Our History

Zoar Community Church was established by a group of farm families in the early 1970s. Initially meeting in a machine shed, the congregation soon undertook the construction of its current facility, built largely through the dedication and effort of its founding members. This building remains a testament to their vision.

The church’s first pastor was Dr. Bill Woodruff, succeeded by Rev. Jim Everett, who served as lead pastor for eighteen years. Rev. Cecil Cook led the congregation for three years before Revs. Bill and Joan Dean were appointed co-pastors in 1996, serving until March 2020. Rev. Andrea Boggs assumed pastoral leadership thereafter and continued in this role until her retirement in December 2025. Effective January 2026, Zoar has appointed Pastor Hector Chaparro to serve as its new pastor. Pastor Hector retired from the Cook County Sheriff’s department after 30 years of service. Hector is married to Carrie who has taught music in Bourbonnais for twenty-five years. Carrie will serve a long side Hector as Zoar’s Music minister. Hector and Carrie have two boys Micah 13 and Mateo 8.