Early Beginnings
Our church history is very unique in that it grew out
of a seven-night-a-week ministry to servicemen during World War II.
Our founding pastor, George P. Atkins (at left) became involved in this ministry with his brother-in-law, Gilbert Howe (right). It was called Gi's for Christ, and it was held in a tabernacle-like structure on the farm of Clarence M. Shuey at Harpers, PA, just off the Indiantown Gap Military Reservation, now known as
Fort Indiantown Gap.
At first, George was involved with transporting soldiers from the reservation to the meeting place. During this time his dedication to the Lord and to the ministry grew.
It was at these meetings that he became acquainted with the piano player, Betty Emrich from Ono, PA. After a happy courtship, the two were married on July 3, 1943.
A similar type of ministry started at Great Lakes, IL and Gilbert and George traveled back and forth from Illinois and Pennsylvania so that both ministries could continue. In 1944, Gilbert decided to stay in Illinois, so he gave the Pennsylvania ministry over to George.
He and Betty were able to purchase used taxicabs from New York City to transport soldiers to and from the meetings.
As the Gospel was preached, the Lord blessed. Many soldiers would come forward after the message to make public confessions of faith.
Soon after the war ended, this unique ministry with the soldiers stopped.
However, the ministry at the Gospel Center kept right on going.
This included Sunday School, Sunday morning and evening services, and a Wednesday evening prayer service. In addition, there were often week long special services where special speakers were highlighted.
Next, a weekly radio ministry was started entitled “The Gospel in Song.”
It was packed with beautiful music and eventually included a television broadcast as well.
There were many various musical groups who performed live from the WLBR studio.
All of the musicians were either friends or family,
and they performed free of charge as a ministry to the Lord.
Doris Ulrich, Organist and Russ Atkins, Soloist
The Gospel was given by both word and music.
A New Vision
In l956, the people at the Gospel Center desired a more traditional type of church. After months of prayer, counsel, and the study of the Scripture, the decision to build became a reality.
Due to the generous consideration of a local businessman, the grounds near the cloverleaf of PA routes 22 & 72 , which is now the site of the church building, was purchased.
The building was dedicated in November of 1957. The Lord provided the work of many godly men and women to not only build the church, but to be actively involved in the ministry.
George Atkins became the first pastor of the Jonestown Bible Church.
In 1966 a Sunday School wing was added to the original building.
This included a basement and a first floor.
The expansion provided space needed for the growth of the ministry.
This arial photo shows the congregation and guests on the grounds for special meetings outdoors.
Vision Expansion
God placed a great burden on George’s heart to assist missionaries.
To this end he led many a work team to a foreign country to help build churches, and do whatever work needed done.
In l966 Pastor George came up with a unique idea for helping missionaries while they were on furlough. The idea was to have the church provide cars for them to use to visit friends and supporting churches.
As word got out about this ministry, Christians began donating good used cars to the church.
When the ministry was at its peak, the fleet of cars numbered 123.
Eventually, the number of cars had to be drastically cut because of the rising cost of insurance.
George and Betty were blessed with 8 children consisting of 2 boys and 6 girls.
As the church family also grew, it was decided to add an assistant pastor. In October of 1971, Joseph and Janet Catani came to work along side George and Betty Atkins.
A Trial by Fire
Through the early 1970's church life continued with weddings, funerals, baby dedications, baptismal services and church anniversaries.
From the very beginning the church’s motto has been “To God Be The Glory.”
Tragedy struck in the year of 1974 when a fire destroyed the church building
late Saturday night on November 9th.
Guy Krill, Pastor Atkins, Pastor Catani and Gleason Ritchie at ground-breaking service for the new church building. As a result of many people donating their time and talents, a new building was constructed and dedicated on November 25, 1975.
Coming soon....