All Adventist churches grew out of an emphasis begun by a Baptist farmer from New York state, William Miller. After careful study of the scriptures Miller came to believe that Jesus Christ would fulfill His promises and return to earth personally in 1843-1844. In the decade that followed, evangelists and preachers, still believing that the coming of Christ was imminent, went everywhere preaching. Services were held in Aurora, and in the early 1850's believers met regularly in homes, including one on South Broadway belonging to a Dr. Spaulding. At about the time the Advent Christian denomination was founded in 1860, a small group of worshippers guided by Elder C.W. Smith organized a church in Aurora. For over twenty years - before, during and after the Civil War- these early Adventists met in rented halls, theatres, schools, the YMCA and the lecture hall of the First Baptist Church.

A church on the southwest corner of Galena and Locust was purchased in 1887. Within a short time the Locust Street building was too small. A new structure erected on the northwest corner of Plum and Iowa was dedicated in June 1892. Records show that in 1896 the pastor's salary was $450 a year and the annual conference dues were $4.72. From 1907 to 1909 tent meetings were held at View and Plum. Membership totaled 96 in 1909. When the denominational college at Mendota moved and became Aurora College in 1912, the additional people - students and faculty - crowded the Plum Street Church. A new building was constructed at Galena and Lancaster.

The lots and the building cost a total of $16,500. There were 151 members when the new church was dedicated on November 22, 1914. From 1921 to 1926 the congregation grew rapidly. Sunday morning attendance in 1921 averaged 165. A parsonage and education addition were added in 1927 at a total cost in excess of $35,000. Two years later the Great Depression hit and the church was just barely able to make interest payments on a $25,000 mortgage. Members formed a club of people each contributing a dollar a month for debt reduction. In a time when many debts were at best partially repaid, members paid back the total loan.  While the several buildings served well in worship, Christian education and fellowship needs, they also have been a place of beginning for varied outreach and other services. In former days special revival services were held in as large tent in order to accommodate the large crowds. Camp meetings were held at Franklin Grove, Aurora College, Lake Bloomington, and Camp Rude (now Riverwoods Christian Center). Aurora Church members helped found, and are currently involved in the support of Wayside Cross Ministries and  Riverwoods Christian Center. Community responsibility included 1927 and 1952 as stints as a location for public school kindergarten and first grade classes, a 1934-37 branch public library location, and many years of voters and Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. In addition to a long-time interest in foreign missionary work, the Aurora church has provided leadership in many denominational agencies and institutions. It also played a major role in guiding and financing the establishment of a new church in Carpentersville, Illinois.