Religious Institutions and Schools
Lutheran Church of the Cross
1744 University Avenue Photo: Hal Reynolds
Bethany Lutheran Church was one of several churches formed in Berkeley by Scandinavian communities that moved to Berkeley after the San Francisco earthquake of 1906. It was organized by 30 original members in 1912. With construction provided mostly by members, the church opened at its current site in 1914. For the first five years, services were held only in Swedish. Even after English services began, the Swedish services continued to be offered until 1942. The church that exists at the site today replaced the first one after a devastating fire in 1930. With the merger of several Lutheran churches in Berkeley in 1967, the name was changed to Lutheran Church of the Cross.
The church continues to be known for its long history of community action and openness to all. The first Narcotics Anonymous meeting in Northern California was held at the church in 1967. Many other community organizations have found space and services in the building over the years. Today these include Options Recovery and Berkeley Central Korean Congregation. The Youth Emergency Assistance Hostel, which began at the church in 2001, continues to offer seasonal shelter and year-long case management services to homeless youth.