Mountain Bible Church 43rd Anniversary Celebration

Mountain Bible Church began in 1971 as a Bible study on Mulberry Street with only five families. Soon their growth required that they move out of the home and they began renting the Masonic Temple, which provided a meeting place for the next nine years.

In September, 1971, the study/fellowship was officially incorporated as a church, adopting the name of Mountain Bible Church of Tehachapi. Fruitvale Community Church of Bakersfield (now known as Riverlakes) was very instrumental in lending assistance in the early formation of Mountain Bible Church.

Interim pastors filled the pulpit until April 11, 1972, when their present current Pastor, Dr. Marvin D. Slifer, began his duties as the full-time pastor. Pastor Marvin moved to Tehachapi from Brawley, California with his wife, Diane and their daughters, Julie and Amy.

By 1972, there were approximately 30-40 regular attendees fellowshipping at the church. In time, they were able to purchase and develop 3.3 acres on Maple Street. They began construction of their first facility early in 1980. On August 31, 1980, they dedicated the building for the ministries of our Lord Jesus Christ. That building is now known as the Fellowship Hall.

In 1998, the original building, now known as the Fellowship Hall was remodeled. By 2001, the congregation had grown and the need for a larger sanctuary was necessary. Mountain Bible Church was able to purchase the property south to Valley Blvd increasing their acreage to 8.3. This allowed the church to build their Worship Center that was completed in 2003. In 2006 the installation of four modular buildings that are used for Sunday School, meetings, and fellowship were completed.

The church has maintained a major commitment to community ministries as well as to missions. Over the years, the focus of these ministries has been on families.

Mountain Bible Church's logo was adopted from Philippians 2:16, "Holding forth the Word of Life." The intent of the church has been to provide a place where God's Word could be studied without the confusion of denominational doctrines.

On Sunday, Sept. 14, they are hosting only one morning worship service at 10 a.m. Their entire service will be dedicated to celebrating Mountain Bible Church's anniversary. It is hoped that the community will join them on this day and enjoy two hours packed full of fun and music. They are located at 630 Maple St. (corner of Maple and Mountain View). More information is available on their web site, http://mountainbiblechurch.org.