1970-1975

NEW BUILDING

In 1970, three and one-half acres of land were purchased from Mrs. Parrish at $3,000.00 an acre. The ground breaking for the new building was on April 4, 1971. Zion Engineering was the contractor and construction began April 19 of the same year. A diamond shaped building covering 6900 square feet of space, with seating capacity of 230 and space for eleven classrooms, was constructed.

The first Sunday morning services in the new building were held on October 31, 1971. By-laws were drawn up and the first Elders and Deacons were elected in 1972. During the 4 1/2 years Brother Smelser was minister, 212 decisions were made. About one-half of these were baptisms; the rest were transfers. Membership was 18 on the first Sunday and by June 1973, there were 170 members.

Brother Smelser and his family served from January of 1969 until June of 1973. At that time, Brother Smelser took a position as the State Evangelist with the Wisconsin Christian Missionary Association.

NEW MINISTER CALLED

Brother Charles Johnson, his wife Lois, and their two children, David and Carol, came to minister with the church on August 26, 1973. They came from Rockford, Illinois where they had ministered to the Harlem Road Christian Church for over four years. During his ministry, the church assumed full support and was no longer supported by the C.E.M. A new record-breaking attendance was on Easter Sunday 1975 with an attendance of 178.

THE TORNADO

On June 18, 1974, a tornado swept through Ankeny causing damage to the church building that was quite extensive. The fellowship hall was completely unroofed, and the minister’s study was left a shambles. The Sanctuary remained pretty much intact, as did the classrooms. Still, there was a great deal of water damage to these areas.

The church rented the auditorium and several classrooms at the Des Moines Community College for services during repairs. Everything that could be salvaged from the minister’s study and church office was moved to the Johnson’s home. The printing press received only water damage, so the church relied on North Polk printers until the printer was back in use. Estimates on the replacement costs of the building were over $65,000.

Elview Construction Company replaced the roof and all other major repairs. Volunteers from the church did the rest. Services were again held in the church building, three months later on September 22, 1974. A record-breaking attendance was achieved in March and April 1975, with the average attendance being over 150. The record breaking high was on Easter Sunday, with 178 in attendance.

TIME CAPSULE

A statement of Faith, a letter of greeting, and a roster of those present in the morning worship on July 27, 1974, were placed in a community time capsule and set in the cornerstone of the Kirkendale library on First Street in Ankeny – to be opened 50 years later. Kirkendale library has since moved to their new location on Prairie Ridge Drive. The capsule was moved there too. When opened, the contents will be distributed to the different organization, businesses, and individuals, to whom they belong.