Service Times

We begin our history of the Bondurant Christian Church with the arrival of A.C. Bondurant in Eastern Polk County in 1853. It was not until 30 years later in 1894 the first business, the General Store, was built. From this first business began the town of Bondurant and also the beginning of worship services. As soon as the building was completed Sunday School classes and worship services were conducted above the store. The church was first called Bondurant Church of Christ.

 The church was growing and a new building was erected on the site of our present building on land donated by Mr. A.C. Bondurant. As of March 23, 1885 with 19 original members including Mr. Bondurant, his wife Margaret, and his children, who were the first settlers in Bondurant, the church was established. Mr. Bondurant was prominent in the leadership of the church.

Throughout the course of our history the church has been known as Church of Christ, Christian Church, and Bondurant Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

In 1906 a “Rally” was held and as history was read it revealed that the church had grown to 130 members. Then, on a sad note, on the afternoon of February 14, 1932 the church burned to the ground. The Congregational Church, which had been established by this time, helped us out. But an attempt to merge the two congregations was not successful. A few members of the Christian Church began meeting at the church parsonage. Nearby ministers came to help conduct services, most of whom were divinity students at Drake University.

In 1950 -51 it was decided that the congregation needed a church building of its own. A grandson of A.C. Bondurant and other leaders of the church were instrumental in this venture of faith. Soon, under the guidance of our “part – time” minister, Frank Gardner, and many others, our church soon had over 200 members and in the spring of 1959 construction began on what is now our present sanctuary.

The women of our church have always played a very important role in our history. The Missionary Society started in 1884; Ladies Aid in 1891; B.E.A.M. in 1927, (a collective Missionary group that met together from Bondurant, Elkhart, Altoona, and Mitchellville for over 40 years.); Christian Women’s Fellowship; and a small study group named Mary Annas Circle. The women of the church have quilted, cooked, had Bazaars, Rummage Sales, Pie Auctions, Bake Sales, and funeral dinners, all for the extension of church related needs.

In 1977 it was decided to build a new parsonage, and the old one (a former school house) was moved three miles north of town and is still in use. In 1988 a roof replacement and paving the parking lot were the next big projects. In 1979, the pulpit area was enlarged and carpet was installed.

In 1995-96 we had another hope of expansion. Many people of faith agreed a working church needed to continue to grow. An active Sunday School and young people’s groups; a desire to serve the community with an enlarged pre-school program; a planned youth outreach program and a still growing membership all seemed to warrant this expansion. Construction of our newest addition began in 1998 and was dedicated June 6, 1999. As a result we have our current fellowship hall, classrooms and offices.

In the last 10 - 12 years of our congregational history we have had many small projects and successes, including: continued increased enrollment in our pre-school program; incorporation of some contemporary music into our Sunday morning services; a donation of a Grand Piano; an electronic sign; and new audio-visual equipment.

We have had many ministers nurture our needs throughout the past 123 years of our church’s ministry, and we give thanks for all who have passed our way and grant blessings to those who are yet to come. May God continue to bless us as we seek his will in service to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.