Fellowship Bible Church, 1000 A Ave. W., is celebrating 60 years of God’s faithfulness with several events July 19-20.

A small group of Christians who were meeting for Bible study had their first church service on June 7, 1948. The church has changed locations and names over the years, but the mission of the people has remained the same: to share God’s Word with people in Oskaloosa and around the world.

The 60th anniversary celebration will include a catered meal and special service Saturday, July 19, at 6:30 p.m. The service will include special music and praise from current and former members. Reservations are required for the Saturday meal. To make a reservation, call the church office at 672-2225 by Sunday, July 13.

On Sunday, July 20, a panel of missionaries and former pastors and wives will speak during Sunday School at 9 a.m. The morning worship service will be at 10:30 a.m. A potluck meal will be held at noon.

Other projects for the celebration include a booklet of the church history and stories of God’s faithfulness from missionaries, past members and current members. There is also a 60th anniversary cookbook. The cookbook includes recipes from a 1977 cookbook and recipes from current members. It is available for $10 at the church.

Fellowship Bible Church was first known as The Fundamental Missionary Church and met in rented facilities of the Seventh Day Adventist Church building in Oskaloosa. In 1950, the congregation purchased the property at the corner of A Avenue West and North I Street, where the current building is located. The group met in a house on the property and voted to change the name of the church to Oskaloosa Gospel Tabernacle.

Ground breaking for the original Tabernacle building was held in October 1952, with additions and renovations in 1966 and 1969. In 1995, the name of the church was changed to Fellowship Bible Church. More renovations were started in 1998 and an additional church building was constructed in 2001.

The first pastor of the church was Stan Benson. He served as senior pastor from 1948 to 1960. Other senior pastors were: Paul Stumbo, 1960-1963; Everett Hovey, 1963-1971; Paul DeVos, 1972-1976; Willard Rockhill, 1976-1979; Fred Austin, 1980-1987; Mike Hovda, 1987-1999; and Bryan Latchaw, 1999 to present. Rodney DeRonde currently serves as associate pastor.

The church has always had a commitment to missions and reaching youth. The church family supports missionaries serving around the world through financial gifts and prayer. Current programs for children and students include AWANA, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and The Refuge, youth group for 7th-12th grade students.

For more information about FBC, please contact the church office at 672-2225.