Our Story

Emmanuel Chapel Bible Church 1942-2015 ​ This ministry, one of the notable churches in Lebanon, Missouri, began in 1942 when a minister named James L Stone started pastoring a group of people at this location after Edger Welch donated the property for the church the previous year. James Stone retired as pastor around 1979 and passed away in 1983. Following his retirement, there were six other pastors, including Loren Heisz. Pastor Loren Heisz passed away in 2015. According to former members, due to several years of declining membership and the passing of Pastor Heisz, the remaining congregation decided to close the church instead of searching for a new pastor. The church closed in August of 2015. ​  

Grace & Glory Tabernacle 1994-2016   This ministry was established in 1994 by minister John E. Deckard. They held their first service in a house on Apple St in Lebanon, MO, before moving to a rented building about 4 miles out on West Hwy 64. In June 2007, Pastor Johnny Deckard passed away, and shortly thereafter, Pastor Stan Hill began pastoring in September 2007. In 2008, the church moved to an empty church building at 884 Park Manor. ​  

Emmanuel Chapel 2017-Present ​ In late 2016, after the former Emmanuel Chapel Bible Church building was put up for sale, the church decided to purchase the building. The congregation recognized the assets of the former ministry, such as its heritage, the respected name in the Lebanon MO churches community, as well as the well-known location of the church. They felt that the faithful members who had contributed their time, talents, and tithes to the ministry for 75 years would appreciate the continuation of the church under the name Emmanuel Chapel. Pastor Stan asked the board of Emmanuel Chapel Bible Church if they could use the name, and they agreed. Thus, the members of Grace & Glory Tabernacle decided to reopen the church as Emmanuel Chapel. In 2021, Pastor Stan Hill passed away, and his son Dusty Hill was elected Pastor in December of 2021.