Evangelical Free Church of Lena 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.
By July, the name Evangelical Free Church of Lena was chosen as the official name by the 21 people from the Bible Study who were determined to be the charter members. The Constitution and by-laws were officially adopted at this time.
On September 7, 1980, the 21 charter members were commissioned at the evening service of the Park Hills EFC. About 80 people attended the first service in the community room of the Lena State Bank the following Sunday. Pastor Tim Dahlin, an associate pastor at First Evangelical Free Church in Rockford, was called to be the first pastor in October of this year.
During the first 5 years MANY firsts took place. In July 1981 a 5-acre tract of land was purchased and dedicated. A ground-breaking ceremony took place in November and construction on a new facility began in January 1982. The first phase of the building was completed and the first worship service held on July 4, 1982 with 221 people attending.
In June of 1982, our first pastor of youth, Dean Cernek, was asked to serve in a part-time capacity until he finished his work at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, the EFCA seminary in Deerfield, Illinois. He began his full time work in July 1984, following graduation.
Pastor Dahlin moved on and Pastor Mike Adams came to pastor the EFC of Lena in August of 1985. Pastor Cernek was called to a position in Flagstaff, Arizona and Pastor Don Hancock filled the role of Pastor of Youth.
By 1990, we reached a membership of 113 and average attendance of 200. Phase 2 of our building plan was becoming a necessity to accommodate the ministries that we desired to carry forth in this community. However, it wasn't accomplished until June of 1991 when Pastor Larry Marvel came with new ideas and enthusiasm. The dedication of the larger facility was held in November 1993.
We were able to expand our ministries to fully utilize this new expanded facility. AWANA club began with 81 children registered during the first three months. Pastor Dwight Bennett was added as a part-time minister to the Senior adults and for hosptial visits.
As time progressed, Pastor Jeff Hicks was called from Dallas Theological Seminary to fill the youth pastor vacancy in July 1995. In 1998, Pastor Howard Westlund served as Interim Pastor for about 18 months until Pastor Jim Erb and his family arrived in April 2000 from Orlando, Florida. Jim continues in his role as Senior Pastor to this day.
In April 2006, Pastor Scott Wilson took over as Pastor of Youth, where he continues to minister with the Junior and Senior High students in the area.
