Though the Church of God is currently the only church in its local community, there were two other churches prior to its beginning. A Baptist church, which was located on the corner of what is now Old Wilson River Road and Soda Springs road, had long since been closed and torn down. And a Christian Advent Church which, though it had constructed a beautiful building on Sargent Road, had struggled for years to become stable. But on July 22, 1952, in the home of Albert and Mary Ely, a new church was formed and named the Gales Creek Church of God. The small group of people who had gathered there had called a local young man, Ivan Marble, to serve as its first pastor. The first services of the fledgling church were held in the Gales Creek Community Hall, behind the Gales Creek School. Seven months later, in February of 1953, the small fellowship was able to purchase the Christian Advent Church building for the price of $1, along with an agreement to repair the damaged and leaning steeple. This building formed the original section of the current facility.

When Ivan, who had been pastoring the Banks United Methodist Church, was called, he brought with him his wife Muriel, Muriel's parents, and their four children: Fred, Dick, Stan, and Bill. Over the course of their ministry the Marble family expanded to nine children, adding Dave, Karen, Chris, Charlie, and Tim--as well as several grandchildren. The church began with only a few families. But over the years, as the church congregation grew and expanded its ministry, improvements were made to the building, and the property adjoining the original quarter acre was purchased. But by 1970 it became apparent that more space was needed. So a building program was started, and in 1974 the construction work was begun. The expanded building, including a two-story Sunday School wing, fellowship hall, kitchen, and--for the first time--indoor bathrooms, was dedicated in the fall of 1976.

Through all of the changes, the Marbles continued raising their family in the church, devoloping programs and serving the community. Ivan supported his family by working as a carpenter, often giving back to the church more than they paid him. During this time, Muriel took on many leadership roles as well, serving in the Women's Missionary Society (Later Women of the Church of God) and as Sunday School Superintendent for many years. Many of the Marble children and grandchildren also worked within the various ministries of the church For 42 years Ivan remained with the church as its pastor, until his sudden death on Sunday, February 12, 1995, in his office, following the morning service. Thus ended an valuable era in the history of the Gales Creek Church.

During the interim period, the church called Reverend Otis Brown, a retired minister, to help with the transition. Otis and his wife Johnnie Mae had planted churches in Washington and Oregon (including Maranatha Church of God), and had ministered for several years in Detroit, Michigan. Otis brought with him a fresh sense of ministry and encouragement, and helped the church deal with its loss and new direction. Finally, in January of 1996 the church called Rich LaMar to serve as the first paid full-time minister. Rich had previously served the church as Associate Pastor of Youth for two years in Gales Creek.

Since that time many of the faces have changed, and much of the ministry has been redesigned, but the basic elements of the church have remained the same: To share the good news of God's salvation with the communities of Gales Creek in an enthusiastic, warm, and genuine way. The Gales Creek Church began in 1952 to be a loving supportive family in an area where God's work was needed. And that still continues to be a driving force in everything we do. It is our hope that God continues to use us to impact the people of the Gales Creek area in positive and helpful ways so that, by all we do, we are always faithful to our mission of expanding the Kingdom of God.

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