Dedicated on Easter Sunday 1940

History

Conceived in 1921 by Bird and Margaret Van Leer, Immanuel Bible Foundation was chartered as a non for profit Christian resource center and facility by Mrs. Van Leer in 1944. Their goal was to leave their commodious and elegant home, prosperous business, and considerable wealth to the furtherance of Christian work originally desiring to build and operate a Bible School. They would assist local churches, educational, social and charitable organizations by promoting Biblical training, encouraging the use of sacred music, and fostering unity and cooperation among Christians. That goal continues today.

Broadview, the 1906 mansion home of the Van Leers, is available for rent Monday through Saturday for your Christian group's Bible studies, prayer meetings, training/planning sessions, day retreats, and similar activities. Secular groups may also rent space for your group meetings, bridal showers, weddings, photography sessions, and much more. The mansion, bell tower and spacious grounds combine to create an atmosphere of natural beauty and serenity conducive to reflection and inspiration. Simply call 452-6710 for information and scheduling.

Mr. & Mrs. Bird C. Van Leer, members of Second Presbyterian Church since before 1880. Mr. Van Leer's family originally emigrated from Prussia to Pennsylvania and eventually to Illinois. He began his career as a bookkeeper of a plumbing and hardware business in downtown Bloomington, which is still operating today. He advanced to partner and ultimately owner of Keiser-Van Leer (now Clark & Barlow) and became very wealthy in the process.

Mrs. Margaret Diadema (Langstaff) Van Leer, the daughter of a local banker, was born and raised in Lexington, Illinois. She met Bird Colladay Van Leer while teaching at Illinois Wesleyan University and they subsequently married on July 30, 1894. After Mr. Van Leer's Death at 66 years of age at Brokaw Hospital on October 9, 1933, Mrs. Margaret Langstaff Van Leer offered her estate to Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, but the Institute declined. Mrs. Van Leer then chartered Immanuel Bible Foundation herself, and on January 21, 1944, became its first director and appointed Rev. Harold Martin as President and Executive Director. Provisions in her will directed that their Broadview home, wholesale plumbing business and entire estate would be left to the interdenominational Foundation

Mrs. Van Leer commissioned the Van Leer Memorial Chime Tower, which was inaugurated on Easter Sunday, 1940, in memory of her late husband. The Chime Tower, built in North Italian Romanesque style, is constructed of tapestry brick trimmed with Cold Springs Granite and stands 110 feet in height. The Tower initially housed ten stationary bells weighing four tons suspended from a steel frame with the clappers connected to the hand-ringing console on the second level. Mr. Ray Olson played morning and evening chime bell concerts from 1941 until 1983.

Purpose
In order to glorify God and serve the Christian community, we endeavor to:

• Offer the spacious Van Leer home to host Bible studies, prayer meetings, Christian training/planning sessions, day retreats, missionary groups, etc.
• Initiate/participate in Christian outreach opportunities designed to bring the Christian community together as well as attract those interested in the Christian faith.
• Network with local Christian ministries to identify as well as assist in addressing unmet needs within the Christian community.
• Provide limited financial support to local Christian educational and service organizations committed to improving the quality of life of men, women, children, and families.
• Offer a Sacred Music Lending Library service, whereby small churches with limited music budgets can access a variety of anthems, so that choirs can be equipped and Christian worship can be enhanced.
• Provide the general population with a serene setting for meetings and events such as bridal showers, luncheons, recitals, and so on.