Bethlehem Lutheran, rural Defiance

A whirlwind church tour through Defiance County last Tuesday 8/4, found this one on a list of 10 churches to visit. The plan was to just stop by, take a few photos of the outside, and be on our way; as is the usual game plan for churches that I haven't contacted in advance.

We pulled into the parking lot and I was immediately charmed by this utterly CUTE little old country church!
It appeared to be lovingly cared-for. The windows were intriguing. I noticed a newer educational wing built onto the other side of the building (and also a cemetery, but I didn't start on that because I would have been yet another hour in there!)
Not an original cornerstone, but a sign of pride that a newer one with the original date was installed at some point.
The original wooden doors have been replaced with glass doors, making it easy for me to take a few shots through the doors. Now this was at 5 pm on a Tuesday afternoon, and I hardly expected the church to be unlocked at that time, with no sign of anyone around. But as is my habit, I tried the door anyway ...
... and it opened right up ... !!? I ventured inside, called "Hello" several times, no reply ... sooo, I just went to work!
What a darling little place! Beautiful windows, pews that appeared original. The chancel had obviously been updated. The altar, lectern, and pulpit appeared to be, oh, 1960's, give or take a decade. But it still fits in well and isn't at all out of place, even though I couldn't help but wonder why the original furnishings were replaced at that time ...

I love this organ case ...

This is different ...The Gethsemane window over the altar ...

Lovely cheerful little old geometric windows, each with a different Bible scene featured. Identical designs, but just enough variance in the different pieces of glass to make each one unique ...

I've never seen a Resurrection scene like this one before ...

Grisaille trim in the bottom panels of the windows ...

A view from the balcony ...

Gorgeous old wood-plank pews!

Someone did a lighted miniature of the church that sits on top of the organ console ...

This old chair that must've been in the chancel at one time, now sits in the hallway leading to the educational wing, just off the narthex.

Interesting tapestry adorning the left-hand wall ...

There is a charming and inviting patio area at the back of the church, in the space between the educational wing and the church. Wonderful use of this space!
This old door opened into the sacristy at one time. There is now a newer, more secure door in that spot at the back of the church, but rather than throw the old door away, this is what they did with it -- what a great idea!

... and even with all the old skeleton keys!

Notice that weathervane atop the steeple?

So much of the charm and nostalgia of an era gone by ...

As it turned out, via a note left on the (locked) door at sister congregation St. Mark's, VBS was scheduled for that evening. It's assumable that someone was in here getting ready for the evening's program and perhaps went home for dinner, thinking that there was no need to lock the door for that short time (remember where they're at!). My thanks to whoever made it possible for me to get these lovely pictures, which will of course be emailed to the church!