Grace Bible Fellowship

History

In January of 1992, a group of people met in the basement of the Butch Lockard home. This was the first meeting of what is now Grace Bible Fellowship. The families included:

Bill & Evelyn Auxier

Darrell & Linda Hopper

Bud & Lillian Jacobitz

Tom & Vicki Jacobitz

Gary & Jill Lhamon

Butch & Lynnette Locard

Greg & Roberta Lockard

Arthur & Louise Nelson

Steve & Sharon Ketelsen

In February, 1992, the fellowship was joined by Pastor Leroy Reynolds and family.

The fellowship met at the Stella Community Building and the Shubert American Legion building until April 1995. At that time a double-wide trailer was acquired from Central Baptist Church in Sioux City.

On November 15, 1993, the first Board of Directors were elected. They included Steve Ketelsen, chairman; Greg Lockard, vice-chairman; Tom Jacobitz, treasurer; and Gary Lhamon, secretary.

In May of 1994, money was allocated to purchase a keyboard. The first Vacation Bible School was held that year at the Hoppers. In June, the first Sunday School class was started. Julie Lockard was elected as the first Sunday School superintendent.

In July of 1996, Pastor Reynolds resigned. A search committee was established. On May 3, 1997, Karl Forehand filled the pulpit and discussion began regarding accepting a call as pastor. In August of 1997, He and his family accepted the call.

In the Spring of 1998, the youth group was started, along with several discipleship groups. In the Fall of 1998, Team Kid began to minister to the younger children.

In April of 1998, Tate Jacobitz donated 3.2 acres of land one mile East of Stella to build a new church. In June of 1999, the Fellowship chose a 60’ X100’ building to be erected on a concrete slab. In September of 1999, the building was ordered from Sentinel Building Systems.

The first services were held on Easter Sunday, April 23, 2000. The dedication of the new building was June 4, 2000.

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Grace Bible Fellowship

P.O. Box 13

Stella, NE 68442

(402) 883-2110