Bethany's journey began over 80 years ago when a group of 14 people began to meet for worship in a home that is now the site of the 7-11 store adjacent to the Puyallup fairgrounds. In 1920, these believers formed the Swedish Baptist Church. They conducted their services in Swedish and by the next year they had constructed a building close to the Meeker Mansion in downtown Puyallup. They did some innovative things in those days, including a ministry to Japanese speaking children in nearby Alderton.
During the 1930's these Swedes sensed a need to expand their ministry, so they began conducting their services in English and changed their name to Pioneer Avenue Baptist Church. Over the next two decades the church grew and eventually moved to a location on 3rd Street Northeast in 1962. They changed the name to Bethany Baptist Church.
In the early 1990's we felt that the Lord was leading us on our journey to another new home. Property was purchased in 1993 and eight years later we moved into our current facility.
Today you would hardly recognize our Swedish roots. We've been moving and changing for over 80 years. The one constant in our journey has been to understand what God has in store for us. We believe it involves loving Jesus and the people of this city. We'd love to have you join us on this journey!