HISTORY OF ANKENY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH   

             Throughout its life, this congregation has gathered in a circle to worship.  At the center has been the communion table.  We seek to experience Christ at the core of our face-to-face fellowship.
             The organizing date of November 22, 1964, (with 71 charter members) is engraved on the communion table Bible.  The cross over the rear central doors of the sanctuary was constructed by founding pastor, Rev. B. J. Ukena.  On October 1, 1967, he hung it over the communion table for the first service in the original sanctuary (which is now the fellowship area). Prior to this first building, the congregation met in the manse at 729 SE 3rd Street.  The Presbytery in the summer of 1962 had purchased 5 acres of land and the lot for the manse.
             Christian education and youth ministry are major focuses for APC.  The classrooms south of the current fellowship area were completed in the summer of 1980.  Sanctuary remodeling was completed in 1989 at the time of the 25^th anniversary of this congregation.  The Logos program began in the fall of 1991, serving Wednesday evening supper to 80 to 90 people.  The kitchen was doubled in size by the next fall.  Youth Directors Doug and Mary Kohlsdorf joined the staff in September of 1994.  With their leadership, APC youth were involved in local ecumenical activities and services and in yearly mission trips.
             In response to a growing population and membership, the congregation built a new sanctuary and classrooms and remodeled offices.  The first worship service in the new addition took place on January 21, 1996.  The latest renovation was to the restrooms, which were completed in July 1999.  Campaign for organ, mission, and endowment was successfully completed in 2000.
           Our expanding circle is nurtured by shepherding Deacons, prayer chains, an excellent choir, Bible studies, and fellowship activities.  Our circle is extended as members support and participate in the Food Pantry,  Habitat for Humanity,  CROP Hunger Hike, Central Iowa Shelter and Services,  Bethel and Door of Faith Missions,  CROSS Ministries,  Ankeny Substance Abuse Project,  One Great Hour of Sharing,
and Peacemaking.  
            Reverend David E. Braak became Pastor/Head of Staff in 2007.  Preceding him were the Reverends James W. Krapf, Alan Parker, Skip Petts, and founding pastor, B. J. Ukena.