Our story began in 1948 at the north end of Visalia along Highway 63. Mr. and Mrs. Bob Willems had a heart for the families in the Patterson Tract area where they lived. They began a Bible study in their home - first for children; then for adults. Their mission was to love their neighbors for Jesus. In 1950 this home bible study officially became Neighborhood Church. Their home was soon outgrown and an old tavern was purchased and converted into a church.
In 1956, they called their first pastor, Al Kroeker. Under his leadership, Neighborhood grew and in 1960 became a home mission church of the Pacific District Conference of the Mennonite Brethren. With their help, the church purchased land on the corner of County Center and Walnut Avenue, and in 1963 began holding services in the new facility. With continued growth and need for more space, Neighborhood moved again in 1998 to the present facility on a 20-acre parcel at Akers and Riggin.
For more than 60 years, Neighborhood Church has had one mission: to help people find Jesus and become His devoted followers. God has honored this mission. Through the service of many godly people along with the leadership of seven lead Pastors and their staffs, Neighborhood has grown from a small bible study to a church of over 1,500.
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