History of the Mendota Bible Church

In 1962, a group of five families who were each going to churches outside of Mendota met together as the Mendota Bible Class. Rev. Charles Svoboda, Director of the Illinois Bible Church Mission (now Midwest Church Extension), organized the class, which met for the first time in November of 1962. Rev. Svoboda had already planted other IFCA churches in Paw Paw, Waterman and Plano, IL.

Bible Classes were held each Thursday evening in what was then the Bentley Implement Store on Route 34. Tractors and lawn mowers served as coat racks. The families that met together were: William and Florence Bentley, Art and Betty Barker, Curtis and Mary Alice Cross, Oliver and Marie Weiss and George and Irene Hamilton.

The first Bible Study: (On right)

• Mr. & Mrs. Oliver Weiss
• Christy and Betty Barker
• Grace McDowell
• Mr. & Mrs. William Bentley and Mick and Roger
• Mr. & Mrs. Wallace Gann & Children
• Mr. & Mrs. George Hamilton
• Mr. & Mrs. Curtis Cross

Bentley's Implement Store

First Meeting of the Mendota Bible Class.

By January 1963, the Bible class secured a loan to purchase the former "Hall’s Market," property, an old grocery store. They bought the property for $5,000, with monthly payments running $55. Extensive remodeling and decorating were accomplished by members of the class. Sunday School rooms were made in the basement after a large walk-in freezer was removed.

Rev. Svoboda made a plea to Chicago and suburban churches for the material needs within the building. A pulpit, hymnals, communion items, chairs (children & adult), and Sunday School materials were given by seven churches and a Sunday School Curriculum Distributor.

On July 14, 1963, the Bible Class began holding Sunday morning worship services. Rev. and Mrs. Jim Vine of the "Open Air Campaigners" supplied the special music for that memorable day.

Original Building on 6th street before renovation.

The new church incorporated and joined the Independent Fundamental Churches of America. Rev. Svoboda began sending candidates to be considered for the position of pastor. After hearing several speakers and actively seeking a pastor, the church extended a call on March 11, 1964 to Rev. William Stewart, who was at that time serving as the Assistant Pastor of the Edgemont Bible Church in Belleville, Illinois. Pastor Stewart accepted and began his ministry in Mendota on April 26, 1964.

A constitution was prepared and adopted on May 14, 1964. The officers were elected and installed from a group of 22 charter members. Also in 1964, an addition was built on the west side of the original building for expanded growth. The first ordination service was performed in October 1964 when a member, Duane Hamilton, was ordained into the gospel ministry.

The years of 1965 through 1967 witnessed continued growth in numbers and ministries of the church. Home Bible Class, a radio ministry and a fair booth ministry were all part of those busy years. Beginners Church and Youth Prayer Meetings were started along with a transportation ministry using a station-wagon type Falcon Bus.

View of completed building during farewell for Rev. & Mrs. Svoboda and Mrs. Ed. Dauzeny and sons.

By 1968, the church was outgrowing it’s present building and four and one-half acres of ground were purchased one-half mile south of Mendota on U.S. 51 (now U.S. Route 52 and Illinois State Highway 251). In the Spring of 1971, a ground-breaking ceremony was held on a cold, wet, windy Sunday prior to beginning construction of the new building. Harold Hubbard and his brother-in-law Scott Swanland were the contractors for the church building.

The building was completed and ready for the first Sunday services on February 13, 1972. A parsonage was built south of the church in the Spring of 1978. The mortgage on the church building and the parsonage was paid in full on January 12, 1997 and we praise the Lord that the church remains completely debt-free and is able to provide monthly support for six missionary families and six mission organizations or institutions.

Mendota Bible Church has been served by eight pastors. They are listed as follows:

Rev. William Stewart       1964-1969

Rev. Earnest Slater         1969-1973

Rev. David VanDixhorn    1974-1977

Rev. Larry DeMoss          1978-1983

Rev. Robert Porterfield      1984-1990

Rev. Steve Lunger            1991-1996

Rev. Harold Burkey           1996-2003

Rev. David Stankus           2004 - 2006

Completed Church building, Spring 1972.

Parsonage, Summer 1978