A
Brief History
For nearly 50 years, we have been proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ from the corner of Midway Dr. and West Post Road in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
How did we begin?
From the vision of one man, Central District Superintendent O.W. Johnson, in 1956 and 1957, an interest developed for establishing a church in Cedar Hills, a rapidly developing residential area on the west side of Cedar Rapids. With Rev. Johnson’s impetus, a survey was made and a committee established to investigate securing some land in the area. A 2-½ acre plot was ultimately purchased with the contributions from several families, churches, and businesses. Those with a vision for this church prayed that “…God’s blessing will be upon this work in such a glorious way that the community will sense and know that this is a work of God…” how God has blessed us with His “Yes” to this prayer!
Buildings
A building (the current youth center) was built in 1958 at the east end of the acreage (326 Lewellen Dr.). It housed both a chapel and an apartment for a parsonage. Ten years later (1968) our current sanctuary with basement classrooms and fellowship hall was built and dedicated. The original building became the home of Noah’s Ark Pre-school, with the adjoining apartment used as housing for young families or Sunday School space, as needed.
First services and membership
On October 26, 1958 opening services were held in the new chapel-parsonage with Rev. Roger Gustafson as the first pastor. A dedication was held on November 23, 1958. Five young couples with Evangelical Free background formed the core body of the new congregation. Later, on February 21, 1960, forty-one charter members were received to establish the congregation. Otto Eichacker is the only one of these who is still a member. In addition to Otto and his daughter, Pixie Green, two other families from early membership rolls continue to serve here. They are Robert Shaffer (with his offspring—Schlotterbecks and Tiedtkes) and Gale and Connie Wisely (with their offspring—the DeWitts and Clem Wiselys). From these beginnings came the Cedar Hills Evangelical Free Church, now a thriving church community which seeks to be a beacon in this city.
Our senior pastors
Roger Gustafson 1958-1959
O.W. Johnson 1959-1960
Richard Roder 1960-1963
Donald Lake 1964-1970
Thomas Shaffer 1970-1973
Robert Warren 1974-1979
Bruce Stokka 1980-1991
Randall Scheil 1992 (currently serving)
These milestones
have marked our progress
1960 – Charter membership established.
1968 – The current church building was dedicated, and worship was moved to the new sanctuary.
1969 – Noah’s Ark Pre-school was established, housed in the original building.
1970s - During Robert Warren’s pastorate, Robert Shaffer, Jr. served as part-time youth pastor for several years.
1982 - Darrel Johnson was hired as the first associate pastor (served until 1992).
1992 - A two story building addition was dedicated – Family Life Center, offices, and education rooms.
1994 - Robin Tyner became our second associate pastor (serving currently).
1995 – Brian Edwards was hired as the first full-time youth pastor (served until 1997).
1998 – In May Noah’s Ark Pre-school closed its doors at the Lewellen St. location after 29 years. Its move allows the building to be used for youth ministry.
1998 –Tony Tice joined our staff as Pastor of Student Ministries
2001 - Phil Christensen joined our staff as Worship Pastor
2003- We purchased 29 acres of land and begin plans to build a new church and hired Jaysin Elliot as Pastor of Student Ministries
2006 - Mark Schanou joins our staff as Children's Pastor and Patrick Sheldon joins our staff as Youth Pastor
2008 - Jason Poling joins our staff as Adult Ministries Pastor to minister specifically to 18-35 year olds
Now, with growth having brought our attendance to approximately 650 in three Sunday services and with greatly increased numbers of youth and young families, we are rejoicing.
For nearly 50 years, we have been proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ from the corner of Midway Dr. and West Post Road in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
How did we begin?
From the vision of one man, Central District Superintendent O.W. Johnson, in 1956 and 1957, an interest developed for establishing a church in Cedar Hills, a rapidly developing residential area on the west side of Cedar Rapids. With Rev. Johnson’s impetus, a survey was made and a committee established to investigate securing some land in the area. A 2-½ acre plot was ultimately purchased with the contributions from several families, churches, and businesses. Those with a vision for this church prayed that “…God’s blessing will be upon this work in such a glorious way that the community will sense and know that this is a work of God…” how God has blessed us with His “Yes” to this prayer!
Buildings
A building (the current youth center) was built in 1958 at the east end of the acreage (326 Lewellen Dr.). It housed both a chapel and an apartment for a parsonage. Ten years later (1968) our current sanctuary with basement classrooms and fellowship hall was built and dedicated. The original building became the home of Noah’s Ark Pre-school, with the adjoining apartment used as housing for young families or Sunday School space, as needed.
First services and membership
On October 26, 1958 opening services were held in the new chapel-parsonage with Rev. Roger Gustafson as the first pastor. A dedication was held on November 23, 1958. Five young couples with Evangelical Free background formed the core body of the new congregation. Later, on February 21, 1960, forty-one charter members were received to establish the congregation. Otto Eichacker is the only one of these who is still a member. In addition to Otto and his daughter, Pixie Green, two other families from early membership rolls continue to serve here. They are Robert Shaffer (with his offspring—Schlotterbecks and Tiedtkes) and Gale and Connie Wisely (with their offspring—the DeWitts and Clem Wiselys). From these beginnings came the Cedar Hills Evangelical Free Church, now a thriving church community which seeks to be a beacon in this city.
Our senior pastors
Roger Gustafson 1958-1959
O.W. Johnson 1959-1960
Richard Roder 1960-1963
Donald Lake 1964-1970
Thomas Shaffer 1970-1973
Robert Warren 1974-1979
Bruce Stokka 1980-1991
Randall Scheil 1992 (currently serving)
These milestones
have marked our progress
1960 – Charter membership established.
1968 – The current church building was dedicated, and worship was moved to the new sanctuary.
1969 – Noah’s Ark Pre-school was established, housed in the original building.
1970s - During Robert Warren’s pastorate, Robert Shaffer, Jr. served as part-time youth pastor for several years.
1982 - Darrel Johnson was hired as the first associate pastor (served until 1992).
1992 - A two story building addition was dedicated – Family Life Center, offices, and education rooms.
1994 - Robin Tyner became our second associate pastor (serving currently).
1995 – Brian Edwards was hired as the first full-time youth pastor (served until 1997).
1998 – In May Noah’s Ark Pre-school closed its doors at the Lewellen St. location after 29 years. Its move allows the building to be used for youth ministry.
1998 –Tony Tice joined our staff as Pastor of Student Ministries
2001 - Phil Christensen joined our staff as Worship Pastor
2003- We purchased 29 acres of land and begin plans to build a new church and hired Jaysin Elliot as Pastor of Student Ministries
2006 - Mark Schanou joins our staff as Children's Pastor and Patrick Sheldon joins our staff as Youth Pastor
2008 - Jason Poling joins our staff as Adult Ministries Pastor to minister specifically to 18-35 year olds
Now, with growth having brought our attendance to approximately 650 in three Sunday services and with greatly increased numbers of youth and young families, we are rejoicing.