It’s been a church on the hill for as long as anyone can remember.

Now, Bethany EC Church, 222 North St., Lehighton, will mark 130 years of ministry with a celebration at 10:45 a.m. Sunday.

The Rev. Dale Oplinger said at the celebration that several former ministers will present memories of their time at Bethany.

Oplinger said they will include the Rev. Dennis L. Brubacher, the Rev. Douglas D. Evans, the Rev. Jeffrey S. Stansbury, lay interim minister Julius Lenhart. Oplinger will make concluding remarks.

“For the current members of the congregation, it is a milestone for them,” Oplinger said. “We do have a very faithful and dedicated congregation, which gives us a good spiritual foundation for the church, and how much they value being a part of the community, being there.”

Oplinger added a memorial choir made up of those attending that sang on the choir over the years will be singing.

Historical photos and memorabilia will be on display, with a fellowship lunch offering time to catch up with former pastors and friends.

“If you grew up at Bethany EC Church, attended, are a member, or just seeking a church you are welcome and invited to this 10:45 a.m. service,” he said. “The Evangelical Congregational church is a denomination of people with the good news of Jesus Christ, and our purpose is: “To know Christ and make Him known.” With our mission to: “Love God, love others and make a difference every day.”

Currently, Oplinger said the church has about 85 members on the register, with about 50 attending on average per Sunday worship,

“We want to be a positive influence on the community and be there to help in the community, not only to spread the gospel,” he said. “We are looking forward to seeing you, serving our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the community of Lehighton for many years to come.”

Oplinger noted that they support the Trinity Food Pantry (Lehighton) by collecting food for them, and that they also have a clothing ministry between 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays.

In addition, Oplinger said the church offers Christian Education Ministry before services for people of all ages. As a praying church, they typically have their praying on Tuesday evenings.

“We just want to get more involved and be a positive force in the community,” he said. “We welcome anybody who would like to come and join us just to worship with, become a member, to grow in faith.

It all started back on Oct. 5, 1894, when about 100 members of the former Ebenezer EUB church across the street gathered and voted to begin a new church society and decided it should be known as the Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church of Lehighton.

Then after a year of meeting and planning a new (and current) church facility was built and dedicated on Oct. 11, 1895.

“This is what we are celebrating today,” Oplinger said. “As the church grew in spirit and numbers, a new Christian education wing was added to the church in 1985.

Over the years, the church has had 29 ministers serve at Bethany. Oplinger began serving July 1, 2024.

Oplinger said they currently broadcast Sunday morning services at 10:45 a.m. on Facebook live.

For more information on Bethany EC Church in Lehighton, follow then on Facebook, or visit becc.churchtrac.com.