LINDSBORG, Kan. — Bethany Lutheran Church, a cornerstone of faith and community in central Kansas for more than 150 years, has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the National Fund for Sacred Places, a program of Partners for Sacred Places in collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Bethany’s Church council President, Trampas Miller said, “It is a tremendous honor to receive this grant—not only for our congregation, but for the entire community we serve. To be the only recipient in Kansas is a reminder that this is a special place.”
Pastor Chris Deines said, “Bethany has been a spiritual home for generations—a place where people gather to worship, serve, and celebrate together. This grant allows us to preserve our sacred space so it remains a welcoming place for all.”
Preserving a Legacy of Faith and Community
Bethany’s historic sanctuary, known for its beauty, music, and hospitality, will undergo a major restoration to ensure its continued strength and safety. The project includes rebuilding a wall, replacing aging wooden beams with steel supports, installing tie rods, and other structural improvements.
“These upgrades are about more than fixing a building,” Pastor Deines said. “They renew our mission. Bethany has always stood for faith, relationships, and community. This work helps us continue sharing Christ’s love in ways that will last for generations. ‘God’s Word Shall Live Forever’—the words above our entrance—still guide us today.”
A Heart for Lindsborg
Founded in 1869, Bethany Lutheran Church has long been at the heart of Lindsborg’s spiritual and cultural life. From its Swedish heritage, its commitment to education as the birthplace of Bethany College, to its ongoing community service and outreach, Bethany continues to be a place of inspiration, hospitality, and hope.
“Bethany’s story is woven into the story of Lindsborg,” Pastor Deines said. “We pray this restoration strengthens not only our church but also the wider community—artists, families, students, and neighbors who find this a place of peace and joy.”
About the National Fund for Sacred Places
The National Fund for Sacred Places provides financial and technical assistance to congregations undertaking major preservation projects at historically significant houses of worship. 30 worshipping communities nationwide received grants from the National Fund totaling $8.7 million.
Learn more at www.fundforsacredplaces.org.
About Bethany Lutheran Church
A congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Bethany Lutheran Church is rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and committed to proclaiming God’s grace, nurturing discipleship, and serving the world with compassion and love.
