History:

It all began in the spring of 1979 when several families, who were attending Park Hills Evangelical Free Church in Freeport, about 12 miles from Lena, began to think about the possibilities of starting a sister church in Lena, Illinois.

With the help and encouragement of Pastor John Strubhar (the pastor of Park Hills EFC at the time), a letter of announcement was mailed to all the families in Lena and the surrounding areas who had attended Park Hills or who were interested in pioneering a church in the Village of Lena. They were invited to attend an informational meeting on July 3, 1979 held in the Lena State Bank Community room.  More than 50 people attended this meeting.

From this initial meeting a Bible Study was organized, meeting every week.  The purpose of the study was to develop personal growth and cohesiveness among those attending and to gain knowledge and understanding of the nature and purpose of the church.  The Evangelical Free Church of America’s statement of faith and the government of EFCA were some of the important issues discussed at that time.  

In January 1980 expectations became a reality when Rev. Gene Swanstrom, Asst. Supt. of the Great Lakes District of the EFCA, visited the Bible Study and presented long-range plans and goals for a new church.  By June of 1980, this beginning group consisted of 21 dedicated individuals representing 13 families willing to accept the challenge and step out in faith to open the doors for the first worship service.