New Life Fellowship History

One could say that prayer was the beginning of New Life Fellowship. A group of ladies from the Warwick and Hamar area prayed for six to eight years for a church that would meet their needs.

In the spring of 1988 a mid-week Bible study started at the Lyle and Shirley Dahl home. That summer, home church began in Harold and Verna Gleason’s backyard. The services consisted of praise music, prayer and a message from various people, such as: Stan Hockett, who was then the director at FaHoCha Bible Camp, Dennis Gleason, Gordon Twedt and eventually Jeff Kapelle. Jeff Kapelle, having completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in biblical and ministerial studies at Trinity College, Ellendale, North Dakota became the pastor of the newly formed church, New Life Fellowship.

Pastor Jeff believed that the Lord wanted him to pioneer a church but he did not expect this to happen so soon after graduation from Bible College. When he met these people who were having home church and saw that they were hungry for more of what Jesus Christ had to offer them, he agreed to accept their invitation to be their pastor.

The need for a permanent church home became very evident as the cooler fall weather approached and the Gleason home was not big enough to accommodate the growing congregation.

When God moved in 1988, the people had to run to keep up with Him!

A new building was erected south of Hamar, one half mile north of the north junctions of Highways 15 and 20. The concrete was poured on October 13, 1988, and the building was built almost entirely with volunteer labor. The original building was 32’ X 60’ and included a multipurpose sanctuary, along with a kitchen, nursery, office, utility room and bathrooms. The first service was held in the building on November 13, 1988, with the next service on Thanksgiving eve.

The Christmas program that year was especially touching as live animals were used in the nativity. This was possible as much of the interior finishing was not yet completed and carpets had not been laid. The building costs were paid by donations from the congregation.

Very soon it became apparent that more room was needed. So, in 1990 a 32’ x 34’ building was added, which included a fellowship hall and Sunday School rooms.

As attendance continued to grow, it became necessary to look at adding onto the church again. People were now coming from a 35-mile radius of the church. After much prayer and contemplation, a decision was made to go ahead with the plans. The work began in October 1996 and included a larger sanctuary, nursery, office, larger foyer, bathroom and conference room. The addition was 40’ X 62’ and was completed as the donations were received.

In early 1997 the addition was framed in and the siding was applied. Work slowed down again over the summer, but because of Harold Gleason’s diligence over the 1997-98 winter, the building was completed just in time for the 10th Anniversary Celebration which was held June 13, 1998. It was a fun-filled day with a picnic, games and a praise service featuring the Transtrom Family Singers from Watford City.

John Forde, Gerald Haas and Harold Gleason served on the first church board. Lyle Dahl was the Treasurer until July 2000, when Albert Boeckel took over his duties. Eleanor Messner has been the Secretary since the church was established.

The ministry of New Life Fellowship continues with Adult and Teen Bible Study at 9:30 a.m. and worship services at 10:30 a.m. On the second Sunday of each month a Pot Bless meal is served after the service. Midweek classes for all children from ages 2 to 18. Wednesday evening is Adult Bible Study or Prayer. Other regular events include a Bible study for Young Mother’s as well as one for Couples.

The annual Christmas Tea for ladies and young girls is held the first part of December. It has become a favorite with the women of the area.

The latest construction project began in January 2005 when a wall was removed between the kitchen and the first nursery. The enlarged kitchen has two double sinks, two stoves, two refrigerators and more storage area.

It has been said that New Life Fellowship will be a “hospital” to those in our communities. Lives are being changed, prayers are being answered, hearts are being softened and the Bible is being taught.