Our Story
A Foundation Built on Faith
Original charter members
On April 24, 1949, twenty-one believers gathered in the Odd Fellows’ Hall on Kansas City Street in Rapid City for the very first service of Bethel Temple. From that day on, the congregation experienced a clear and unusual touch of God’s presence and God began to move in the hearts of those who gathered.
Odd Fellows’ Hall on Kansas City Street in Rapid City
As the years went by, Bethel became a well-known church in Rapid City. Everyone knew its location, and the neon sign on the front, which read "Prayer Changes Things,” became a landmark. Many people even referred to it as "The Prayer Changes Things Church.” Soon God led the church to expand and build a larger facility, and the congregation stepped out in faith to purchase lots on the corner of 6th and St. Francis. As the church grew, Bethel’s presence in the community became a beacon of faith, prayer, and hope, drawing people to Jesus and demonstrating God’s power in everyday life.
As the church prayed for a permanent location, God led them to a corner lot at 5th and St. Patrick. Soon after, the Zion Lutheran Church building was put up for sale. When leaders stepped inside, the Holy Spirit confirmed it was the right place. Though there were no funds available, God provided a way for the purchase, and the building was moved to the newly purchased lot and set on the foundation that had already been prepared.
Church on 5th and St. Patrick
This impact set the stage for the next season, and in April 1987, the congregation voted to relocate and began seeking property for a new building. In April 1988, Lighthouse Temple offered to trade their building at 1202 North Maple, giving Bethel the opportunity for a larger facility. Believing this to be a God-given opportunity, the church moved forward. In October, Bethel moved into its new and current building. God’s faithfulness was evident throughout the process.
1202 N Maple Ave. (1988)
Expansion for Future Generations
In 2009, Bethel took an exciting step to better serve our congregation and community. Recognizing the growing needs of our children and youth, we created dedicated spaces for both ministries, giving kids and teens room to grow and connect. The addition of a teen center provided new opportunities for fellowship, discipleship, and outreach. These changes allowed us to engage the next generation more fully, creating a welcoming environment where they could experience God’s love and be equipped to serve Him.
In 2015, Bethel completed a significant remodel of the church to accommodate a growing congregation and bring the sanctuary up to a more modern look as they moved into the new years ahead. This renovation demonstrated the church's commitment to staying current while maintaining their foundational values.
Something about our Edgemont campus will go here.
A Light on the Hill
Today, at 76 years old, Bethel continues to be a place of faith, prayer, and mission. We trust God to guide us in every step, and we believe God still has great plans for Bethel, and we are eager to follow Him as we serve Him and our community.