History of Northminster Presbyterian Church, Ames, Iowa
The Early Days
Northminster Presbyterian was created in 1961 at the suggestion of the minister of Collegiate Presbyterian Church. He saw an emerging need to serve people in northeast Ames, which was growing rapidly.
Two members of Collegiate contributed $500 each toward the purchase of land east of the present Ames High School. At another site, 20th and Hunziker, a manse-chapel for the first pastor and congregation was completed in August 1961.
At the combination church and residence, a core of seven founding members grew to a membership of 157 in one year. These new members formed a building committee, chose an architect, and began plans for a new church at the 1416 20th St. site. In three years the building was completed. This building is still in use today.
A New Beginning
The first service in the new Northminster Church was held January 5, 1964. What joy! No more Sunday School in kitchens and closets, and plenty of room for worship.
In 17 years the building was paid off. The next year, 1982, brought a new organ to the sanctuary, filling the room with music we had not heard before.
A few years later, members began to feel pinched for space. Classrooms were crowded and there was little working space for staff. A new pastor study, office space, handicapped accessible restrooms, air conditioning and storage was added in 1986.
Northminster members have always looked outward as well as inward. For example, some members originated the Agricultural Mission project as a way to feed hungry families in other countries.
Building and Growing
Northminster has made much progress since its founding members met in the little manse-chapel on 20th Street. Our church community now numbers about 300 active members and recently completed another building expansion to better serve North Ames.
In 1993, the Long Range Planning Committee examined our strengths and our challenges; it became clear that facilities were limiting our ministry again. So, in 1997 we began the design and construction process for the current church. We opened the new sanctuary, an addition on the 1416 20th Street site, in July 2001. This addition doubled our worship and Christian Education space, as well as providing for meetings, weddings, and other community service functions. Since December of 2001, Northminster has hosted the Ames High School Madrigal Dinner. Throughout the year, we host a number of musical events to benefit the local Good Neighbor Emergency Assistance Cooperative and the Emergency Residence Project. Along with several local churches, Northminster hosts the Vacation Bible School in summer.
Please visit our church, across from Ames High School in north Ames. We hope you will find it inviting and a stimulating place to worship.
New Faces and a Strong Faith in God...
We are excited to announce that we've called a new Pastor to join Northminster Presbyterian Church. Rev. Dr. Stacey D. Jones, our new Solo Pastor, began her ministry with us on March 5th, 2007. We are thrilled to have her as she keeps us focused on God's Will as we move into the future, following Christ's example and continuing to grow in our Faith.
Where to next? North Ames is active and growing. We hope our ministry is where you will want to worship and grow in Your Faith.