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our beliefs | making disciples | elders | staff | gebc history | faqs | about GEBC HistoryIn September of 1993, Glen Ellyn Bible Church celebrated its 50th anniversary. In actuality, September 1, 1943, was the date of a merger between two small churches in Glen Ellyn - the First Evangelical Church and the Gospel Tabernacle. Both of these churches were rich in history and in a common desire to proclaim the good news of Christ in their community and around the world. First Evangelical Church began in 1912 as the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Glen Ellyn and was part of the North Illinois District of the German Evangelical Synod. During the first decade of the church's existence, Sunday services were held in German once a month. First Evangelical had a strong emphasis on children's and youth ministries and was very active in several cooperative evangelism efforts in the 1920s and 1930s. In the 1930s the church began supporting six missionaries. Gospel Tabernacle grew out of a several-week-long evangelistic tent campaign held in Wheaton and Glen Ellyn during the summer of 1931. The second pastor of Gospel Tabernacle, Bob Cook, brought a great emphasis on ministry to children and students. Along with his friend, Torrey Johnson (founder of Youth For Christ), many special activities were held that helped reach children for Christ. In 1941, the Gospel Tabernacle was supporting three missionaries. With the common commitment to children's and student ministries, supporting missionaries and a passion to reach their community with the gospel, these two churches merged to form what is now known as the Glen Ellyn Bible Church. Since 1943, the church has continued to build on its commitments to each of these areas and has been a positive influence within the village of Glen Ellyn. In 1957, the church planted a congregation in south Glen Ellyn on Park Boulevard, near the present location of Glenbard South High School. The church grew to over 200 people in three years and was eventually sold to the present occupants. During the 1980s and 1990s, Gary Gulbranson and Jim Cofield served as senior pastors, and GEBC experienced significant growth in attendance. Additional staff members were added during this period. Also, the late 1980s were a time of facility improvement, with Rathbun Hall and additional educational space being built. By the late 1990's, it was clear that to better meet the needs of the congregation some updating was necessary. Air conditioning was installed, the basement was remodeled and the worship center was upgraded with a new sound system, pews, carpet, stage and lighting. At the same time all remaining debt was retired. In May of 2004, Kelly Brady was installed as senior pastor, and in 2005 the elders of GEBC first illustrated their philosophy of ministry using the disciple-making Target. As we look ahead to a new millennium, we are thankful for our heritage. We are committed to honoring and celebrating that heritage, and desire to build on it as we look to the future. God has done many great things in and through this church. We believe that the best days for God's church are before us! |
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