Church History

It was in the month of November, years ago, that one of the most important dates in our Church history took place. At a noon-day fellowship basket dinner, held Sunday, November 12, 1950 at the Odd Fellows Hall, the Articles of Incorporation for the new Church were presented and approved, the Church name was selected, and the officers of the new corporation were elected, 5 Elders, 9 Deacons, and 3 Trustees.

Of course a tremendous amount of planning took place prior to that date, because it was inJuly of 1950 that a group of Christians first banded together with the common hope and purpose of organizing an autonomous body of Christ. An Advisory Committee was formed which began the initial planning, followed rather closely by the organization of a Men's Group which was to spearhead and to promote our goals. By unanimous vote of this men's group, Robert Seath was extended the call to be our Minister. This was early in our history. And during this time, three committees were formed. The Finance Committee, the Worship Location Committee, and the Incorporation Committee.

It was the next Spring, April 22, 1951, that the By-Laws of the Corporation were presented and unanimously approved. It is worthy of note, that so many of our early decisions were unanimous in character. It was on this same date, too, that the first Church Clerk, the first Financial Secretary, and the Treasurer were elected in accordance with the new By-Laws.

The very first meeting place of our church group was the Y.W.C.A. building in downtown Des Moines. The date was July 1, 1950. Shortly thereafter, arrangements were made for holding our worship services in the Odd Fellows Hall, at 25th & University, where we continued to meet in this second floor location for some time.

In July of 1951, the Trustees accepted the offer to buy the present lots on which our building stands. The records indicate they were paid for in our first fiscal year. It was some three years later, in August of 1954, that the Trustees entered into a contract with Wm. Nielson to perform the architectural and engineering service on a proposed Church building. By late spring, 1955, excavation and masonry work was underway for Phase 1. Groundbreaking services were held on the lots on May 1, and excavation began May2.

From the Historian's report of that year we read, "By Mid-July, the walls were in place, steel beams were set, and the sup-flooring for the roof was in place. But progress was rather slow and much volunteer work was done in this period". Money was needed, and was borrowed from our own Congregation, to complete the work.

On April 15 of the next year, 1956, the basement structure was occupied and the months of waiting and working were rewarding, indeed. Dedication services for this first structure were held on July 15, 1956, with Herman Kooy as speaker.

In 1957, Robert Seath resigned to take up his work with the Madison Church of Christ at Brooklyn, Iowa, and John Raymond from Ord, Nebraska was extended the call to serve as Minister. He began his service at West Side on February 1, 1957. A little later that year, a parsonage was purchased at 1519 - 30th Street where the Raymonds' resided during their entire ministry here.

In 1969, the Joint Group of Officers authorized the employment of Mr. Nielson as the continuing architect to develop plans and drawings for completing the sanctuary part of the upper structure. At a Congregational Meeting in December, 1960, the Membership approved the preliminary layouts, and in the Spring of 1961, work was started on the new sanctuary. With loans - with gifts - with donations of time and talent - with patience - with hard work - with disappointments - and with joyful anticipation - our Sanctuary was completed and used for the first time on Sunday, October 28, and Robert Seath gave the Dedicatory Address.

In October 1963, John Raymond resigned as our Minister and began his work of establishing a church in the southeastern part of our city, the one we know today as the Fort Des Moines Church of Christ.

In November of 1963, Milton Hendrickson of Dallas Center became our ad interim minister. It was in the Spring of the next year that our first parsonage on 30th Street was sold, and the parsonage next door at 1907 - 53rd Street was purchased and remodeled.

In a special meeting March 22, 1964, the Congregation voted to call Charles Greer from O'Fallon, Illinois as our minister. On June 1, of that year, the Greer family arrived in Des Moines to begin their service with us here at West Side.

In the years that followed, our Church continued to grow and expand, and it became apparent to all that in order to provide adequate facilities for our Sunday School and other related Church activities - we must give consideration to completing our Church structure. At that time, our Treasurer advised that all of the notes owed to individual members had been paid, and paid ahead of schedule. After much preliminary planning, we started to move on our building plans in the Spring of 1968. This new building project was quite extensive and for financing at this time arrangements were made with the Capital City State Bank for a 15-year commercial loan to complete the structure. Again, Mr. Nielson assisted as our architect and Ivan Eggers of Eggers Construction Co. was awarded the actual construction contract.

We continued to be blessed in many ways as our plans progressed. The Church influence was extended to another community during this time - when many of our members in the Fall of 1968 helped in the establishment of a new church in neighboring Ankeny - a church which is now known as the First Church of Christ.

