4TH FRIDAY IS CANCELLED FOR JANUARY, WILL RESUME FEB 22
Dave Eikenberry has served as our interim pastor since early in 2025. His ministry career has spanned four decades, beginning with college ministry, seminary, then a first pastorate in Indiana. He recently retired from pastoring a congregation in Waukegan, IL for over 32 years. In God's providence, He brought Dave and Russell church together at just the right moment!
Pastor Eikenberry is ordained in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, and his most recent degree is a DMin from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He enjoys reading, walking his dog, and playing trumpet in the Waukegan Symphony Orchestra. He is grateful for the opportunity to continue to preach and teach a bit, while having extra time with the grandkids.
Kathleen, Dave's ministry partner and wife of 41 years, is on staff at Lake Forest High School. The two of them are enjoying this time with Russell, while also having time to devote to their children and grandchildren who all live close by.
Our Interim Pastor
Learn about us:
Our History
Russell Community Evangelical Free Church began in 1865, under a different name, and even in a different location. The original congregation, then called Newport Baptist church, was build at Ninth Street and Delaney. In 1895, the building was dismantled and moved by horse-pulled wagons to its present location on Russell Road.
In 1978, the church was reorganized and became a part of the Evangelical Free Church. The church was served by a succession of pastors over the years, including Dan Nowatarski, who served for 18 years. More recently, Pastor Bruce Henne and his wife, Linda, ministered to the congregation and began the successful Fourth Friday Bluegrass Gospel Jam. This event continues to bring together people from all over the region to play and sing God's praise.
In 2024, Pastor Bruce retired and moved out of state, and Pastor Dave Eikenberry came to serve as an interim.
We are thankful for God's faithfulness in the past, and for his guidance into the next chapter of our ministry in Russell.
Our Home
Right on the border of Wisconsin, this historic traditional church is the site of joyful worship, fellowship, and praise.
Where
14610 Russell Rd, Russell, IL 60075
When
Sundays 10:30 am
Get in Touch
We'd love to hear from you. Reach out anytime with questions or prayer requests.
Phone
224-631-4336
russellchurchefc@gmail.com