more than 5,000, beginning with only a small boy's lunch. Most of the time, God begins with just a few believers when He plans a Christian work - a church. Thus began the work of what is now the Bethany Baptist Church in Gardner.

As early as in the year 1883, there were a few Swedish Baptists living in Gardner, at that time members of the now Belmont Street Baptist Church of Worcester, MA, who began meeting in homes for Bible study and prayer. Visiting pastors came now and then to preach the word of God to them.

In the year 1891, four years before the church was finally organized, and during a meeting with the pastor from the Worcester church, it was decided to build a chapel. Immediately eight of the friends present subscribed $135 to the work. A piece of land was bought for $235, where the chapel was built. The new meeting place was dedicated on February 2, 1892, at a value of $1350. At the dedication, $1047 was already paid, leaving a small debt of only $303. From this time on, regular services were held.

The first regular pastor began his work in February, 1894, more than a year before the church was organized. At this time, the group still held their membership in the Worcester church. In order to do a more effective work, it was agreed that the group should organize themselves into a regular Baptist church. On October 18th, 1895, a group of Baptist believers met and organized The First Swedish Baptist Church of Gardner. There were 26 charter members.

The work of the church progressed very well. Born-again believers were added, so in less than 10 years after the organization, plans were being made to build a new and larger church edifice. Work on this new building began in 1904 and was completed in 1907. The debt on the new church was paid and the mortgage burned at the 25th anniversary celebration in 1920. During the years the work in all departments was progressing normally well. The Sunday School increased rapidly and work expanded in all areas.

In the early 1940s, the Swedish language was no longer being used, so it became evident that the name of the church should be changed. The long-standing name, "The First Swedish Baptist" was changed to "Pine Street Baptist Church."

Our Pine Street building became too small, so on January 1, 1967, a vote was taken to build a new church, big enough for all our needs and to include ample parking spaces, and the name was changed to "Bethany Baptist Church." By God's leading, the church was able to buy a suitable tract of land on Ryan Street (the present location). This land belonged to the Gustaf Adamson family, and the children were willing to sell this land to the church.

The ground-breaking ceremony was held on April 16, 1967, and the service for the laying of the cornerstone was on September 24, 1967. On Sunday, March 24, 1968, we began services in our new church building. The formal dedication was held on Sunday afternoon, May 12, 1968, at which time we could really sing out: "To God be the Glory, great things He has done."

The Present ...

The Reverend Dan Meiners is the current full-time pastor, serving since 1986. Including Pastor Meiners, the church has been served by 24 full-time pastors and three interim pastors.

Presently we hold Sunday Worship Services at 10:45 a.m., with Sunday School for all ages from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Mrs. Paula D'Entremont is the Sunday School Superintendent, overseeing teachers who provide preschool through adult Bible study curricula.

Paula is also our Parish Nurse; her health-ministry began in 2002 and continues to provide information, resources and support to the church family, including a Health Ministry section with monthly features on this website.

In recent years, we have had several full-time youth pastors. Serving in that capacity is Brendon MacKay, who leads the Youth Ministries program for students in grades 6-12. Young people from around the community are welcomed and regular participants in this program, as well as those who are church members. Brendon joined the church ministry team in 2007.

Like the Youth Program, our active All Stars for Jesus Club is not only for the children of the church (grades K-6), but also for those from around the community. And the Bethany Christian Nursery School, another outreach, has been in operation for many years. Susan R. Blais is the current director.

The Monday evening Community Hot Meals programs is overseen by Roberta Desmarais, assisted by volunteers from the congregation as they prepare and serve a delicious meal to local members of the community, while sharing the gospel.

During the entire century we have been in existence, the church has been richly blessed with musical talent, including string bands and an orchestra that took part regularly in the evening services. In the 50s, there was also a band. There have been senior and junior choirs to provide music in our worship services, and our music style is a blend of the traditional and the contemporary. We also praise God for the many groups and individuals who have been blessed with musical talents. Our current choir and music director is Ted Cushing; Diane Cushing serves as Praise Leader, and they also lead the monthly "Singspiration" program when we come together on a Sunday night to sing our favorite hymns. Wayne Crespo ensures a steady supply of gospel music concerts throughout the year, with well-known performers from around the country.

Our Family Ministry team regularly hosts pot-luck suppers and movie nights to provide a time of fellowship and uplifting or inspirational family entertainment. Other events during the church year include the annual Sweetheart Dinner to celebrate the covenant of marriage.

We know only part of the story, but God knows all of it, and He will abundantly reward one and all for faithful service that has been rendered to Him and His work. Our "tomorrows" are as bright and hopeful as are God's promises. May we continue to learn that if we depend on Him and let Him lead, His work amongst us will surely prosper.

From the 100th anniversary brochure, submitted by the Church Officers and Committees (1895-1995). Updated August 2009.