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1954 |
Wycliffe Bible Translators started in Australia, sending cross-cultural workers overseas to translate Scripture and teach literacy to those in need worldwide |
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1977 |
Wycliffe Australia established ‘Word Investments Limited’, an investment company focused on generating funds for missionaries and cross-cultural projects |
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Early 1990s |
Word Investments researched options for starting a not-for-profit business, aimed at raising funds for missions and at the same time providing a valuable ministry to the community, which resulted in the idea for a funeral company |
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November 1996 |
Bethel Funerals officially registered as a business |
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28 January 1997 |
Bethel officially commenced operations from a small office in the Blackburn North Uniting Church (Victoria), with all profits going to Australian missionaries overseas |
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1 April 1997 |
First funeral conducted by Bethel Funerals |
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October 2002 |
Bethel moved to new office premises in Blackburn and set up a separate mortuary facility in the nearby suburb of Mitcham |
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May 1998 |
Bethel Funerals accepted into full membership of the Australian Funeral Directors Association (AFDA) ensuring a commitment to the highest level of ethical and professional standards |
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November 2005 |
New all-in-one premises opened at 2d Cochrane Street, Mitcham consisting of a modern chapel, mortuary, offices, private viewing, refreshment rooms and off street parking |
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July 2007 |
New branch opened in Queensland serving Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast |
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2008 |
New office opened on the Mornington Peninsula, expanding services in Victoria |
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