History and Purpose of Berea
The Berean Bible Fellowship had its origin as a Sunday Evening Home Bible Study at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Massey in Greencastle, PA in 1972.
These classes were taught by Rev. Wm. Bruce Dick, Jr. and were held in several different homes during the next two years until they grew too large. In June of 1974, the Bible Class rented an old Mennonite church in Shady Grove, PA. When the class kept growing, it was realized that a more permanent location was needed and also a Sunday morning service and a Wednesday evening prayer meeting.
The group was made aware of a building on Young Road in State Line, Pa. that might be for sale. Pastor Bruce Dick met with the owner, Bob Thomas, for lunch and a deal was made and confirmed by a signed napkin.
(The building when bought)
Acts 17:11 “They received the word with all readiness of mind and searched the scriptures daily. This verse is referring to the church in Berea. Ruby Peterson suggested Berea be part of the name because of this verse. On June 20, 1975, seven families took a step of faith and the Berean Bible Fellowship was officially formed and within a month bought the land and building where it is today.
(inside of building)
Years later as we worship in a bigger addition of the building, The Berean Bible Fellowships purpose is the same to teach the Word of God. (1) to make sound doctrine available to believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, to the end that each might become spiritually self-sustaining (2) the salvation of the lost (3) the sending out of missionaries and (4) ministering to others.
Pastor Bruce has been faithful in preaching/teaching the Word of God since its beginning. This year marks over 50 years of service in the ministry. Berea is a member of the Fellowship of Bible Churches Since September 6, 1975.
(Berea for Easter Services)
We call ourselves the Berean Bible Fellowship because in Acts 17:11 it was the Bereans that “received the word with all
readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” We desire to be that kind of believer.
Berean Bible Fellowship 2018