Appleton Alliance Church was born of a small group of like-minded Christians in the Fox Valley who were influenced by the radio program, “The Chicago Gospel Tabernacle World Wide Christian Couriers”, featuring Rev. Paul Rader. These people wanted more of the solid Bible teaching and emphasis on missions found in Rev. Rader’s radio program.
Under the guidance of Rev. Rader’s ministry, they held their first gathering in February of 1932 at the YMCA, with 50 – 60 people in attendance. Shortly thereafter they called their first pastor, Rev. William McBirnie, purchased land, and built the Appleton Courier Tabernacle in downtown Appleton.
The New Appleton Tabernacle, as it became known, joined the Christian and Missionary Alliance in 1939. Attendance grew, and they purchased and moved to an existing church in 1953. By 1965, a committee was formed to study future facility needs, and ten lots were purchased in 1967, with the first service being held in the new building on February 19, 1970.
Appleton Alliance Church experienced a time of significant growth under the leadership of Dr. Stephen Grunlan in the late 1980’s, and ground was broken in April of 1990 for a 500-seat worship center addition, fellowship hall, and additional education areas.
Pastor Dennis Episcopo was called as Appleton Alliance Church’s twelfth senior pastor in 1997. In the summer of 2003, the church moved to its current campus located on Grand Chute Boulevard.
