FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Our Heritage

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.   

Photo courtesy of the Cedar

Rapids Gazette

Our Membership in 1915

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