Our History

For more than 90 years, God has faithfully sustained and grown Lebanon Valley Bible Church. From humble beginnings in a converted barn to the church family and facilities we know today, our history is a testimony to His provision and the faithfulness of those who have served Him here.

Humble Beginnings

The story of Lebanon Valley Bible Church began in 1932, when the Union Gospel Tabernacle was dedicated by Rev. Samuel H. Waltz. The original building, converted from a barn, served the congregation for many years. In 1943, an annex was added to provide a Sunday School room and furnace room.

During the church’s first 30 years, several pastors faithfully served the congregation, including Rev. Waltz, Rev. Harry Suskey, Rev. J. H. D. Good, Rev. Claude Mengle, and Rev. Charles Lenker.

Becoming Campbelltown Bible Church

On February 18, 1962, the board of the Union Gospel Tabernacle met with the elder board of Jonestown Bible Church to seek counsel and assistance in establishing an organized Bible church in Campbelltown.

As a result of that meeting, Harold Bates, an elder at Jonestown Bible Church, was asked to serve as pastor of the Campbelltown congregation. He faithfully served in that role until August 1965. During his ministry, the congregation adopted a church constitution and began preparing for a new chapter. On March 28, 1966, the Union Gospel Tabernacle officially became Campbelltown Bible Church.

In November 1965, the church extended a call to Rev. James Ober, who was installed as pastor on January 6, 1966.

A Growing Church

Under Pastor Ober’s leadership, the Lord continued to bless the ministry, and attendance steadily increased. With growth came the need for additional space.

Over the following years, the church found creative ways to accommodate its growing congregation. The Campbelltown Fire Hall was used for three years, the existing church building underwent a major renovation, and an addition was completed in 1969. Multiple services were held, a mobile home was purchased and refurbished for Sunday School classes, and several classes eventually began meeting in the Campbelltown Municipal Building.

It became increasingly clear that the existing property could no longer accommodate the growing ministry.

On May 16, 1973, the church approved the purchase of ten acres of land approximately three miles east of Campbelltown along Route 322. The congregation approved construction of a parsonage on the new property in June 1974, followed by approval for construction of the present church facilities in March 1976.

The new church building was dedicated on March 27, 1977, marking another significant chapter in the life of the congregation.

Continuing to Grow

As God continued to provide opportunities for ministry, the church once again found itself in need of additional space. An administration wing was added in 1989, providing much-needed nursery space, staff offices, and additional Sunday School classrooms.

In 2004, the Family Life Center was added to better serve the needs of the church’s growing families and expanding ministries.

Through each season of growth and change, the desire remained the same: to provide a place where God’s Word could be faithfully taught and His people could worship, learn, serve, and fellowship together.

Faithful Leadership Through the Years

After 40 years of ministry, Pastor James Ober retired in August 2005. During the transition that followed, interim pastors faithfully served the congregation until David W. Cunningham was called as Senior Pastor. Pastor Cunningham began his ministry at Lebanon Valley Bible Church on September 1, 2009, and served for two years.

In February 2013, the church called Pastor Chandler Cutting to serve as Senior Pastor. Pastor Chan and his wife Jody faithfully served the Lebanon Valley Bible Church family for more than a decade.

In 2025, Pastor Jon Lauver became Senior Pastor of Lebanon Valley Bible Church, continuing the church’s longstanding commitment to faithful biblical teaching, discipleship, and ministry.

Looking to the Future

Much has changed since a small congregation first gathered in a converted barn in 1932, but the foundation of Lebanon Valley Bible Church remains the same.

Generation after generation, God has faithfully provided pastors, leaders, teachers, volunteers, facilities, and opportunities to proclaim His Word and serve others. We are grateful for those who have gone before us and for the testimony of God’s faithfulness throughout our history.

As we look ahead, our desire is to remain firmly grounded in Scripture, faithfully proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, and equip each generation to know, love, and serve Him.

To God be the glory!