NPC History

The Early Days

Northminster Presbyterian was created in 1961 after the pastor of Collegiate Presbyterian Church initiated the idea.  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.  With the support of North Central Iowa Presbytery, six couples, members of Collegiate Presbyterian Church, joined the founding pastor, Paul Parker, in planning.  This founding group initially met in their homes until a manse chapel was completed at 1925 Hunziker Drive.  One hundred thirty-one attended the first worship on October 8, 1961.

The pastor and members soon began plans for a church building.  The building committee chose an architect and began plans for the church building at 1416 20th Street.  This building now called Founder’s Hall is used extensively for church and community activities.

A New Beginning

The first service in the new addition of 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.  The church opened its rooms for community groups.

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.

Building and Growing

In 1997 the process was begun to design and construct the current church building to meet the congregation’s ministry needs.  The current sanctuary, an addition on the 1416 20th Street site, was dedicated in August, 2001. This addition doubled the worship and Christian Education space. In addition, various community groups are able to utilize the space, including a before and after school children’s child care program, a Korean church congregation, and other community groups.

laying on hands prayer