The Bark River Bible Church began in 1956 in the old "Mission Covenant" church building located on South Bark River Road. A brother and sister purchased the building which was cleaned up and painted by Rev. Charles Svoboda and several others who had the vision to establish a new church in the community.

Rev. Svoboda held a week of meetings to begin the official opening of the church. Rev. Bob and Iris Peterson were the first couple to minister here for a one-year period.

Rev. William Taylor was the second pastor followed by Rev. Walter Nordin, under whose ministry the present property was purchased. In 1969 Rev. Merle Amundson was instrumental in the construction of the present church building. The cornerstone was laid in 1973 in which year Rev. William Taylor returned as pastor for two years. He was followed by Rev. Richard Yates who also ministered here for two years. During his stay, the parsonage was built and completed in 1976.

In 1977 Rev. William Baker began his ministry of 16 years. He and his wife and daughter were pleased to be a part of a growing work and found it a privilege to continue on in the work.

Rev. Randy Hillebrand followed as our next pastor. He began a faithful ministry in March of 1993. His focus was on discipleship and evangelism. He and his family left in July 2001, as one of our missionaries to the land of Ukraine to pursue a Bible-teaching ministry there.

Throughout these years the Bark River Bible Church has had the joy of setting apart several of its members to serve in full-time ministry in various areas. The church has also been uplifted and encouraged by many special speakers and musical groups. Many have come to know Christ as Savior.

An AWANA club was started with the highest enrollment of 157 children. Annually children are sponsored to attend Lake Lundgren Bible camp. A ladies’ Bible study, a men’s prayer breakfast, and a prayer chain were added. Also, a 2:7 Bible study group and a couple other home Bible studies were started.

On the physical side, the Lord has also blessed exceedingly as throughout the years, a gym and breezeway were built, the parking lot enlarged and paved, a new entrance added to the building, remodeling of the kitchen and restrooms, a new study for the pastor, a new roof put on and new carpeting laid.

Beginning with 12 faithful members, the membership now has reached over 70 with many others in attendance. The church contributes to the support of 21 missionaries or missionary organizations.

Following the departure of Rev. Hillebrand, a search committee had been formed and on July 22, 2001, pastor Brad Cochrane was installed as our new pastor, without any waiting period for the church for which we praise the Lord. At present he and his wife Becky and their 5 children are carrying on the work begun so many years ago. We know the Lord’s blessing will rest upon them as well. He comes to us with a focus on godly living for the believer. 

The church then installed Pastor Ben Fox and his wife Amber, who have two children, as the Associate and Family Ministries Pastor. He states that his main focus is youth, first in evangelism, then strengthening them in spiritual growth.  He is a graduate of Maranatha Bible College.  We welcome them as an additional blessing to our church.

Renovations are continuing for our growing church.  All the Sunday School rooms have been enlarged and there is a new room for the junior and senior high students.  There was a new heating installation for the entire building and the parking lot was again enlarged and paved.

A new auditorium seating 300 was completed with new offices for the pastor, the secretary and the associate pastor. The nursery was enlarged and modernized. The Sunday school rooms were enlarged also and fresh coats of paint and wall decals beautified these rooms, making them attractive and enjoyable to be in.

Ben and Amber Fox felt the leading of the Lord to resign after two years and they became pastor and wife of Ford River Community church. Following their leaving, Pastor Ryan and his wife Melissa, came as interns for a year, expecting a ministry of their own in the near future.  

Recently Pastor Mulder and his wife Selena accepted the call to become our youth pastor. They will be arriving in about a month to begin their ministry.

Truly “this is the Lord’s doing and it is marvelous in our eyes.” Mark 12:11

Respectfully submitted,