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The Path to Your Purpose
Bethany College Gifted the Swedish Crown Restaurant by the Applequist Family
April 17, 2019
LINDSBORG, KAN., April 17, 2019 – Bethany College celebrated today Roy and Donice Applequist’s announcement that they are gifting Lindsborg’s legendary downtown restaurant, The Swedish Crown, to the college. The gift is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.
“Roy and Donice are humbling examples of God’s love at work in the world. I am inspired by their generosity and their commitment to Bethany College and to Lindsborg,” President Will Jones stated.
In May 2017 the Bethany College Board of Directors approved the college’s five-year strategic plan, “Bethany, Arise!” The vision statement for the plan reads, “Bethany College will be celebrated in the Midwest and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) for offering inspired learning and informed faith that result in student success and community transformation.” Since that time, Bethany has announced the Good Life Scholarship, a full-tuition scholarship for local students from Saline and McPherson Counties. The college has recommitted to the college’s and the local community’s Swedish heritage and history by launching Swedes to Sweden, a free seven-to-10-day service-learning trip to Sweden for the sophomore class each year beginning in the summer of 2020, and the Bethany College Swedish Crafts Program. In addition, Bethany partnered with Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church to appoint a shared pastor for the Lindsborg congregation and for the campus.
“We are here today to say that we would like to gift The Swedish Crown Restaurant to the college. We believe it will be a good way to better integrate the college and the community,” Roy Applequist announced to the applause of local residents and campus members.
Donice Applequist shared, “For many Kansans, Lindsborg is a favorite small town, and that’s certainly true for Roy and me.” Mrs. Applequist continued, “We thank everyone in Lindsborg who has come to eat at The Swedish Crown over the many years it’s been a fixture here on Main Street. You can appreciate knowing that now, when you eat at the Crown, you are not only getting good food, but you are also supporting Bethany College.”
Bethany leaders plan to launch the new The Swedish Crown Restaurant presented by Bethany College, with a reopening in Mid-June. The restaurant, originally opened in 1966, will continue to operate as a Swedish-themed establishment serving local residents and visitors to “Little Sweden, USA.”
“What an exciting day for Lindsborg and Bethany College!,” exclaimed Corey Peterson, Bethany College Board of Directors Chair and owner of the Hemslöjd. “This gift puts three very important puzzle pieces together: Bethany College, Lindsborg, and The Swedish Crown Restaurant.”
College leaders shared their excitement about the addition of The Swedish Crown in helping to raise the college’s profile. Several shared their belief that The Swedish Crown Restaurant will introduce prospective students and new donors to the college.
President Jones stated that the college is planning to allow Bethany students to use their dining hall meal cards to eat at the restaurant. “Bethany students will have more dining options than ever before. And, they will enjoy the opportunity to spend time with Bethany College alumni and friends who own and operate other great businesses downtown,” Jones said.
Bethany College, established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The mission of Bethany College is to educate, develop, and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead lives of faith, learning, and service. Bethany connects its past, present, and future with distinctive initiatives like Swedes to Sweden, a free service-learning trip for the sophomore class to Sweden, and the Good Life Scholarship, presenting all local high school graduates with a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to the college. Bethany College is on the Web at www.bethanylb.edu and is located in Lindsborg, Kansas, the fine arts and crafts capital of the state.
“Roy and Donice are humbling examples of God’s love at work in the world. I am inspired by their generosity and their commitment to Bethany College and to Lindsborg,” President Will Jones stated.
In May 2017 the Bethany College Board of Directors approved the college’s five-year strategic plan, “Bethany, Arise!” The vision statement for the plan reads, “Bethany College will be celebrated in the Midwest and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) for offering inspired learning and informed faith that result in student success and community transformation.” Since that time, Bethany has announced the Good Life Scholarship, a full-tuition scholarship for local students from Saline and McPherson Counties. The college has recommitted to the college’s and the local community’s Swedish heritage and history by launching Swedes to Sweden, a free seven-to-10-day service-learning trip to Sweden for the sophomore class each year beginning in the summer of 2020, and the Bethany College Swedish Crafts Program. In addition, Bethany partnered with Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church to appoint a shared pastor for the Lindsborg congregation and for the campus.
“We are here today to say that we would like to gift The Swedish Crown Restaurant to the college. We believe it will be a good way to better integrate the college and the community,” Roy Applequist announced to the applause of local residents and campus members.
Donice Applequist shared, “For many Kansans, Lindsborg is a favorite small town, and that’s certainly true for Roy and me.” Mrs. Applequist continued, “We thank everyone in Lindsborg who has come to eat at The Swedish Crown over the many years it’s been a fixture here on Main Street. You can appreciate knowing that now, when you eat at the Crown, you are not only getting good food, but you are also supporting Bethany College.”
Bethany leaders plan to launch the new The Swedish Crown Restaurant presented by Bethany College, with a reopening in Mid-June. The restaurant, originally opened in 1966, will continue to operate as a Swedish-themed establishment serving local residents and visitors to “Little Sweden, USA.”
“What an exciting day for Lindsborg and Bethany College!,” exclaimed Corey Peterson, Bethany College Board of Directors Chair and owner of the Hemslöjd. “This gift puts three very important puzzle pieces together: Bethany College, Lindsborg, and The Swedish Crown Restaurant.”
