In the early 1960's the constitution was again brought up to date. A plan to purchase the school house across from the church and move it near the church for supplementary classrooms did not receive a majority vote. Pastor and Mrs. Glenn Fink and family came in September, 1963. He was ordained March, 1964. A new piano and organ were purchased for the church. For two long years the congregation failed to reach a decision on whether to remodel, build in the country, or build in town,
never quite reaching the necessary two-thirds majority vote, while continually searching for God's will in the matter. However, realizing anew the imminent need for bigger and better facilities, a ballot taken on December 3, 1964, resulted in an overwhelming "yes" vote to build in town. (See the new church building proposal booklet)
The following committees were appointed immediately: Building and site committee: Don McAdam, Chairman; Melvin Smith, Darrel Cordes, Roscoe Jordan, Elmer Eggert; Finance: Ed McAdam, Chairman; Louis Muller, Erwin Bohstedt; Special Architectural Advisor: Bob Goodman.
On December 19, 1964, it was decided to use the professional services of the Evangelical Church Building Corp., South Bend, Indiana, for consulting and architecture with Lester 0. Johnson of Chicago, Illinois, as architect and H. Ray Dubois of Rochelle, Illinois, as building supervisor. The excavating was done by Lawrence Guehrn of Ladora. Jay Maudlin and Don McAdam of Williamsburg and Victor did the painting and seamless flooring. Other local companies involved in the building were: Concrete Work, Manatts Concrete Co.; Masonry Contractor, George Weiss; Mechanical Contractor, Montgomery Plumbing and Heating; and Electric Contractor, Jack Electric.
Plans were drawn, examined, changed, and finally accepted by the congregation. In the search for a church site, several places were investigated and on June 3, 1965, the John Doran property in southeast Victor was purchased at a cost of $3,600.00 for the three acre tract. To complete financial arrangements for building the church, $60,000.00 was borrowed through the Victor State Bank at six percent interest for ten years. The remainder of the more than $121,000.00 required to finish the project proved a great challenge, but through faith, prayer, labor and sacrifice, the money was raised by the time it was needed. Construction began in May, 1966, and with much labor donated, continued throughout the year until those involved felt as though they were "eating, sleeping and living the project".
From events of the past 100 years it can be seen that "The Lord hath done great things for us whereof we are glad" (Psalm 126:3). And not the least of these is the way He helped His people here at Victor Baptist to retire their church debt. In November of 197 5, about one and one-half years before the note was due, the last payment was made. "Many, 0 Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered." (Psalm 40:5)
On Christmas Eve the program was held in the new church and shortly after the beginning of the new year the move was completed. An open house was held at the church on the afternoon of January 22 with some 500 people attending. The following Sunday afternoon, January 29, 1967, the church was dedicated to the Lord in an inspirational service glorifying the Lord for what He had done.
Much more could be told of the joy that present members of Victor Baptist Church had in working together, claiming the promises of God, sharing the Lord Jesus Christ through sermons inspired by the Holy Spirit, beautiful music and dedicated leadership. These all help growth, individually and corporately, in love for the Savior, in love for each other and in love for those who do not yet know Him.
Then came the problem of what to do with the former church. In May, 1967, it was sold for $350.00, to be removed from the premises. The land reverted to the owner of the farm from which it had come.
In 1968 the church participated in the Victor Centennial, erecting a tent for the showing of Moody Science films. At church they had an "Old Fashioned Sunday", using kerosene lamps and a pump organ. People were dressed in old fashioned clothes. Men were seated on one side of the auditorium and the women and children on the other. In the centennial parade the young people won a first place trophy for their float which pictured the "old and new" churches. Later that summer the float won a first place trophy at the Ladora Centennial.
Pastor and Mrs. Robert Bunnell and family served the new church from 1968-1972. God's Volunteers spent a week at Victor in 1972 and, accompanied by church members, witnessed for the Lord from house to house in the community. Each evening the six young people presented a program of music and testimony. A similar group came in 1973.
In 1973 Pastor and Mrs. David Hornok and family started their ministry at Victor. He was ordained in November at his home church in Utah. He has assisted with the camp ministry at East Iowa Bible Camp, Deep River, Iowa, and Central Baptist Camp, Lansing, Iowa.
A physical improvement accomplished in 1975 was the air conditioning of the church auditorium. A new piano was purchased the same year.
However, each new achievement presents a new challenge for the present and succeeding generations. "That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the Lord that it is mighty." (Joshua 4:24)
The hope and desire of the Victor Baptist Church is that in the years to come the Spirit of God will lead the church as He has led in the past toward dedicated, fruitful service and ministry in His name.
With these challenges the Victor Baptists close their story but even more it is "His"-story!
