In the Spring of 2019, Illinois Valley Evangelical Free Church closed after 30 years of faithful ministry. In May 2019, a new church was formed under the direction and care of the Evangelical Free Church of America--Great Lakes District and a core launching team to replant a new church. 

In the late Spring of 2019, the denomination and the core church plant team called for a new pastor. River Valley Church launched services in August 2019. Since then, the RVC has invested in the community through its Easter Egg Hunt, Back to School Party, Halloween candy giveaway, coffee connections, Christmas Eve and Easter Services, hosting the park district sports league on site, and Scarecrow Festival. Other engagements include our weekly worship services, and men's and women's Bible study.

River Valley Church is thankful to the Lord for the wonderful property it inherited from Illinois Valley Evangelical Free Church and the previous Lutheran Church that built it in 1990.