In the mid-sixties the Greene family was led by the Lord to Cape Girardeau. Cape Bible Chapel was born out of a deep conviction that God desired to plant and grow a Bible-based, non-denominational church in this area - a church where Jesus Christ would be worshiped as Head; where Scripture would be systematically taught and practiced; where Christians would be equipped for service to both believers and unbelievers; where believers would learn to love the Lord and one another; and where Jesus Christ crucified, risen and coming again would be faithfully preached.

They first met in homes then moved to a one-room school house with no indoor plumbing and an outhouse in back. The water was contaminated, so everyone brought their own drinking water. The first baptism was outdoors in a horse tank. The congregation grew to twelve families. Almost immediately, they began a weekly radio program, bought a lot and implemented a building program. When building a chapel was suggested, half of the congregation left and started another small church. Being confident that this chapel was God’s will, the remaining people pressed on.

In the fall of 1968 a building was constructed at the corner of Cape Rock and Lombardo streets. Everyone pitched in to help with painting, staining wood, etc. Hal even helped with the brick retaining wall. What a blessed fellowship – and love prevailed.

Church growth was slow and difficult during the next five years. Then the Lord blessed the church with explosive growth and by 1979 the building was crowded to over-flowing. To meet this growth, a satellite church was planted in Carbondale.