Our History
Sometime during 1912, a group of devout Christians were anticipating the establishment of a church in Bowling Green and had been meeting for services in the home of Rev. and Mrs. William Orwig on the corner of Eighth and Jackson streets. The band of Christians joined their material and spiritual resources in preparing to sponsor a ten-day revival campaign scheduled for the summer of 1912. A large tent was erected on East Washington Street and the campaign got underway with the ministry of two lady evangelists of the Christian and Missionary Alliance – Pastor Isabelle Marvin and Pastor Cora Rudy.
Following the closing of the tent campaign, about twelve of those who had attended the Orwig Bible study services moved into a small room at 154 S Main St. They were prepared to establish a local church with a vibrant missionary ministry. Their numbers increased speedily and they felt it necessary to call their first pastor. Pastor Isabelle Marvin accepted that position and became the first pastor of Bowling Green Alliance Church. They then started praying about a location to build the first church building.
The lot at 123 East Court Street was purchased and construction began. Construction progressed quickly but laboriously and with great sacrifice, for much of the labor was donated by the men and women of the congregation. Late in 1914 the promise was realized when the congregation moved in and occupied their beloved place of worship. On February 16, 1915, the church was dedicated and set apart to become a mighty lighthouse of the Gospel of
Christ. The church was called the Gospel Tabernacle. One month later, March 19, 1915, the charter was awarded. The new church became a full Christian and Missionary Alliance Church.
Mrs. Millie Rupp introduced and conducted the first Daily Vacation Bible School ever held in Bowling Green in the summer of 1931. In 1949 it was deemed necessary to enlarge the church and a Sunday School Annex was built behind and adjoining the original structure.
Following the closing of the tent campaign, about twelve of those who had attended the Orwig Bible study services moved into a small room at 154 S Main St. They were prepared to establish a local church with a vibrant missionary ministry. Their numbers increased speedily and they felt it necessary to call their first pastor. Pastor Isabelle Marvin accepted that position and became the first pastor of Bowling Green Alliance Church. They then started praying about a location to build the first church building.
The lot at 123 East Court Street was purchased and construction began. Construction progressed quickly but laboriously and with great sacrifice, for much of the labor was donated by the men and women of the congregation. Late in 1914 the promise was realized when the congregation moved in and occupied their beloved place of worship. On February 16, 1915, the church was dedicated and set apart to become a mighty lighthouse of the Gospel of
Christ. The church was called the Gospel Tabernacle. One month later, March 19, 1915, the charter was awarded. The new church became a full Christian and Missionary Alliance Church.
Mrs. Millie Rupp introduced and conducted the first Daily Vacation Bible School ever held in Bowling Green in the summer of 1931. In 1949 it was deemed necessary to enlarge the church and a Sunday School Annex was built behind and adjoining the original structure.
By 1963 there was discussion that the present building was not meeting the needs of the congregation and a new location was prayed about. After lengthy and serious consideration concerning the possible relocation of the church, the Gospel Tabernacle was sold and the plot of ground at 1161 Napoleon Road was purchased.
A ground breaking ceremony took place on Sunday, July 21, 1964 and construction of the new church began. Five months later, Sunday, March 7, 1965, the dedication ceremony took place with approximately 300 people.
Through the portals of the old Tabernacle and the present house of worship have gone many young people, summoned by Christ Himself, to serve in many places of the world. At various intervals young people have gone to spread the Good News of the Gospel of Christ in such places as India, Africa, Vietnam, Laos, Philippines, and the Kentucky Mountains. Some became pastors in the homeland and some went into other fields of service.
Truly the congregation of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Bowling Green offers praise to the Heavenly Father for allowing such “Steps of Faith” and wonderful heritage to treasure for these 99 years.
A ground breaking ceremony took place on Sunday, July 21, 1964 and construction of the new church began. Five months later, Sunday, March 7, 1965, the dedication ceremony took place with approximately 300 people.
Through the portals of the old Tabernacle and the present house of worship have gone many young people, summoned by Christ Himself, to serve in many places of the world. At various intervals young people have gone to spread the Good News of the Gospel of Christ in such places as India, Africa, Vietnam, Laos, Philippines, and the Kentucky Mountains. Some became pastors in the homeland and some went into other fields of service.
Truly the congregation of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Bowling Green offers praise to the Heavenly Father for allowing such “Steps of Faith” and wonderful heritage to treasure for these 99 years.
