COUNTRY CHAPEL HISTORY

"In the beginning ... " at the first Sunday meeting on December 2, 1979, God began to form, create and direct, out of the void of Sunday evenings, a body of believers, assembled in faith and fellowship for study of God's Word and to worship Him in Spirit and Truth; which body He called

COUNTRY CHAPEL.

The group began as a Bible study on Sunday evenings, meeting a couple of times, in the home of Rev. Tommy King, They decided to have worship service in the wood shop of George and Audrey Travis. From the small but strong study group, as God blessed, there emerged the desire to organize a non-denominational church. Through much praying, and believing God for leadership, miracles began to happen; "It seemed like people started coming out of the woodwork."

The Christmas of 1979 was celebrated with a program using Laura King as a "live Christ child." Over 100 people watched. The true Spirit of Christ was present. And Praise God, He has been ever-so-near every time we meet.

Following the leadership of the Holy Spirit, land was purchased on January 14, 1980. Shortly afterward, on February 6, 1980, Wednesday nights became a vital part of the spiritual life of Country Chapel each week. One week and three days later, on February 17, 1980 the land was dedicated. I believe on that day God looked at what He created and

"saw that it was good."

The ground upon which Country Chapel stands was made Holy. Thereby, He sent His Holy Spirit to abide and be present at every meeting. Glory to God! On that day, God again sent His angels to be in charge over us; to keep us in all our ways, lest we dash our foot against a stone. It is God's providence and amazing grace that has brought us safe thus far, and will lead us from here after, to the hereafter.

The first day to hold service on the "new" land was April 6, 1980, with 135 people attending. It was cold. The ends were not yet in the building and metal chairs and wind kept all present "on the alert."

Another milestone was marked on May 11, 1980, when the congregation moved from meeting in the wood shop, to the newly finished sanctuary. It was most appropriate being Mother's Day, because the Country Chapel has "given birth" to many answered prayers, and will continue to be the spiritual home of many of God's children.

"Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

She looketh well to the ways of her household... Her children arise up and call her blessed."

In orderliness and decency, based on the Bible as God's inerrant word, the Country Chapel adopted it's by-laws on July 2, 1980. The Country Chapel conducted it's first ordination service on July 30, 1980, at which Rev. Tommy King was ordained. "Bro. Tommy" served as a very able and spiritual Pastor, establishing a Spirit-led people upon the foundation stone Jesus Christ.

"Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ."

Therefore, "let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon."

We shall always thank God, for the Spirit-led people, and especially the Spirit-led Pastor, who by faith pleased God.

"Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the Word of God: whose faith follow considering the end of their conversation."

God continued to bless and honor the faith of the people. It was February 10, 1983, when the church indebtedness, of $30,000 was paid in full. With a new building and an attendance of about 100 every Sunday, the parking lot was paved, at a cost of $12,300, and paid for by July 18, 1983.

That was only the beginning. It is good to know that we are part of a work of faith that pleases God. For the 22 people who "launched out into the deep" and joined their lives, their hopes and their faith in spiritual unity we say "thank you", and may God bless you bountifully without measure.

God continues to bless in many ways, with many benefits to all who are privileged to worship Him through the fellowship of believers at Country Chapel. Brother Steve Zumalt has been serving as Pastor, since June 9, 1984.

There is much more to the story of Country Chapel. But for now, this gives a brief glimpse into the faith, the motives, the mission, the accomplishments of that first group, who obeyed the voice of God and began the work known as

COUNTRY CHAPEL

We're glad you passed our way. God bless you.

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