A long and rich heritage serving the community of Cedar Rapids, Iowa!

The First Christian Church of Cedar Rapids, Iowa has a long history of service in our community.  Notable members include the pioneering social worker Jane Boyd.

 A long-time member of First Christian Church, Jane Boyd started what became the Jane Boyd Community House in a tiny house in 1927.  She worked tirelessly to relieve the needs of the poor in our community.  A champion of equality, she created a place free of barriers due to race, age, or income.  She prodded a civic group to provide milk to kindergarten children, which was a luxury for many at the time.  She also helped spearhead legislation mandating that the University of Iowa Hospital provide treatment for disabled children, and established a program to assist them in accessing care. 

 She was active at First Christian Church, where she taught a training class, was a deaconess, and served on various committees and on the general board.  Her funeral was held on Friday, December 16, 1932 at the First Christian Church.   

Jane Boyd photo courtesy of the Cedar Rapids Gazette

Our Church in 1915

N.A. McConnell, Elder, organized First Christian in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on August 1, 1875 in the West Side Presbyterian Church located at 216 2nd Street S.W.

The First Church was built in 1882 and an edition was added in 1893.  It was located at the corner of 4th Avenue and 5th Street S.E. across from Green Square Park

The original building at our present site of 840 3rd Ave S.E.

The church after remodeling in 1967