Almost a year from the time the Congregation of West Side voted to start a building program for the completion of our Church building, the work was completed. A sentence from the Historian's Report that year stated, We had some damp times during the summer of 1968". Those of the mop and bucket brigade who pushed water out of the north basement area will remember it as a little worse than that. Some will remember, too, the few chilly mornings in the Fall when Sunday School classes were held in the new area before the glass arrived to close it in. But those few inconveniences were soon forgotten. Dedication services were held on May 4, 1969. Again, Robert Seath was called upon to give the Dedication Message.

Financial support and giving remained high and it was gratifying to note the continued and outstanding growth in missionary giving. Toward a planned missionary giving of 18% of total income in the yearly budgets, the Treasurer reported in some months this has gone to 23 - 24%, and beyond. At home, an added project entitled "Operation Sacrifice" was instigated. It was hoped that additional monies would be available for adding the finishing touches to our new building - things that needed attention, but no a part of the building contract. As planned, the parking area around the Church building was completely blacktopped. Additional funds were raised for an extensive landscaping project, and this was completed.

Tom Nettifee became the first Youth Minister at West Side. He served in that capacity in the Summers of 1969 and 1970.

The 20th Anniversary of West Side was celebrated on Sunday afternoon, November 15, 1970. The former ministers and all of the "Timothy's" were extended special invitations to attend, and Orval Morgan was selected as the principal speaker.

In November of 1971, Charles Greer tendered his resignation to accept a call from the Riverlawn Congregation in Wichita, Kansas. The effective date was set as February 1, 1972.

John D. Hargett was selected as our ad interim minister and served our Congregation for a period of 7 months. An invitation was extended to Steve Seehorn to be our Youth Minister for the summer. He accepted this call and also served in the Summer of 1973.

A concentrated effort was made in the Spring of 1972 to work with the City Park Board and obtain permission to construct a parking lot on City property directly across Franklin Avenue to permit adequate off-street parking for our members and guests. In August an Agreement was received from the City granting permission to build this lot in accordance with City Specifications, and in the late Fall of 1972 this parking facility was completed.

On June 25, 1972, the Congregation voted to extend a call to Richard Throckmorton of the Chapel Rock Christian Church in Indianapolis. He began his ministry here on September 1 of that year.

In June of 1973, a nucleus from West Side began a new church work in West Des Moines, IA. Tom Nettifee was called to serve as their minister. The church is now known as Christ's Church.

Recent years have seen the innovation of new projects and accomplishments at West Side. In the summer of 1973, the kitchen was completely remodeled. New modern wooden cabinets were installed, complete with added sinks and counters. In addition, it was fully outfitted with new dishes and new silverware.

A comprehensive Shepherding Program was put into effect in the fall of 1973. A Bible Bowl program was introduced and is now being sponsored by West Side. Teams have competed in three North American Christian Convention Contests.

An accelerated Youth Program has prepared and presented many fine dramas and musical programs.

Three new churches had started, each taking a nucleus from West Side: Fort Des Moines Church of Christ - 1963; First Church of Christ, Ankeny - 1965; and Christ's Church in West Des Moines - 1973. By 1972, Richard Throckmorton accepted a call to serve in the Illinois-Indiana area and Robert Scott became senior minister.

Upon Bob Scott's resignation, Dudley Rutherford was called to minister at West Side in September 1980. In 1982, we saw remodeling and changes in the worship service, the organ was moved out of the sanctuary and the piano became the dominant instrument. An overhead screen system was installed for song worship 1982.

In October 1983, the church witnessed a change in policies with elimination of congregational voting as a church split occurred with approximately half the members leaving to attend other Christian churches in the area. The elders became the dominant decision makers continuing on with a policy of 100% unanimity in all decisions being required. Annual meetings and congregational voting were discontinued.

In October 1984, Rusty Carlson became Youth Minister and the church attendance had grown to approximately 230 by 1986. In August 1986, 15 acres of land was purchased for $84,000 from Mr. Bill Main. This rectangular 600' wide x 2000' deep piece of land was a sod farm on the north side of Ashworth Road, west of town.

In 1984, the east classroom on the main floor was converted into a pastor study and a youth minister study. Jeff Brown was our summer intern.

In 1986, the church saw Mike Veech become part-time Music Minister, becoming full time by 1988. In 1986, the parsonage was sold for $55,000 and the money placed in CDs. In February 1987, the church saw Rusty Carlson resign to work in Kansas City. In April 1987, Mike Porter came from Iowa Christian College to become Youth Minister at West Side. In May 1987, Dudley Rutherford resigned to accept Senior Minister position at Granada Hills Christian Church in San Fernando Valley in California.

