In 1951 the community of Mountlake Terrace was just forming. There were several homes where people met to have Bible studies but few church buildings. The Lutheran Free Church decided to send a mission worker to meet with people in the community about possibly forming a church. One of the developers in town generously donated two lots on 56th Ave to the group and construction of Bethesda Lutheran Church began. In the still incomplete — but high soaring building, 37 worshippers gathered for their first morning worship on Christmas, 1951. They called their church Bethesda, house of mercy. Bethesda was formally organized on March 1, 1953.

Ever since it’s inception, Bethesda has been an important part of the Mountlake Terrace community. They are involved in nearly every event that happens in Mountlake Terrace. In just under a month you will find Bethesda members giving out free hugs at Tour de Terrace and also during Tour de Terrace, the church is putting on the 6th annual Bethesda Arts & Crafts Festival with an emphasis on recycled art. The Mountlake Terrace Seniors Group center is located at the church grounds and they hold their senior lunches at Bethesda twice a week. Every Monday night the church has free community dinners where anyone is welcome.

Bethesda is located at 56th/234th and has services every Sunday at 10:15am and you can find more information at BethesdaLCMLT.com. See some photos of the church building below, past and present.