Bethany Lutheran Church

Leesburg Lutheran Mission Church became a reality in 1962 when several families in Leesburg determined there was a need for a Lutheran Church Missouri Synod in this area. The services were held in members homes and then later in the Leesburg Professional Building, formerly an old hotel at 1112 Main Street, Leesburg.

In Ground-breaking for the new church took place December 8, 1963.  At the end of the year membership was 92 baptized members and 62 communicant members.  On March 8, 1964 Corner-stone laying for new church took place and the new church was dedicated in May of 1964.

In April 1986, the voters approved a remodeling and expansion project of the church facilities. The fellowship hall and the offices were added; the sanctuary was enlarged, and the balcony and stained-glass window were added. 

The major feature of our window is the stylized cross rendered in red to depict the blood shed by our Savior Jesus Christ for all mankind.  The descending dove represents the Holy Spirit, which together with the water flowing from the cross reminds us of the words,  "Jesus answered,   'I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the spirit.'   (John 3:5.)

On each side of the cross is a stylized Alpha and Omega the first and the last letters of the Greek  alphabet, suggesting the words,   "I am the beginning and the end."

Because of the location behind the altar and because of the colors used in the interior, a rich soft blue is  the predominant color.  When artist Conrad Pickel began the sketch and ideas were first discussed, he said, "The window must be a symphony in blue."  That it is.

This window was added to Bethany Lutheran Church when it was remodeled in 1985-86.

The present facilities were dedicated on March 22, 1987.

A generous gift from the Ray Graf estate enabled the congregation to purchase a new Allen organ in 1989. In 1991, handbells were acquired through gifts from the congregation and dedicated to the glory of God. In May 1992, a new Young-Chang piano was purchased for the sanctuary. The gift also helped fund the paving of the parking area. It was completed in March 1996.

On February 15, 1998 in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod the Bell Tower was dedicated.   The three, twenty-five foot columns, which represent the Holy Trinity, were poured on site, using special construction tubes. The columns were joined together by horizontal grilles, fabricated by the Architectural Bronze, Inc. of St. Louis MO. Three specially designed medallions were mounted on the grilles to remind all who view the Bell Tower and hear the Tower Bell of the 150th Anniversary of Synod's founding. The grille holding the stylized Missouri Synod seal with the words "150th Anniversary" faces the street.  Facing the entrance is the grille with "Bethany Lutheran Church, Leesburg, FL" and the grille facing the Sanctuary is the "Luther Crest".