How the Bethlehem Chapel came to be

I think often of Bethlehem as Christmas nears --- not that Bethlehem as a rule, but rather Bethlehem, Iowa, just down the road in northern Wayne County.

I grew up a couple of miles north, on the Lucas-Wayne county line, and have known it all my life. The little town remains in my head as it was in the 1950s and 1960s --- greatly diminished but still there. By now, except for Bethlehem Chapel and a giant Rathbun Rural Water Association tower, it's vanished.

There are a couple of posts here about it --- one entitled "Jesus was born down in Wayne County" and another, "O Little Town of Bethlehem."

A question arose the other day, "How did Bethlehem Chapel come to be?" I found the following little story written by Theda K. Long and published in The Corydon Times-Republican of Dec. 21, 1972, that provides some of the answers:

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And it came to pass that a few citizens residing in the northern section of Wayne County, state of Iowa, decreed that a memorial for the forefathers of their community should be established.

This is Bethlehem of Iowa, today. As the season approaches in memory of an event that occurred in Bethlehem of Judea 1,972 years ago, it is fitting that we dwell a few minutes on this Bethlehem in our own midst, that had its beginning in 1853.

The few concerned residents, Erma and Raymond Richmond, Elizabeth and Lester Dotts, met in Millerton with Rev. Laurence Jones. The old United Methodist Church, having been in Bethlehem, was to bow to the elements of time --- it would be torn down.

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What was left in Bethlehem as a sacred reminder of the Bethlehem (of yore)? Who would remember that once three churches, the Methodist, the Baptist and the Christian, served the spiritual needs of this pioneer village?

The mighty song of the blacksmith practicing his trade could be heard coming from two buildings. Three general stores plus a millinery had dry goods and food staples not raised on the black, fertile soil in this farming community. There was a barber shop, a post office, a telephone office.

There was no doctor shortage in Bethlehem as six doctors had offices there, Dr. Sollenbarger, Dr. Walker, Dr. Hurt, Dr. Farris, Dr. Luthy and Dr. Blankenship.

It was around 1956 that the old school closed and students were transported to the Wayne Community Schools.

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Then the word came the church would be sold. The only wedding held here was Gordon Dotts and Ann Boyce in 1955. It had been 12 years or more since a service was held. Sold for $150, this could and would be a nucleus for a fund to build a memorial chapel, a little roadside chapel (that) would remind local residents, as well as those traveling through Bethlehem on the smooth paved road that led to beautiful Rathbun Lake, of the strong pioneers who once lived here.

Money left in the Ladies Aid fund and the church treasury was added, over $700 more, and people everywhere were quick to contribute to the fund. Two of the first ones were the late Judge Tom Murrow and the late Honorable Karl LeCompte.

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Ira Davis donated the land where the new chapel was built adjacent to the park area owned by the church. The eight small  pews, the pulpit railing, the Bible and some of the windows came from the old church. The bell in the chapel steeple was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Howard Vincent and Miltie Barker. It came from the Dry Flat school that had met an earlier dismiss.

The rest area sign came from the county engineer, gravel for the access road given by the county board of supervisors and the light pole by Iowa Southern.

Inside the chapel is a map designed by Emmons McMurry, Mrs. Merlin McMurry and the late Merlin McMurry, Mrs. Maggie Pray, Mr. and Mrs. Hollie Scott and Mr. and Mrs. Lester Dotts. The map shows the location of businesses and residents through the history of Bethlehem.

Men donated their services to build the 18' x 12' building with the Russell Cement Co. furnishing part of this cost. The woman finishing the interior were Erma Richmond, Belle McMurry, Louise Clark, Juanita Brown and Elizabeth Dotts.

Another memorial remains, the Bethlehem cemetery, the final resting place of these strong pioneers, the forefathers of Bethlehem. Gravesites are still available, and the cost? Nothing.

Bethlehem of Iowa! May it long be remembered!