1904
Bethany Presbyterian Church is organized
A Presbyterian congregation is formally organized in Ontario, Oregon, and the Rev. George W. Morrison is called as its first pastor.
More Than a Century of Faith
Bethany Presbyterian Church was organized in 1904, when Ontario was still a young railroad town on the edge of the Oregon desert.
Scroll down to walk through the moments that shaped us.
Timeline of significant events
The Founding Years
1900s
The first church building
When the congregation acquired property and raised its first sanctuary — dates, cost, and the names of the builders.
1906 – 1914
Three pastors in eight years
The young congregation is served in quick succession by the Rev. William W. Cordon, a return call to the Rev. George W. Morrison, and the Rev. Robert J. Davidson.
Taking Root
1920s
Through the twenties
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1933
The Rev. Klon E. Matthews is called
Rev. Matthews serves seven years, leading the congregation through the hardest years of the Great Depression.
War and Post-War Growth
1941 – 1945
The war years
Members who served, the congregation's wartime ministry, and Ontario's part in the story of the Treasure Valley during the Second World War.
1947 – 1958
Eleven years with the Rev. Raymond L. Wilson
The longest pastorate to that point. The post-war years bring new families to Ontario, and with them a growing Sunday School and a congregation outgrowing its space.
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The sanctuary on West Idaho Avenue
The year the congregation built or moved into the building at 1712 W Idaho Ave — the groundbreaking, the dedication service, and who preached it.
A Generation of Growth
1963 – 1972
Nine years with the Rev. Wesley G. Jones
A decade of change in the wider church and the wider country — and a settled, growing congregation in Ontario.
1978 – 1999
Twenty-one years with the Rev. Thomas E. Young
The longest pastorate in Bethany's history. More than two decades of weddings, baptisms, confirmations, and funerals — a generation of this congregation grew up knowing one pastor's voice from the pulpit.
Into a New Century
2000
The Rev. Bette Jo “Joey” Mills is called
The first woman called to Bethany's pulpit?
2009 – 2015
The Rev. Karen Francis
Six years of ministry — programs begun, partnerships formed, and the shape of the congregation heading into the 2010s.
Where We Are Now
2017
The Rev. Linda Toth is called to Bethany
Rev. Toth serves the congregation for nine years, including the long season of the COVID-19 pandemic, when worship moved online and the church found new ways to stay a community.
2026
A season of transition
The Rev. Linda Toth preaches her last Sunday at Bethany on May 31, 2026, and retires. The congregation begins the search for a part-time pastor to lead its next chapter.
Today
The next chapter
Bethany gathers each Sunday on the same corner it has occupied for generations — still praying, still singing, still setting out coffee afterward. The history isn't finished.
Roll of Pastors
Twenty-five pastors have served this congregation since 1904.
- George W. Morrison1904 – 1906
- William W. Cordon1906 – 1909
- George W. Morrison second call1909 – 1911
- Robert J. Davidson1911 – 1914
- W. N. Brown1914 – 1918
- W. F. Cochran1918 – 1921
- F. E. Springer1921 – 1923
- J. G. Dick1923
- H. R. Snyder1924
- W. S. Richie1924 – 1927
- D. S. Oyler1928 – 1931
- A. H. McLain1931 – 1933
- Klon E. Matthews1933 – 1940
- Fred J. McConnelee1940 – 1946
- Raymond L. Wilson1947 – 1958
- Donald R. Steiner1958 – 1963
- Wesley G. Jones1963 – 1972
- Robin Dale Blevins1973 – 1978
- Thomas E. Young longest pastorate — 21 years1978 – 1999
- Bette Jo “Joey” Mills2000 – 2003
- David Bales2003 – 2006
- Tom Holslag2006 – 2008
- Karen Francis2009 – 2015
- Linda Toth retired May 20262017 – 2026
In Their Own Words
Longtime members remembering Bethany as it was.
Help Us Fill In the Story
This timeline is still being written. If you have photographs, bulletins, letters, or memories of Bethany — or if you can help us put a date to a moment we have marked as uncertain — we would love to hear from you.
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