OUR HISTORY
The birth of Vernal Christian Church took place in modest surroundings – a mobile home owned by Mr.& Mrs. A.R. Meek in July 1974. The first gatherings were a series of weekly and bi-weekly home Bible studies led by members of the Craig Christian Church of Craig, CO. Attendance and interest from those Bible studies sparked an evangelistic revival held in November of 1974. With a congregation growing too large for the Meek’s trailer, the new congregation began renting the Vernal Scout House on First North and 200 East in downtown Vernal later in that same month, meeting each Sunday in their new “chapel.”
The Scout House – 1974-1978
In January of 1975 the church was chartered and met regularly in the Scout House through summer of 1978. Also in 1975 a generous gift of property on West 750 S (directly across from the original Meek home Bible study location) was donated by church members, Harry & Helen Darnell. Many love offerings and hours of hard work were contributed by members of the congregation to complete the building for the Lord. In September 1978, VCC relocated from the Scout House to their new building at 1845 W 750 S.
The “First” Building – 1978-1999 – Worship & Fellowship Center
During the early years of the church’s life, many fine families and individuals served the congregation. Enthusiasm and vision by ministers and members of VCC, coupled with the blessing of significant growth by the Lord, led the church in November of 1992 to begin a new building program designed to accommodate a growing worship congregation, while dedicating the earlier building to an Education Center. Another generous donation of the property adjacent to the first building provided the location, and the VCC elders affirmed that they would “build without borrowing”. Through record fundraising efforts and significant labor provided by church members, the “New Building” was completed, and finally dedicated in July 1999.
1999-Present – Education Building & Home of UBCA
A small Christian Day School enterprise, Uintah Basin Christian Academy, was launched in the fall of 1999. Supportive parents and individuals renovated the “old building,” now the Educational Building to provide for a student body of 27 in that first year, taught by 5 teachers. In 2002 a double-wide modular building was readied for an expanding school population. Today, UBCA has a full time faculty, administration & staff of 14 and a student body, pre-school – 8th grade of over 140 located at a 32,000 sq. ft facility on the 5.5 acres adjoining the present VCC campus, built completely debt free!
But, it’s not about growth for numbers’ sake. It’s about individuals who have come to know Jesus Christ as Savior, marriages that have been saved, families that have been solidified, addictions that have been conquered, sins that have been avoided, needy people who have been helped, missionaries that are being supported around the globe, and fellowship and joy that have been experienced by His ongoing ministry here.
The needs created by a growing congregation causes us to look with enthusiasm to see what new and exciting things the Lord has in store for us in the coming years. Our hearts are full – our lives are blessed – our Lord is good.
