Ankeny United Church’s roots are deep and go back to January 13, 1898, when a small group of people met at Mary Campbell’s house at 323 SW Walnut Street, Ankeny, and committed to forming a Congregational Church in Ankeny.  We began with a charter membership of 41 people on February 15, 1898.  We built the first sanctuary shortly thereafter at the corner of Cherry and Second streets.

Tragedy struck on December 12, 1932, when the church building burned to the ground.  But that didn’t dampen our resolve, and we acquired the old Church of the Brethren building at 224 SW Third Street and adopted it as our new church home.  In 1957, we took on the new name of Ankeny United Church of Christ, concurrent with the merging of the Congregational Christian churches and the Evangelical and Reform churches.  The adoption of the new name was consistent in our beliefs in congregational autonomy and individual autonomy about our personal faith.

1948 was our 50th anniversary, and we marked the moment when Rev. Joseph Steele, our original minister, gave the address at a special service.

In the early 90’s our church went through a period of discernment on whether to renovate the aging Third Street property or build a new building.  We opted for the latter.  This allowed us to include full handicapped accessibility and central air conditioning.  On January 23, 1994, we held the first service in our new building at 602 SE Delaware Avenue, where we continue to meet.

1998 was our 100th anniversary, marked with a special service and commemorative quilt.

There have been many pastors who’ve led our congregation in the last 100+ years, from the Rev. Joseph Steele in 1898 up to 2024, with our current pastor, Pastor Arik Borstad. Arik joined us in December, 2024, and we’re looking forward to great things to come. We strive to be a beacon of light. We welcome everyone who walks through our doors as the beloved family member that they are.

We seek to be a good steward of our church and honor the commitments and legacy of those who preceded us. As with any church, it is the people who make it a ministry. With a rich heritage, a vital present we trust that our future will be a faithful reflection of all that God has given to us. We give God thanks for the many pastors and members who have chosen to share in our ministries for these many years. Thanks be to God!

Thank you to the Ankeny Area Historical Society for providing most of the source material for this page!