Founded by European immigrants who landed at Ellis Island, NY, and then migrated by railway to Dakota Territory in the 1870's--1880's, Bethlehem German Congregational Church began with worship services in a sod home before growing large enough to require a church building. Known earlier as Die Bethlehem Duetsche Congregational Gerininde and later as Bethlehem German Congregational or Stone Church, it stood on grounds donated by John Hoffman on April 8, 1897, and was associated with the first deed registered in organized Gregory County. The church was built of native stone from a quarry 3 miles NE of here, with mortar made of soil, chopped straw, and water binding stones in walls 2 feet thick, while the roof, floor, doors, and windows were made of wood. It was dedicated in the fall of 1897, and its first wedding united B. J. Gall and Lena Bentz on November 27, 1897, in a ceremony performed by Reverend Gustav Baumen. In 1924 it united with Hope Congregational of Fairfax, and in 1941 it was sold and dismantled. Although the majority of the graves have no markers, more than 60 burials are recorded.