Timeline of Valley Bible's History
1956
The beginnings of what would become Valley Bible Church starts with a small group of believers who are led by Ernie Schroeder from Roosevelt Community Church, which still meets at 45556 70th Street East. This first meeting occurs on September 30, 1956 at the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds. This small group of Christians believe that a non-denominational, Bible-believing church is needed on the west side of Lancaster.
1957
A building fund is established with $345 and a search for land is begun.
1958
Valley Bible Church of Lancaster files articles of incorporation with the State of California as a non-profit religious organization. A church constitution with 36 charter members is established on May 2, 1958. One couple, Gary and Betty Craton, continue to actively serve VBC over 60 years later. The pastoral salary is increased to $75 per week.
1959
In February, the southwest quadrant (2.5 acres) of our current property is purchased for $5,500.
1960
The church auditorium constructed.
1964
The northwest quadrant of our property is purchased for $10,000. This included a small house with a carport, now known as "the cottage." There are 53 "regular members" of Valley Bible Church.
1965
The entire single story classroom building is completed.
1968
The parking lot is paved and a foyer is added on to the auditorium.
1973
Dale Whitehead arrives in September, replacing founding pastor Ernie Schroeder.
1975
A second worship service is added on Sunday morning.
1978
Our AWANA ministry starts in the auditorium on Wednesday evenings.
1979
The two story classroom building is constructed.
1982
Elder rule is adopted as the congregation votes for the last time. The elders are Dale Whitehead and Dick Paxman, who is now home with the Lord
1983
The audio taping of the Sunday morning service begins. Our tape ministry has now been converted to real audio and mp3.
1987
The church property is landscaped. The Sunday evening service is eliminated in order to involve every member in home Bible studies, known as Growth Groups, during the week. Also, the first season of the VBC softball league, begins with four teams.
1991
Years of sustained church growth as the church more than doubles in size.
1995
The 6:00 p.m. Saturday evening service begins, for a total of three worship services.
1998
A plan for construction of a new parking lot, auditorium, and classrooms is introduced.
1999
A third worship service on Sunday morning is added, for a total of four worship services. Also, our web site is launched, now receiving over 500,000 hits each month.
2000
Our Deaf Fellowship begins to meet under the leadership of Francisco Aceves. We begin our Varsity Awana program to serve our high schoolers.
2001
Construction and landscaping is completed for new parking lot.
2002
The five acres to the immediate east of our church is purchased for $175,000.
2005
Over 400 people brave the flooded parking lot to attend church on Sunday, January 9.
2006
The construction of our auditorium begins.
2007
Worship begins in our new auditorium on April 29th.
2008
A sister church relationship with Dios Con Nosotros in Mexicali, Mexico begins.
2014
Construction of our large sports field is completed.