Our History

The "Iowa and Northern Missouri District" organized in August, 1914, at Davis City, Iowa.  There were 19 churches in Iowa and 5 churches in Missouri.  The district headquarters was located in Lucas, Iowa.

 

In 1927, the name was changed to "West Central District," which now included Nebraska.  In 1931, Nebraska formed its own district.

 

The district office moved to University Avenue in Des Moines in 1953.  A bookstore occupied part of the facility.  In 1959, the office was victim to burglary and arson.  Some documents were lost at that time.

 

In 1964, the West Central District divided into two districts:  "Iowa District" and "Northern Missouri District."

 

The district built a new building on Merle Hay Road in Des Moines in 1965.  The bookstore occupied the lower level of the building until 1980. 

 

Campmeetings were held in Davis City up until 1922.  Storm Lake was the campmeeting location from 1935 until 1973.  The campground was sold in Storm Lake and relocated in Ogden, Iowa, in 1974.  In 2001, we renamed our camp facility "Sunstream Retreat Center."

                     

We celebrated our 90^th Year in April, 2004, as being the Year of Transformation;  restructuring of the district is in its beginning stages.  The District Secretary and District Treasurer positions became part of the portfolios of the Executive Presbyters, instead of an in-house elected position.  A District Administrator position was created.

 

At our annual business meeting in April, 2005, the council voted to build a new district office building.  Construction on the building began late November 2005.

Also, in 2005, our Ministry Groups were introduced to the district ministers.  Ministry presbyters were appointed and monthly meetings with their groups began, giving a new source of fellowship and encouragement to our pastors.

 

In May of 2006, our new office bulding located at 10525 Buena Vista Ct, Urbandale, was completed and moved into. 

 

The Iowa School of Ministry (ISOM) had it's first session in October 2006.  Classes were held in the new office facility.  A total of 40 students attended.