LINDSBORG — 150 years deserves a big celebration.

On Sunday at 4 p.m., the Bethany Lutheran Church Chancel Choir, under the direction of Dr. Steven Gustafson, will present Antonio Vivaldi’s great choral work – Gloria. 

This performance is the first in a series of events that will celebrate the founding both of Bethany Church and the City of Lindsborg in 1869.  The public is invited and encouraged to attend this free event at Bethany Church, 320 N Main St. in Lindsborg.

The Gloria is scored for choir, soloists, and orchestra.  The 30-voice Chancel Choir will be joined by soloists Brandt Busse of McPherson and Leah Ann Anderson, Lori Lindshield McKinney,  and Jim Ruble of Lindsborg.  Orchestra members are comprised of performers from Lindsborg, McPherson, and Inman. 

Other featured musicians for this one-hour program include the Bethany Church Handbell Choir directed by Miriam Strasen and a performance by organist Genevieve Bishop on the church’s 36-rank Jaeckel Pipe Organ.

Bethany Lutheran Church was founded in 1869 by Swedish pietists under the leadership of Pastor Olaf Olson. These early settlers in the northern part of McPherson County were committed to their church and maintaining their Swedish religious heritage.  The first church building was located north and west of Lindsborg; however, in 1874 the congregation moved to its current location at 320 N. Main Street.