The 115-year anniversary of Broadview Church

Broadview, Montana – The 115th anniversary of Bethel Evangelical Church’s ministry to the Broadview neighborhood was celebrated. Several of the church’s former pastors came from near and far to commemorate the happy event.

“It’s awesome to look back at 115 years. Nobody in this room was alive, I know, 115 years ago,” said Pastor Rory Adams at the Broadview Community Center on Sunday.

In 1908, Bethel Evangelical opened for business.

“Our church is the oldest church in our network of churches in Montana, North Dakota, Wyoming area,” Adams said.

On this day, Adams wished to honor the church’s history.

“The important thing we need to recognize is that really, we’re only here because of what the people who have come before us have done and we wanted to honor that,” said Adams.

Several of the church’s former pastors, including Rod Griffin, who led from 2006 to 2008, accepted invitations to the service and traveled from Rapid City, South Dakota, to take part in the festivities.

“One thing I did notice in changes, is that they went from pews to soft chairs,” said Griffin as he addressed the congregation.

Bob Conover, a former pastor of Bethel Evangelical, was also present.

“According to Rory, I served here from 1988 to 2003,” Conover said.

Although he was raised in the town of Broadview, he currently resides in Red Lodge.

“When I came here, I had had a very difficult ministry prior to this. When I came here, these people helped me so much, and to get back on my feet, so I really enjoyed it,” said Conover.

After the event, Conover was even able to catch up with couples he had previously married over a catered lunch at the community center. Being able to see him thrilled the Lees.

“We love this church, it’s just been, it’s so community-focused and just helping out around. Just having that community is really nice,” Elizabeth Lee said.

Ed, Elizabeth’s husband, used to attend church as a child, and now everything has come full circle.

“It’s a place for our children to grow up in. I got to experience it and now my children will get to experience it,” said Ed Lee.

“Pretty awesome to just celebrate God’s faithfulness in the past and also look forward to expecting him to do great things in the future,” Adams said.