FIRST OPEN BIBLE CHURCH 2105 East Route 30, Rock Falls, Illinois  61071

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History

1925 to 2003

2003 to present

HISTORICAL REVIEW

        The original congregation of the First Open Bible Church was founded on May 1, 1925 by 15 charter members under the name FULL GOSPEL ASSEMBLY (Pastor Banta), which met temporarily on 5th Avenue and 10th Street, Sterling. The congregation moved to another facility on 5th Avenue and 4th Street, Sterling, on November 1, 1925. Between 1933-1940, the name of the church was changed to GOSPEL TABERNACLE (Pastor Swanson), which subsequently became a charter member of OBSC on January 25, 1949 (Pastor Hume). The archives report a budget of $35,000 the following year, with a total value of church property (including a parsonage) of $45,000. Easter Sunday that year enjoyed a record attendance of 370 persons, with a 40% increase in Sunday School attendance which required two buses. Pastor Chase ministered 15 years, 1979-1994, succeeded by Pastor Doug Ramsey, Sr. Pastor Les Funderberg came on board September 1, 1996. A 75th Anniversary celebration of the church was held on November 5, 2000.

        Due to increased attendance, a larger facility was purchased on April 30, 2003, for $435,00, located at 2105 East Route 30, Rock Falls, on approximately nine acres with several other buildings. The first service was held on September 3, 2003. The vision of sports and recreational activities as Evangelism Outreach will ultimately require expansion on this versatile site, under the continued outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
 

Contact Information
Telephone.........815-625-1957
FAX............815-625-1957
Postal address...2105 East Route 30, Rock Falls, Illinois 61071
Electronic mail... Webmaster: firstopenbible@comcast.net