Herbert A. Studebaker was born on November 19, 1884, in Schiedler, Indiana. He received his bachelor degree from Manchester College, in North Manchester, Indiana, a graduate degree at the University of Wisconsin in 1913 and a Master of Divinity degree at Chicago Theological Seminary in 1915.

Mr. Studebaker married Nora Miller on March 20, 1913. They had three daughters, Annabelle, Pauline and Priscilla. After serving as pastor of a church in Sterling, Illinois, the Rev. Studebaker came to Beloit in 1922 as pastor of Second Congregational Church. He became active in the community almost immediately. The Beloit Lions Club was chartered in 1923 and the Rev. Studebaker was elected as the Lions Club’s first president. He also served on the Executive Board of the former Stateline Council, Boy Scouts of America. Rev. Studebaker was an early advocate of the importance of family values, promoting family banquets, picnics and camping activities. He enjoyed serving as master of ceremonies at numerous church and community events. He organized the Waukanda Club, a group of over 100 young men which had its own musical quartet, athletic teams and other parish activities. He also worked closely with “Christian Endeavor”, a group organized especially for young people.

During his pastoral leadership at Second Congregational Church, the membership grew considerably and so did community involvement. Rev. Studebaker loved music. He hired a “minister of music” and before long a new organ was installed at the church and four youth choirs and a senior choir were meeting regularly. Members of the church and the community enjoyed inspirational religious music. He also believed in a busy missionary program which sent Second Congregational members far afield in their missionary efforts. After serving for 26 years in the community, the Rev. Studebaker left Beloit in 1948 to become pastor of First Congregational Church in Lake Worth, Florida, where he served for several years until his retirement. He died there on April 3, 1975 at the age of 90.