History
History of Plains Bible Church
 The Plains Bible Church held their first Sunday meeting on March 2, 1975. The home of Ray and Irma Steinebach was a main meeting place in the beginning, with 39 people (adults and children) in attendance. It was established with an elder form of government, considered to be the most Biblical. Four Elders were chosen; they shared the preaching and spiritual leadership of the group of believers. Those four founding men, supported by their wives, were Dwayne Bauer, Lynn Ausland, Ken McGann and Dennis Olson. The Auslands and Bauers have since moved out of the area. Other Elders and Deacons have also served over the years.
From the beginning until now, communion is observed each Sunday in remembrance of Jesus’ death and resurrection; and baptism is observed, usually in the Clark Fork River, as an indication of one’s surrender to Jesus Christ.
In time, the church outgrew home meetings and met in the Fairgrounds Pavilion until the chapel building was erected in 1979. The chapel was originally constructed from dead and down cedar, logged by church members. Our first meeting in the new building was in the unfinished basement with a big wood stove in the corner, and potluck afterward to celebrate.
The chapel has seen many repairs, including a new roof and siding in 1988. Under the direction of the Deacons, a major entryway/office addition was completed in 1999, with walls being removed to make a larger sanctuary at that time. In the summer of 2000, a 25th anniversary was celebrated in a weekend event. Scrapbooks have been kept over the years to record the history.
 Joel Banham was called to the Plains Bible Church as Pastor/Elder in 1988 with his wife, Debbie and three of their now five children. Joel is affiliated with the American Missionary Fellowship. It is a relief to the Elders to have a Pastor available to meet needs throughout the week.
Preaching and teaching is strongly based on the Word of God. We have had many families and individuals come and go through the years; they often tell us they know God brought them here for spiritual growth. Ministries available to meet various spiritual needs include Sunday school, adult Bible study, Sunday morning worship, men’s Bible study, women’s Bible study, and youth group. We believe prayer to be an essential, and it is included in these gatherings.
In recent years, Sanders County has become a favorite place, so we are often seeing new faces appear and decide to meet with us. We also enjoy some months of attendance in each school year by students pursuing their leadership studies at Camp Bighorn. The Deacons have been hard at work planning toward expansion of the present chapel building this year, to accommodate our increased numbers.
The church is relatively casual and friendly, an atmosphere which we aim to keep in our new sanctuary. Though we enjoy a wide variety of people, the teaching of Biblical truth balanced with Christ’s example of loving, gracious “room to grow” makes it a nurturing place to attend together. This church body is made up of every age group, from young families with children to members who are great-grandparents.
We give God all the glory for what He has done.
Plains Bible Chapel Celebrates 25th Anniversary in 2000
 The grounds of the Plains Bible Chapel on Combest Creek Road was the site for a gathering of approximately 200 people the weekend of July 22 and 23. The trees planted some 20 years ago provided much needed shade. In spite of the heat, a good number turned out for the barbecue Saturday noon. Afternoon fun included softball and volleyball for adults and teens, with plenty of water and lemonade on hand. The children were entertained by an Astro-jump house, puddle pools, and pony rides. Two photo albums had been compiled over the 25 years and were available to be viewed by those attending, crediting all who have been involved in the church fellowship. Tours of the chapel building were given to view the addition completed a short time ago.
Dennis Olson was head chef for the roasting of a whole pig, which was served for the evening meal. Families of the church provided salads and desserts, as old and new friends gathered to visit and hear live gospel and western music throughout dinner. Pictures were taken and a special cake served to recognize those who were instrumental in forming the church in 1975.
 Saturday evening’s activities contained a history of the beginnings of the church, mostly serious and sometimes humorous, reviewed by Lynn Ausland (now of Yakima, WA), Dennis Olson, and Ken McGann, all original leaders, and Ray and Irma Steinebach, whose home in Plains was an early meeting place. Testimonies of God’s goodness came from members and acquaintances, both past and recent, including John Bennett (now of Polson, MT) and his son Justin (now of Roundup, MT). A concluding challenge from the Scriptures was given by American Missionary Fellowship Regional Director, Lewis Clark, who came all the way from Rapid City, SD, to share in the festivities. With torches set up to illumine the night, the guitar, fiddle, and banjo music continued into the late hours, and a few brave ones enjoyed the Virginia Reel.
Sunday morning worship was held outdoors at the picnic tables, with Pastor Joel Banham speaking. Picnic lunch was served as people got in last minute talking before going their separate ways. Appreciation was expressed to the deacons and other men of the church, along with their wives and families, who did an admirable job of planning and overseeing to make the celebration a success. |
