On May 26, 2019, the Birmingham United Methodist Church held a dedication ceremony to rename the Birmingham Community Center to the Leota Bettcher Hall, in honor of the late Leota Bettcher. In 1979, Mrs. Bettcher, a member of the Birmingham United Methodist Church, was instrumental in the creation of the hall and the birth of the Country Harvest of Antiques and Crafts Festival. The Festival is celebrated the first full weekend of October.
Members of the Bettcher family in attendance for the dedication were Larry Bettcher, Peter Gray, Debbie Bettcher-Hess, Molly Bettcher Gray, Todd Gray, Karen Bettcher, and Tom Hess. Also present were the Board of Directors of the Leota Bettcher Hall, Candy and Greg Goff, Stefanie Cole, Beverly Tenney, Bryan Pazder, Hope and Bill Summy, Pastor Dick Kretchmar and Trustee Garth Grob.
The Hall began as a Mission Project to provide a safe venue for the Birmingham Community youth ages 10 to 18, and has been in continuous use by various organizations since that time. The Hall was built on property behind the Birmingham United Methodist Church, located at 15018 South Street in Birmingham. Monetary gifts from the Bettcher and Howe families, along with profits from church chicken dinners, provided the funds for the Hall’s construction. Donations from the church and gate fees from the Fall Harvest Festival have allowed the Hall to remain open.
The Hall is now available for rent to the public. The Leota Bettcher Hall features a full kitchen, fireplace, sound system, indoor seating for 120 and an open air portico overlooking 6 acres of green space. Information, a video tour and a calendar of events is located on the Leota Bettcher Hall tab of the BUMC church website at http://www.BUMCOhio.org. To reserve a date for your event, email ToRentLBH@gmail.com or call 440-320-6425.
vermilionphotojournalonline.com 