So full disclosure I'm not a very religious person, and there is a part of me that is like hey, Sarah, what are you doing reviewing a church? Well, this church in particular is a historic one, and if you're anything like me, you might enjoy architecture and exploring historic sites when in a new town. So, this review is for those of you who like me, want to explore and take in some historic sites when travelling. First of all, Lindsborg KS is a town in central Kansas known for Swedish settlement. According to history, folks in the town even had residents that spoke Swedish as a primary language for a few generations, I could be wrong, but if my memory is correct, the last folks who spoke Swedish fluently likely were even around as recently as the 70s or 80s so it's a very Swedish town, chock full of local pride. My in-laws live in this town so I've been several times, and have had the opportunity to explore. This church I've been to for Christmas Eve service a few times over the years, and more recently I was in town for a festival and the church was being used as a sort of home base for folks to use the restroom and warm up - it was a chilly October day! At any rate, let's get back to the actual church. Bethany Lutheran is about as old school of a Lutheran church as I've ever been to. Growing up in the suburbs of Kansas City, most churches feel somewhat modern so it's a treat to me to take in the elaborate design and reverent feel of something that dates back to a different time. Small, simple, and elegant from the outside, you might not think too much of this historic structure, but walk inside and you're in for a treat. This church is gorgeous, and cozy. The organ takes up most of the upstairs, and it BOOMS when in use. On the occasion that I've come for Christmas eve service it's simply magic inside. Again, not very religious over here, but on the years that I make it to church at Christmas it always has some nostalgic, magic feeling from childhood past, but this church, with it's dim, ornate light fixtures, painted ceiling, and intimate setting, just really maximize the whole Christmas church feeling. If you are a fan of architecture, or interested in the period of history when Europeans settled the great plains of the United States, this is a fantastic church to visit, even if just to walk through it and take it all in. If you happen to be around on a Sunday I'm sure they'd welcome you to a service and you'd get the whole small town charm experience. read more

It seems really strange to review a church, but I'm speaking purely to art & architecture. Every detail of this building is really beautiful - red entrance doors, stained glass windows, pulpit, pews, choir loft, pump organ. Everywhere you look there's another elegant detail. We went in during the day (thankfully it was open). We were the only ones there and I found it so peaceful and inspiring. Worth a visit. read more