History

The Bradford Apostolic Christian Church was built in 1964, but its local roots go back much further in time. In the 1860’s, several German immigrant farm families with the name of Streitmatter moved into Valley Township, Stark County from Akron Township, Peoria County. The five Streitmatter families had previously become members of the Apostolic Christian Church in Peoria, and after they moved, a church in the Princeville area was founded.

After outgrowing their first church building on the “Streitmatter Prairie,” a bigger 2-story church was built in Princeville, IL in 1921. As time passed, it again became evident that the church was no longer able to accommodate all the members and friends that wished to worship. After prayerful consideration, it was agreed that a new church be built at Bradford, to accommodate families that lived further north. The building project began in 1963 and was completed in 1964, with 35 of Princeville’s church families assembling in Bradford. The Princeville church continued to grow and eventually built a new larger church building in 1969.

An extensive church remodel/addition project on the Bradford church began in 2021 and was completed in 2022, adding capacity and conveniences in the assembly room, fellowship areas, rest rooms, baby rooms, and dining room. Regular attendance consists of 126 members, 57 Sunday School students, and about 60 others, totaling about 240 active attendees.

The church has grown and prospered through the years as people have responded to God’s call to love and serve Him and to share His love with others.

See the following links for more historical information about the Princeville Apostolic Christian Church, and about the Apostolic Christian Church of America.