Summary Facts and Dates of Our History
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About 1937 a group of people began meeting to form the nucleus of what would in the future become Iron River Bible Church

The group purchased a school building on the Ottawa Lake Road about 1939 and moved it to the two lots on River Avenue in Burns Addition. 
Rev. Richard Zoet founded the Northland Gospel Mission with this group. Rev. Zoet was one of the original founders of the IFCA.

After Rev. Zoet left Warren Laubrich, a layman drove from Watersmeet to preach on Sundays. During this time the group sponsored the foundation of the Blessed Hope Bible Camp. The camp rented facilities at Nesbit Lake. Up to 100 kids sometimes attend camp. Two other churches (from Ramsey and Bark River Bible Church) were involved with this camp.

After the war a basement was added to the church building in 1945.

1965 the Iron River church came under the Independent Bible Mission (IBM).

No services were held for a period of time.

Rev. Leon and Gerrie Buck first visited the area in April 1966. Rev. Buck served from 1966 to June 1983.

1978 Present 40 acres of land purchased.
1983 Land excavated.

From 1986-1987 Rev. Timothy Tanner served as pastor.

1986 New building erected.

Land given to the church – Later sold to pay off the mortgage.

From 1987 - 1994 Rev. Roger Adams served as
pastor.

January 1989 Bob & Ruth Cleeves presented the idea at an Annual Business Meeting to erect 3 crosses.

July 30, 1989 Dedication of the 3 crosses.

Graduation from IBM in 1992.

Pastor Dan Waters began his ministry in May of 1995. Officially installed during a service on July 9, 1995.

2001 Parsonage purchased across from the church building. Purchased in cash.

We began church expansion in 2003. The dedication of the expansion was October 1, 2006. The expansion was paid for with cash. Details of expansion: 36 x 40 feet added to church with 2 new classrooms included a much-needed Youth Room, 3 new storage areas, a new study for the pastor – old study converted into a library. The kitchen was expanded and remodeled. A new boiler was installed. A new roof was also installed.

After Pastor Dan Waters retired from senior pastor in 2016, Kraig Tass became the senior pastor while Dan Waters served as associate pastor.

In January of 2025, Pastor Kurt Schroder became the pastor of the Iron River Bible Church. He currently serves as the pastor.