1968-1970

THE BEGINNING

First Church of Christ began as a dream in the hearts of several families who felt the need for a New Testament congregation in Ankeny. The first planned meeting was held on August 17th, 1968, as the Bumann, Seehorn, and Moses families met to lay the groundwork.

A second meeting was held on August 24, and at that time a list of prospects was divided among the three families, to invite them to attend an informal meeting on September 6 at the shelter house. Those present were M/M Bob McKnight, Calvin Voshell, Wayne Shivers, Merrill Seehorn, Carol Moses, Bob Bumann, Les Storey, Laurice Kerns, and Bob Brugioni. The next meeting was set for September 16, and the same group was present, plus Armon Marshall, Mrs. Don Engles, Merv Moberly (minister at Ames), and Walt Jones (Secretary for the Christian Evangelistic Mission, C.E.M.).

MID-WEEK SERVICES STARTED

Mid-week services began October 2, 1968 with 26 people meeting for Bible study under the leadership of Bob Bumann. Meetings were held in a three room metal “Butler” building, rented from the I.O.O.F. Lodge. On successive Wednesday evenings, two neighboring ministers, Merv Moberly and Joe Simcox, led these services.

On November 17, 1968 the first Sunday morning worship service was held, with Joe Simcox preaching. A pulpit committee was appointed to begin a search for a minister. The name “First Church of Christ, F.C.C.” was selected to identify the new congregation on November 24th.

FIRST MINISTER CALLED

In December of 1968 Roger Smelser was called as minister, and C.E.M. approved support. Brother Smelser, his wife, Freda, and two sons, Stan and Randy, began their ministry with the F.C.C., January 19, 1969. The attendance was 42 for Bible School, and 46 for worship; the offering was $82.00.

EVENING SERVICES BEGIN

Evening worship services were started in January of 1969, including a half-hour youth program. This year, several women from the congregation transported children from the church to the West Side Church of Christ in Des Moines, for Vacation Bible School. The ladies helped assist and teach the children.

FIRST VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

By the first of May 1969 there were 47 members. During the year, the church was incorporated. Brother Smelser was from Ozark Bible College in Joplin, Missouri and had previously worked for the Chrysler Corporation in Kokomo, Indiana. The Church’s first Vacation Bible School was held in the I.O.O.F. building in 1970 with Brother Smelser as director. A total of $51.00 was given to the mission, “Go Ye Chapel”. The average attendance was 52.