In August 1987, David Nutter accepted the position of Senior Minister. In 1988, the church saw remodeling of the junior church with expansion of the nursery area and the toddler area naming it the T.L.C. Area. A true youth worship area was also created next to T.L.C. as well as remodeling at the other end of the fellowship hall in the basement. In 1988, a new sound system and new piano were installed in the sanctuary and the platform stage area made wider.

The Sunday attendance continued at 180 - 200. In 1989, the church saw David Nutter resign and Rick Andres accepted the call as Senior Minister.

Mike Veech left to pursue his Ph.D. in music in July 1990 at University of Arizona.

Mike Porter left in August 1990 to attend work in the family business. Also, in August of 1990, Rick Andres resigned from the position of Senior Minister.

Three individuals were designated to supply preach until a new Senior Minister was appointed.

Derry Gray was appointed Senior Minister in February 1991. Plans were completed and implemented to utilize the efforts of the congregation into a ministry form of service as contained in Romans 12:4-13. The calling program stimulated new growth. A ministry for the singles was established. All major programs were reorganized in a ministry form of service. An organization and planning document was provided to all members.

During 1991, the Elders reinstated Annual Meetings and Congregational voting in keeping with the legal requirement to function as a corporation.

A parsonage was purchased at 919 - 32nd Street, West Des Moines, for $86,000 and the 15 acres of land was sold for approximately $15,000 per acre.

At the annual meeting in 1991 the Articles of Incorporation and the By-Laws were amended to conform to the organizational changes being made.

During 1992 to assist the Elderly and/or handicapped a chair lift was installed in the exit/entry way up to the sanctuary level at the east door.

In January 1992 Stan Wohlenhaus, a professor with the Ezra Institute of Biblical Studies was employed as a part time minister in the area of Christian Education.

In June 1992 Jim Petersen was hired as an Assistant Minister with emphasis on working with the youth, choir, singles and campus ministries.

During the year shepherding groups were established to assist in meeting the needs of the congregation. Additional Adult Classes were added to assist in equipping members to becoming better servants.

During 1993 to assist the elderly and/or handicapped a second chair lift was installed in the east entry way down to the lower level.

During 1994, the ministries were reviewed and additional ministries were added. A scholarship program was added to replace the Student Loan Assistance Program.

Stan Wohlenhaus resigned effective December 25, 1994 to return to the Ezra Institute of Biblical Studies

During 1995 a small Group Ministry research team was established to explore how this ministry should be used to enhance or improve upon meeting our needs at West Side. The team recommended adoption and implementation of the Small Group Ministry concept.

There was a leadership retreat during 1995 at which time a mission statement was developed as follows:

"We are followers of Jesus, guided by the Holy Spirit and instructed by God's word. We are committed to encouraging people to pursue a life-changing relationship with God."

After a successful pilot program involving the Small Group Ministry, it was decided to adopt this ministry as ongoing based upon the positive results of this ministry.

Effective August 24, 1997, Brian Graves was appointed Associate Youth Minister on a part time basis.

Efforts continued in providing a climate in which members could grow and mature through Christian fellowship. This was facilitated by involvement in the area of Small Group Ministry and related group activities.

The name of the Corporation was changed to Franklin Avenue Christian Church from Westside Church of Christ by amendment to the Articles of Incorporation at the Annual meeting in October 1997.

During 1998 there was a leadership retreat during which there was a discussion of some concerns identified in some of the ministries. This lead to the adoption of initiatives that were considered effective in arriving at a solution on a short term basis in a scarce resource situation. This resulted in the temporary suspension of Sunday Morning Adult Bible Studies.

Several Small Groups conducted and completed Bible Studies as well as Benevolent projects tailored to minister to needy families outside the church body.

During 1999 one significant undertaking was completed involving the sponsoring of a concert hosting a Christian Musical Group off site. This undertaking required the unity and coordination of a significant amount of resource commitment and provided a positive, challenging experience in the area of teamwork.

In the area of worship, there were opportunities provided to members of the body to participate in the worship services by reading the scriptures and offering prayer. This originated from changes made in the worship service during 1998.

A planning session was held by the Elders, Deacons and the ministerial staff during the summer 1999 and it was decided to reinstate the Sunday Morning Bible Studies for Adults and children beginning September 1999.

On September 1, 1999 Senior Minister Jim Petersen resigned his ministry at Franklin Avenue.

A search committee was organized during September 1999 to start the process of finding the right person for this ministry. On March 12th, 2000, the Congregation voted to extend a call to Chad E. Whitmore of the Galt Christian Church in Galt, Missouri. He began his ministry here on May 8th of that year.

On November 18th and 19th of that same year, Franklin Avenue Christian Church celebrated 50 years of ministry as we continue our legacy of "Serving Christ - Serving Our Community." We continue to thank God for "every good and perfect gift" as He continues to bless our Church Family.