DELAVAN — Motorists rounding the curve into town on Route 122 pass a landmark that has quietly shaped local faith life for half a century. Prairie Bible Church, the first church building visible as drivers enter Delavan, is celebrating 50 years of ministry with a full weekend of events from September 11–13.

Founded in September 1976—during America's bicentennial year and under President Gerald Ford—the congregation now celebrates its own milestone alongside the nation's 250th. Former members, longtime friends, and anyone curious about Prairie's ministry are warmly invited to join the anniversary festivities.

Prairie Bible is a nondenominational independent church notable for its continuity: only two pastors have served in its 50-year history.

Guy Storm led from 1976–1986.  

Dan Larimore has served since 1986, with Larry Lipka stepping in as interim pastor during Larimore's church‑planting work in New Mexico.

At the heart of Prairie's identity is its commitment to expositional preaching—a verse‑by‑verse, line‑by‑line approach rooted directly in biblical text. Sermons typically continue from the exact passage preached the previous week, incorporating historical and grammatical context to guide application in daily Christian life. While holiday and topical messages appear occasionally, the church's hallmark is steady, sequential teaching through Scripture, including challenging passages often skipped elsewhere.

Prairie's doctrinal foundation includes belief in the inerrancy of Scripture, the triune nature of God, the deity of Jesus Christ, humanity's need for salvation, grace through faith in Christ alone, the bodily resurrection, the personhood of Satan, and the imminent, pre‑tribulational, pre‑millennial return of Christ.

The church is located at 715 East 4th Street, with the main entrance on 2nd Street.