In 1989, Bethalto Mayor William Stephenson convened a group of individuals from Bethalto to discuss an action plan for establishing an organization to promote and enhance the Village of Bethalto. With assistance from a consultant from SIUE, the citizen group met to develop such a plan. The name Bethalto Spirit evolved as more than 100 people became volunteers in the original projects and programs. A "spirit of family in the community" was quickly recognizable.

Bethalto Spirit was incorporated as an organization in June of 1990. Attorney Kenneth Balsters served as the first president, a Board of Directors was named and nine committees were formed. They were each chaired by a board member. They were:

1. Residential Development/Newcomer Group
2. Educational Resource
3. Existing Local Business Expansion and Development
4. Town Center Group
5. Recreational Resources
6. Economic Development
7. Physical Development
8. Route 140 Parkway
9. Beautification

Some of the more notable results of the Bethalto Spirit Organization were and are:

1. The annual Victorian Christmas Walk.
2. The development of the Bethalto Spirit Community Choir.
3. "Spirit Awards", given annually to businesses and home owners.
4. The "Governor's Hometown Award", in 1992, by Governor Jim Edgar.
5. Sponsorship of the Memorial Tree Program in Culp Lane Park, recently renamed Steve Bryant Park.
6. Sponsorship of the Memorial Brick and Stone Courtyard project in front of the Village Hall at Prairie and Central Streets.
7. An on-going sale of Bethalto Spirit afghans featuring historical homes and village buildings.
8. Two recipients of the Studs Terkel Humanities Service Award, awarded by the Illinois Humanities Council.
9. Formation of the annual "Summer Concerts in the Park".
10. A generous donation for a public facility in Steve Bryant Parle
11. Volunteer clean-ups of the Bethalto Arboretum
12. Bethalto Christmas Village