Bethany Presbyterian Church sits on Springville Road in the Bethany neighborhood on the western edge of Portland, Oregon. The low-slung complex of sanctuary, education wing, and bell-tower courtyard is the third church to stand on the site, and the congregation that gathers here has been meeting since the nineteenth century. Thirteen people first came together in 1873 to take the first steps toward forming a German-speaking parish, and the congregation celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2023. Today a multigenerational community gathers at 10 a.m. each Sunday for a worship service that blends classic and contemporary music, then stays for Sunday School, classes, and conversation. The congregation's vision is to proclaim the Good News, engage the community, and equip disciples.
A 150-Year Story in Bethany
The story of Bethany Presbyterian begins with a small group of German-speaking settlers in the farming community of Bethany. In 1873 thirteen persons met to take the first steps toward forming a German parish. The Presbytery officially formed the congregation later that year and gave it the name "Erste Deutsche Presybterianischer Kirche zu Bethanien, Oregon" - the First German Presbyterian Church of Bethany, Oregon. Jacob Wismer became the church's first official Elder in 1874, the same year land was donated for the first church building and a cemetery was laid out behind it.
The early decades were a story of growth and steady giving. A Ladies Aid and Missionary Society was organized in 1899, and in 1904 the new church was dedicated. By 1908 the congregation had retired the remaining debt on that building and announced to Presbytery that it had become self-supporting. The Frauenverein presented the church with a Silver Communion Pitcher and Chalice in 1924 that are still used on the communion table today.
In 1929 the congregation voted to discontinue the use of the German language in worship, marking a generational turning point. Electricity arrived in Bethany in 1930, along with a drilled well and pressure water system. The current sanctuary building was designed and built in 1955. Two disasters shaped the next decade: in 1962 a hurricane blew the steeple, with the 450-pound church bell inside it, off the second church, and in 1966 a fire destroyed the upper portion of the second church that had been used as an educational unit for eight years. A new education wing was dedicated in 1967.
Bethany's youth groups began traveling to churches throughout the western United States and Mexico in 1970. The Christian Education Building broke ground in 1994, was dedicated in 2000 to the memory of Rev. Henry Dickman, and remains the home of most of the church's classrooms. The historic church bell was moved from the second church to its current home in the bell tower that stands proudly in the courtyard. In 2023 the congregation marked its 150th anniversary with a year of remembrance and celebration.
Sunday Mornings at 10
The Sunday service begins at 10 a.m. and is offered both in person and online through the church's YouTube channel. The atmosphere is described as casual, with a mix of classic and contemporary worship. A 1948 Wurlitzer organ with Maas Cathedral Chimes still anchors the music, accompanied by pianist and organist Susan Chan. The church teaches that all humanity is created in God's image regardless of ethnicity, gender, class, or background, and that authentic relationships are the fabric of who the church is. Members and friends hold different perspectives about many things in life, but are united in their faith and commitment to follow Jesus Christ.
Children in elementary grades are invited to "Bethany Kids," a sermon-time ministry that engages their hearts and minds to know the love of God through Christ. They begin in worship with their families, depart just before the sermon, and rejoin the service shortly after. Bethany Kids is led outdoors when weather permits, or in a covered space when it does not.
Bethany's Children
Sunday School for children preschool through fifth grade is held at 9 a.m. in Dickman Hall Rooms 10 and 11. The program uses a two-year curriculum called Spark: Activate Faith, with four parts to every lesson: Gather, Open the Bible, Activate Faith, and Send. Children work with Spark Bibles (NRSV), Deep Blue Bibles (CEB), and the Spark Story Bible for younger students. The room is set up as a one-room schoolhouse and uses Godly Play manipulatives to bring the stories to life. The teaching team includes Children's Ministry Coordinator Cindy Hamilton along with Gail Johnson, Karen Bryan, and other volunteers.
The Joyful Noise children's and youth choir meets in the CE building from 9:40 to 9:55 on Sunday mornings. The kids are taken out of Sunday School for choir, and the group sings a mix of old hymns and lively children's songs, leading the congregation in song about every three to four weeks. Throughout the year, members of the choir have chances to sing solos, duets, and trios.
On the third Sunday of each month the Young Families Fellowship gathers at 11:30 a.m. in Dickman Hall Rooms 10 and 11 for a shared lunch. Right after the luncheon, from noon to about 1:45 p.m., the Cooking with Kids class meets in the Dickman Hall kitchen. Children make everything from main dishes to cakes and breads, both yeast and quick. All ages of children attending Bethany are welcome, and extra adult helpers are always appreciated.
Youth in Grades 6-12
Middle school and high school students meet for Youth Sunday School at 9 a.m. in Dickman Hall Room 6. The class looks at a variety of topics including the Gospel story, questions about Christianity, and themes often found in the Bible. Students are encouraged to bring their own ideas for topics. They end a little early so that some can head to the Joyful Noise choir or help with the audio-visual team.