College leaders shared their excitement about the addition of The Swedish Crown in helping to raise the college’s profile. Several shared their belief that The Swedish Crown Restaurant will introduce prospective students and new donors to the college.
President Jones stated that the college is planning to allow Bethany students to use their dining hall meal cards to eat at the restaurant. “Bethany students will have more dining options than ever before. And, they will enjoy the opportunity to spend time with Bethany College alumni and friends who own and operate other great businesses downtown,” Jones said.
Bethany College, established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The mission of Bethany College is to educate, develop, and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead lives of faith, learning, and service. Bethany connects its past, present, and future with distinctive initiatives like Swedes to Sweden, a free service-learning trip for the sophomore class to Sweden, and the Good Life Scholarship, presenting all local high school graduates with a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to the college. Bethany College is on the Web at www.bethanylb.edu and is located in Lindsborg, Kansas, the fine arts and crafts capital of the state.
LINDSBORG, KAN., FEB. 5, 2025 — The Bethany Oratorio Society is excited to announce the soloists for the 2025 Messiah Festival of the Arts. Since its founding in 1882, the Oratorio Society has performed Bach’s The Passion According to St. Matthew and Handel’s Messiah every year, and this year’s festival promises another spectacular celebration of these works. Featured soloists for this year’s performances include Claire Herzog, coloratura soprano; Michelle Rice, soprano; Maxwell Ary, tenor; and Ian Schipper, bass-baritone. These talented artists will bring their expertise and passion to the stage in performances of The Passion According to St. Matthew and the Messiah. Additionally, these soloists will perform a free recital at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, 2025 , at Messiah Lutheran Church on the campus of Bethany College. They will also perform at the ticketed events: The Passion According to St. Matthew at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 11, and Handel’s Messiah at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 13, in Presser Hall Auditorium. Tickets for these performances can be purchased at messiahfestival.org or by calling Bethany College at (785) 227-3380, ext. 8235, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Claire Herzog, Coloratura Soprano A versatile coloratura soprano from Springfield, Missouri, Claire Herzog is equally passionate about teaching and performing. She has appeared in operatic roles with the Ozarks Lyric Opera and is an active performer with various choral groups. Herzog holds degrees from Missouri State University and is currently on the vocal music faculty at Evangel University. In addition to her vocal expertise, she enjoys composing and collaborating with other musicians, with recent projects including an album of original songs and Heart on the Wall performances with the Missouri Philharmonic Orchestra. Michelle Rice, Soprano Praised for her “tones of pure gold” (Washington Post), Michelle Rice brings a rich timbre and intense performance to the stage. Throughout her career, Rice has performed a wide range of roles, including Brangäne in Tristan und Isolde and Mrs. Grose in The Turn of the Screw. As the Artistic Director of Seven Sisters Productions, she has premiered new works, including the opera The Queen, My Lord, Is Dead. Rice’s performances span opera, concert, and recital, and she has sung with major ensembles across the U.S., including the Berkeley Symphony and Washington Concert Opera. Maxwell Ary, Tenor A versatile performer and educator based in San Francisco, Maxwell Ary is renowned for his wide-ranging voice, which spans genres from classical to jazz, musical theatre, and pop. Ary, who teaches at the Ruth Asawa San Francisco School of the Arts, has performed with prestigious ensembles, including Seraphic Fire and Voces8. He has appeared in operas such as The Rake’s Progress, L’elisir d’amore, and recently performed in the baroque opera La Flora with Ars Minerva. Ary’s 2025 performance schedule includes Lamplighters Musical Theater and Pocket Opera engagements. Ian Schipper, Bass-Baritone A dynamic performer known for his commitment to classical and contemporary music, Ian Schipper has appeared in operas such as Die Zauberflöte and Cosi fan tutte. He has sung in choral groups across the U.S., including the Oregon Bach Festival Chorus and the Los Angeles Master Chorale. Schipper is also passionate about new music and has collaborated with composers through his work with St. Olaf College’s Spiritus Novus. He recently performed the role of Cardinal Rottweiler in the world premiere of The Grand Hotel Tartarus. Join us for these unforgettable performances as these talented soloists join the Bethany Oratorio Society in bringing two of the most cherished works in the choral repertoire to life. For more information, including ticket purchases, please visit messiahfestival.org . Bethany College, established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The mission of Bethany College is to educate, develop, and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who walk alongside them as they discover, explore, and navigate the path to their purpose. Bethany College is online at bethanylb.edu and is located in Lindsborg, Kansas, the fine arts and crafts capital of the state.
Bethany College hosted over 500 young men from nearly 40 schools across Kansas on Jan. 30 for the annual Real Men Sing vocal workshop. This celebrated event provides an inspiring opportunity for students in grades 4-12 to explore choral music in a supportive, all-male setting, fostering confidence, camaraderie, and a love for singing.
This semester, the department continues its tradition of offering a wide variety of performances, from student and faculty recitals to large-scale ensemble concerts. These events provide opportunities for the Lindsborg community and surrounding areas to experience the vibrant cultural and artistic contributions of the college.