• Sunday Life Groups at 9:00 am; Sunday Worship Service at 10:30 am

        Journey Church front image - history page usage

        History of Journey Church

        The history of Journey Church of Clinton, Iowa is summarized by major events in our history that are shown on the timeline below, including the following:

        Journey Church of Clinton, Iowa – formerly known as The Evangelical Free Church of Clinton, Iowa – began in the 1940’s as a Sunday School ministry. Journey Church was chartered with the Evangelical Free Church of America in 1951.

        Those beginning few families have grown into a vibrant church which is now in its third location, constructed in 1988. Journey Church has undergone many changes since its beginning days and looks forward to God’s continued leading into the future.

        • September 9, 2018
          Launching of Journey Church of Clinton, Iowa.

        • July 15, 2018
          Member vote to change the Articles of Incorporation and church by-laws to reflect new name change. Vote passed and was accepted.

        • July 8, 2018
          Member vote to change name from The Evangelical Free Church of Clinton, Iowa to Journey Church of Clinton, Iowa.  Vote passed and was accepted.

        • June 3, 2018
          New Journey Vision unveiled and church luncheon.

        • September 19, 2005
          Debt paid off.  Many members continued to give well after the Debt Reduction campaign ended in 2002.

        • December 31, 2002
          Debt Reduction campaign ends

        • January 2001
          Debt Reduction project begun

        • January 26, 1996
          Revised Constitution accepted by membership at annual meeting.  Governing structure changed from General Board to Elder Board rule

        • September 1994
          Constitution Revision committee formed

        • September 9, 1990
          Celebration Sunday: Dedication of 1st phase of Christian Education Building project and celebration of 2 years at the 13th Avenue North location held

        • January 1990
          Lighthouse Project: Goal to raise $62,000 to build the Christian Education Building

        • Fall 1988
          Freedom Campaign begins with purpose to pay debt on 13th Avenue North building

        • September 18, 1988
          13th Avenue North Open House held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm

        • September 18, 1988
          Dedication of 13th Avenue North location held at 3:00pm

        • September 11, 1988
          First service at 13th Avenue North location held

        • September 4, 1988
          Last services at 18th Street location held in the evening

        • April 3, 1988
          Cornerstone Services for 13th Avenue North location held on Easter Sunday

        • August 2, 1987
          Ground Breaking at 13th Avenue North

        • June 11, 1986
          Dedication and mortgage burning for building at 1010 13th Avenue North

        • January 1983
          Seasons of Promise fundraising campaign begins for 6+ acres of land for new building.  A goal of $121,000 for land purchase is set; funds are raised in 14 months.

        • 1976
          Awana Club ministry started

        • August 8-10, 1975
          25th Anniversary Celebration

        • July 9, 1975
          Education Wing dedicated

        • June 1975
          Education Wing building project begun

        • September 3, 1962
           18th Street building dedicated

        • March 11, 1962
          First Service at 18th Street location held

        • July 9, 1961
           Ground-breaking on the building at 955 S. 18th Street

        • January 25, 1951
          The Evangelical Free Church begins with 16 Charter Members and 4 Honorary Charter Members.

        • January 24, 1951
           Organized as a corporation with the State of Iowa

        • January 25, 1949
          Messerli family hosts an open house at the parsonage on Camanche Ave.

        • Summer 1948
          Vacation Bible School held

        • January 1948
          The Messerli family moves to Clinton, Iowa in January

        • October 1947
          Rev. Messerli travels from Coralville, Iowa each Sunday to serve as pastor.

        • August 1947
          Two young women from the Bible Institute in St. Paul, MN hold children’s meetings in the afternoons. Sunday School started with Mrs. J. R. Baker in charge.

        • July 1947
          Two weeks of special meetings held.

        • June 1947
          A building known as Chancy Chapel located at 113 21st Place is purchased by the District.

        • May 1947
          District Superintendent H. E. Sodergren and Rev. Rudolph Messerli
          visit Clinton, Iowa to start church work.