On Wednesday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m., youth in grades 6 through 12 are welcome to join the group for dinner before moving to their own activities in Fellowship Hall, Dickman Hall Room 6, and the gym. The evening balances community building, games, and serious study time. Once a month, on the third Saturday, the youth group meets for a more casual gathering of activities, scriptural lessons, and games, and students are invited to help plan future events. Annual trips have included the Northwest Presbytery Spring Retreat, a summer Mission Trip, and Vacation Bible School.
Bethany is part of the Northwest Presbytery, which also includes Old Scotch, Orenco Presbyterian, and Hillsboro Presbyterian. Each month a different church in the Presbytery hosts an event for youth from around the area, usually on the first Sunday evening.
Adults Around the Table
Adult Sunday Education meets at 9 a.m. in Dickman Hall Rooms 1 and 2. On Wednesday evenings, "The Well" begins with dinner at 6 p.m. followed by a Bible study at 6:45 p.m., facilitated by Pastor Joanna Dunn. Anyone is welcome to come for all or any part of the evening. Also on Wednesdays, "Life's Conversations" gathers from noon to 1:30 p.m. in The Gathering Place near the main office for lunch-and-learn conversations about faith and life. Participants bring their own lunch.
Young adults who have graduated high school meet on Thursdays at 7 p.m. in The Gathering Place and on a WhatsApp group called "Bethany Presbyterian Church Young Adults." The group is facilitated by Pastor Joanna Dunn and Megan Jones.
Other regular groups for adults include the Esther Circle, which meets on the second Thursday of the month from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in Dickman Hall Rooms 1 and 2 and is currently studying the Book of Revelation. The Women of the Spirit Bible study meets via Zoom twice a month on Wednesdays from January through April and September through November. The Bethany Book Club gathers monthly. The Deacons of the church also coordinate meals for members during illness, the arrival of a new baby, or other emergencies; anyone willing to provide a meal is invited to be added to the list.
Joyful Noise and Handbells
Music is woven into Sunday mornings at Bethany. The Wurlitzer organ and Maas Cathedral Chimes, installed in 1948, are still used today, and Susan Chan serves as pianist and organist. The Joyful Noise children's and youth choir leads the congregation in song several times a month. Adults can also join the handbell choir, which plays the church's set of Schulmerich handbells. No bell experience is required; some ability to read music is helpful. Practices are held intermittently on Sundays from 11:15 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. in the Music Rehearsal Room, with the group playing in worship every two or three months.
Serving Neighbors in Portland and Beyond
Bethany's outreach ministry reaches both nearby and across the ocean. Each month the church prepares and serves a meal for a local Transition Projects shelter. The congregation supports Giving Connection, a local non-profit that collects and distributes donations to survivors of human trafficking. Together with other churches, Bethany collaborates to meet the immediate needs of the Warm Springs Community, where a lack of consistent water supply and food insecurity are ongoing challenges. The church also supports the Network of International Christian Schools, an organization that reaches the world for Christ through international Christian education.
A ministry called Cooking as a Second Language for Immigrant Parents and Their Children invites community guests to cook, share a meal, and build friendships with volunteers from the church. Each year, all ages are invited to Camp Magruder on the Oregon coast for Bethany Beach Blast, a day of boating, fishing, archery, organized games, dinner with skits, singing, and s'mores.
Bethany also supports local public schools. Sato Elementary, named after a family who attended Bethany Presbyterian prior to World War II, opened to students in 2017. The church also partners with Jacob Wismer Elementary, Springville Elementary, Stoller Middle School, and Westview High School. Periodic Red Cross blood drives are held at partner schools.
Session, Deacons, and Trustees
Bethany is governed in the Presbyterian way by a Session of Elders, a Board of Deacons, and a Board of Trustees. The Session includes Steve Blanton, Carol Faber, Karen Bryan, Patrick Clough, Susan Gillespie, Sue Gaston, Gail Johnson, Jody Jones, and Maggie Olmon. The Deacons are Barb Westley, Dan Damon, Kristen Strength, Juliette Tribble, Charlene Dilnik, Carol Baldwin, Alana Mapes, Jen Saiturn, Nancy Olsen, and Craig Johnson. The Trustees are Ray Orlaske, Ken King, Gary Olmon, Bernie Mayer, Megan Jones, and Jeng Lui. The Personnel Committee includes Jessica Morkert, Harvey Berkey, and Diane Chew. The Nominating Committee for 2026 is made up of Merideth Brown, Cindy Hamilton, Adam Strength, and Fred Peterson.
The pastoral and ministry staff is led by Pastor Joanna Dunn, who also facilitates The Well, Life's Conversations, and the Young Adults group. Megan Jones is the Youth Ministry Coordinator, and Cindy Hamilton is the Children's Ministry Coordinator. Susan Chan serves as pianist and organist.
Visiting Bethany
Bethany Presbyterian Church is located at 15505 NW Springville Road, Portland, OR 97229. The church office is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to noon, and by appointment. The phone number is 503-645-1166 and the email is info@bethanypc.com. Sunday worship begins at 10 a.m. and is offered in person and online. Sunday School for all ages meets at 9 a.m. Visitors are welcome to come in casual dress. Online giving is available through the church's giving page. Those who want to stay informed about weekly news and updates can subscribe to the church's mailing list.