The History of MRBC

The Maple Ridge Bible Church had its origin in an abandoned church building which stood in a beautiful wooded area at Foskett Corner. The building had been built on top of a hill by a group of interested Congregationalists.

Previous to 1896 The American Sunday School Union held services in the Reynold's school house. Then on Thursday, July 28th, 1896 The American Sunday School Union missionary began a tent meeting at Foskett Corner. The meeting lasted three weeks, interest increasing as the meetings advanced. August 2, 1896 it was decided to build a church. December 19, 1896 plans and specifications were drawn up for the building. Material, land, and labor was donated; $500.00 having been appropriated for cost. The congregation was organized with names such as Reynolds, Christ, Patten, Payne, Haskins, McKnight, Kinder, Flansburg, Dobson, Boak, and others.

Regular services were held until about 1914. From then on we have scant records until 1917 when a meeting was called to discuss reorganization. Then in the 1920's, The American Sunday School Union organized Sunday School Classes during the summer months. As late as 1932 these were held. The building deteriorated until 1943.

A stock-buyer, Cale Mallory, was converted in the Methodist Church in Boscobel. At once he became interested in opening the doors of closed churches. He obtained permission from the Patten people, who now owned the building, to have a service. He called on families in the neighborhood and invited them to a service on October 14th, 1943. About 20 people were out — two families from the neighborhood and some from the Boscobel Methodist Church. The services were continued from week to week with many men and women from the Methodist Church helping in speaking and special music. The windows which were broken were repaired by Mr. Mallery. The wallpaper was hanging in strips. The church was heated by a huge wood stove in the center of the room. For lights, kerosene lamps and lanterns were used.

Then in December 1943, Rev. John L. Bray from Florida held a meeting. He was a Baptist and laid the ground work for the Doctrinal belief which was generally accepted later. As a result of the meeting a young people's group met in homes for choir practice and a devotional time.

Bert Turner, a former contractor, who had accepted the Lord, assisted in Wednesday night services. Our music came from a little reed organ furnished by Joseph Zajicek, Jr. to replace the old reed organ originally in the church, and ruined by mice. Then for a time the services were held on Friday nights when pastors from various churches could be obtained. Among those who came to minister to us over weekends were students from Moody Bible Institute.

The first regular speaker was Rev. Streblow who was a student at Platteville. About 1945 Johnny Lindell from Mt. Ida Baptist Church came for Sunday evening services. About this time the kerosene lights were replaced by electricity, and the church was painted on the outside.

In December 1949 Rev. Oscar Hunerdosse with his wife Dora Mae and children came to be our pastor. It was during Pastor Hunerdosse's ministry the church was organized into the Maple Ridge Community Bible Church with 17 charter members. He preached many sermons on correct Doctrine to lay a firm foundation. Our first Constitution was drawn up at this time.

In 1958 Rev. Orville E. Cypert was called as our first full-time pastor but due to the ill health of Mrs. Cypert they only stayed one year. Rev. Alfred J. Larson was then called in July 1959. A new roof was put on the old church during Pastor Larson's ministry.

On February 2, 1961 Rev. Cypert returned. During his second tenure, on July 16, 1961 the radio program "Discovery" on WRCO, Richland Center, was started. Under Pastor Cypert's ministry and help, the beautiful new building atop Shockley Hill was built. Situated high on a ridge it is truly "a lighthouse on a hill." Ground was broken August 11, 1962 and the first service was held October 13, 1963.

Rev. Roy Hoover of St. Louis, Missouri became pastor in December 1964. Under his leadership the church body continued to grow. August 22, 1965 the first Homecoming service was held, with 160 people attending the Sunday morning service. Beginning April 18th, 1965 our church sponsored a radio program at WPRE in Prairie Du Chien with the theme "With Eternity's Values In View." In 1966 we hosted the IFCA Regional Conference. Pastor Hoover resigned in May 1968.

Our next pastor was a newly graduated Moody student, James Papen, and wife Phyllis. They came in August 1968 and stayed until May 1970. The church entryway was enclosed in 1969.

On September 20, 1970 Pastor Thaddeus Peak came with wife Helen and four children. He was here for 14 years, the longest term of any pastor thus far. During his ministry in January of 1973 the mortgage on the church building was burned in a public ceremony. The parsonage was purchased in August 1976. An ACE (Accelerated Christian Education) school was established in September 1979. Pastor Peak left June 3, 1984.

Next, Pastor Thomas Clifford and wife Ruth arrived on August 12, 1984. In October of that year we had our first Annual Pig Roast in a deluge of cold rain. Under Pastor Tom's and Ruth's ministry an atmosphere of friendliness, good will and hospitality has been generated.

Some of the outreach of Maple Ridge Bible Church has included the Women's Ministry Group "Marys and Marthas," the Miss Marys for high school girls, Awana, Child Evangelism classes, Daily Vacation Bible School, Gleaners High School group, and the Junior Young People's group. Many from this church have gone into full-time and part-time work for the furtherance of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.