BELIEVERS BIBLE CHAPEL HISTORY

BELIEVERS BIBLE CHAPEL

A Brief History

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"In 1974, two families, the Phil Smith family of Union and the Lou Gettings family of Robertsville, began a home Bible study. They were joined early in 1975 by three other families and the focus was then directed to learning, from the Scriptures, how the New Testament church assembled and worshiped. It was discovered that the primary purpose of believing Christians assembling as a local church should be for worship of the Lord Jesus Christ and that this is best expressed in the ordinance of the Lord's Supper. This small nucleus developed an intimacy that was deeper than the intimacy they were experiencing in the services of the churches they were then attending. So it was decided to begin meeting as a local church on Sunday mornings for worship and remembrance of the Lord Jesus Christ using the New Testament church as their example."

"The group began meeting as a church at the home of Phil Smith on July 16, 1975. The church grew slowly as the Lord added to their number and it became necessary to have a larger place to meet. On March 6, 1977, the land was purchased on which the present chapel is built. In April of 1978 the grading and road work began. It was not until June of 1978 that the construction of the lower auditorium began and by April 1979 it was completed and the believers met for the first time in the lower auditorium. The setting of the original meeting place in the Smith's home with its rural charm, its scenic view from the large picture window and the warmth of its fireplace was dear to each of the believers and has been incorporated into both the location and the design of the now completed chapel. The Lord continued to bless the efforts and the church grew. As families were being added, it became necessary to complete the upper structure. This work began in July 1983 under the guidance of Phil Smith who was the general contractor and who was also one of the members of the original Bible study. With the Lord's continuous blessing, that work was completed in December 1983 (from the dedication bulletin)."

The complete building was dedicated on December 11, 1983. The speaker for the dedication was Dan Smith, President of Emmaus Bible College.

Shortly before the dedication, the leadership of Believers Bible Chapel approved the starting of a new church, Augusta Bible Fellowship, in Augusta, Missouri, by several of its members. Today the new church is know as Community Bible Church and it meets in the greater Washington, Missouri, area.

Honored Past Leadership

NELLIE & CECIL COOK

Cecil Cook served twice as an elder . . . most recently resigning in May 2007. On June 12, 2007, the Church Board conferred the title, Elder Emeritus, on Cecil. The honor was announced on Fathers Day, June 17. The picture is of Nellie and Cecil Cook following the presentation.

Historical Pictures

Construction of the Chapel

This is the upstairs of the chapel under construction during the summer of 1983. From left to right, the persons are Elva, Sandy, and Bob Bowles. They are the mother, sister-in-law, and brother of Dr. Ken Bowles.

Dedication of the Chapel

This is the chapel's auditorium during the dedication service on Sunday, December 11, 1983. To the right on the front row are Dr. Dan Smith, President of the Emmaus Bible College (left), and Elwood Grob, Elder (right). Dr. Tinnin is leading songs.

CHAPEL

This picture of the South side of the building was taken in 2002.

2002 Picnic

The crew in September 2002 who helped prepare Believers Chapel's annual picnic.

Jonathan Smith reads announcements in the auditorium early in 2003. At the right is John Ziegler at the piano. Phil and Judy Smith are sitting on the left and Seth Smith, who was recognized an an elder during this service, is on the right.

A birthday party for Jonathan Smith was held in the fellowship hall during the Spring of 2003. Jonathan is at the closest table with his back to the camera. Steve Allen from Turkey Hill Ranch Bible Camp sits to his right.

CHRISTMAS 2003

The children who took part in the Christmas program in 2003.

30TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2005

The 30th Anniversary of Believers Bible Chapel took place on July 24, 2005. This picture shows the four founders: (left to right) Pat Gettings, Lou Gettings, Phil Smith, & Judy Smith.

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