Our History
The Journey of Our Congregation
CBC began as a step of faith. In the late 1960’s, ten families from Yonkers and White Plains moved north in Westchester County and began to meet together in local homes. They came from the faith tradition of the open Brethren assemblies and desired to maintain the Brethren emphasis on the ministry of every Christian. Yet, they had a vision for a church that was nondenominational—welcoming, networking, and serving with Christians from many backgrounds. When a building became available at an excellent price, they offered the equity in their homes as collateral in order to secure financing to purchase it.
This new church grew rapidly in the 1970s as they enjoyed a fresh work of God’s Spirit. Neighborhood Bible studies popped up around the county as CBCers invited their neighbors to study God’s word with them. They also sent out several missionaries both overseas and in the local area.
CBC quickly gained a reputation for being innovative. Having no pastor, they took turns planning their services and devised a pattern for studying through the Bible together. After the Sunday service, they met in small groups to discuss and apply sermons that were given by guest speakers or CBC leaders.
The 1990s ushered in a new era for Community Bible Church. As the times shifted, the congregation felt the call for a dedicated pastoral leader. Fortuitously, David Dunkerton, a missionary the church had long supported, became available. For the next 16 years, CBC thrived under Dunkerton’s guidance, solidifying its commitment to the Word while adapting to the evolving world around it.
When Dunkerton’s tenure drew to a close, the congregation welcomed Dick Wiedenheft as their second pastor in 2008. For 15 years, Wiedenheft deftly balanced tradition and innovation, ensuring CBC remained rooted in its values while staying engaged with the ever-changing cultural landscape.
Today, Mark Swanson carries the torch, leading the congregation into the future with the same resolute spirit that has defined CBC since its inception. Under his stewardship, the church continues its drive toward growth and relevance, embracing new ideas and perspectives while holding fast to its unwavering biblical foundations.
Through the decades, CBC has weathered the tides of change, emerging stronger and more vibrant with each new era. Its legacy is one of adaptability and steadfast faith, a testament to the enduring power of a community united in purpose and guided by an immutable truth.
The History of Our Log Building
Our building was formerly the Kitchawan Tavern, located on the Taconic Parkway a half mile west of its present location. It was built in 1923 and moved to its present location in 1967 when the parkway was widened. The new owner added living quarters to the building and intended to use it as his home but then decided against living in it.
One of the original members of our church was driving past the building and happened to meet the owner who agreed to sell it. In the fall of 1970, the property was purchased by the ten families who began CBC.
Since then the building has been expanded and remodeled, but the original tavern feel remains. Our present sanctuary was originally the tavern dining room, complete with stone fireplace. Our lounge was formerly the covered gas station attached to the tavern. These log cabin rooms are complemented by more modern portions of our building, including a coffeehouse-style space we call the “Kitchawan Cafe.”