Our Beginning

Some churches have begun in unusual ways. In March 1958, Delaware Bible Church began at a birthday party, when a guest wondered aloud, “Do you suppose that this group could become a church?” That question reflected the longings of a group of Delaware-area believers for an independent church with a more vital Gospel ministry. Through weeks of prayer, they determined that the Lord was leading them in this way. On May 26, they signed a “statement of intent” to establish Delaware Bible Church, with Carl Witt, who had ministered in a denominational church in Radnor until a few months earlier, as its pastor.

First Years

On the evening of June 4, 1958, the fellowship met at a member’s home for the first regular midweek Bible study and prayer meeting. Subsequent meetings were held at homes and a few area facilities; but Sunday morning and evening services began when the National Guard Armory became available for rental. By the summer of 1959, about 60 people were attending services, and the charter membership was established. Offerings allowed Pastor Witt to cut back on some of his secular work and the church to purchase land at 45 Belle Avenue.

When enough funds became available, it was time for DBC to have a building of its own. A groundbreaking service was held on July 30, 1961; and the first service in the building (essentially what today is The Commons) took place on March 25, 1962.

An Expanding Church

The congregation grew, as did its desire to increase DBC’s outreach. Construction on a new auditorium and the west wing classrooms began in April 1968, and the addition was dedicated on September 28 of that year.

In the fall of 1973, DBC began a kindergarten. It expanded to Grade 4 the following year and was formally dedicated as Delaware Christian School on September 15, 1974. Over the next few years, the school grew through Grade 12. That growth resulted in a greater need for facilities, and additional classroom and office space was added in 1983, the year of DBC’s 25th anniversary. That same year, DCS saw its first graduating class. A gymnasium, whose construction began in 1989, was dedicated in 1991. Additional classrooms were added in the late 1990s and in 2024. These additions are used by both the school and the church.

Yesterday . . . Today . . . and Tomorrow

After 27 years leading Delaware Bible Church, Carl Witt retired as Senior Pastor in 1985. Assistant Pastor Jeff Slider served as interim pastor for a year; then, in 1986, Marvin Hintz became the Senior Pastor and led the church until his retirement in 2013. Scott Tiede was installed as DBC’s Senior Pastor on June 30, 2013, and he continues in that role today.

The DBC family rejoices in what the Lord has done, but we also look to Him as we consider the future. We recently launched the Building for Future Generations Capital Campaign: As the Lord provides, it eventually will provide our ministries with more classrooms, an additional general meeting space and kitchen, and a second gymnasium. The story of Delaware Bible Church goes on, to the glory of God!