On July 4, 1855, neighbors gathered together at Bethel for a public picnic and framed the original college. The site was dedicated to education and continues to serve community into the 21st century. Join Bethel College Board Trustees as we celebrate 170 years of supporting education in the Bethel community on Friday July 4, 2025.
12:00 Self-guided tour of schoolhouse and grounds, BYO picnic opens
4:00 The spirit of education – 170 years of Bethel, Oregon
5:00 – 7:00 Patriotic speeches and music