In 1956, Calvary Baptist Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, felt led by God to establish a new mission in the Noelridge addition on the Northeast side of Cedar Rapids. The members of Calvary named the new church Noelridge Baptist Church, and on November 27, 1956, ground was broken for the new building. While construction was underway, regular services were held in a home within the neighborhood. Nearly a year later, on January 27, 1957, the completed church building was officially dedicated for service.

As the church grew, March 4, 1959, marked a pivotal moment when Noelridge Baptist Church voted to affiliate with the Conservative Baptist Association, now known as the Venture Church Network, at the state and regional levels. On July 12, 1959, with 68 charter members, the church received its charter and became independent of its founding congregation.

Seasons of Growth & Expansion

Throughout the 1960s, under the leadership of Pastors Robert Shackelford and Bruce Young, Noelridge Baptist Church flourished. To accommodate the growing congregation, an educational wing was added in 1964, providing much-needed classroom space. The new wing was officially dedicated on April 19, 1964, along with expanded parking facilities.

The church continued to thrive into the 1970s, and in February 1971, Noelridge voted to establish a mission church in Marion, Iowa. That August, Pastor Kermit Jelmeland, who had served as associate pastor at Noelridge, led services at the new satellite location. This congregation eventually became Squaw Creek Baptist Church, now known as Creekside Church. Several families from Noelridge provided leadership and support, and on September 12, 1971, Creekside Church officially began services—an effort that continues to bear fruit today.

Navigating Challenges & Renewal

In 1975, Pastor Bruce Young resigned, and Pastor Roy Tindal stepped in to lead Noelridge Baptist Church. Just a month into his tenure, the church launched a Wednesday night AWANA ministry, further expanding its outreach.

The 1980s were a time of transition as Noelridge sought to define its identity and purpose amid a rapidly shifting society. The decade brought challenges, but also renewed growth. In May 1992, Pastor Richard Marsceau became the church’s leader, guiding Noelridge Baptist Church toward a renewed commitment to community outreach and spiritual growth.

With the dawn of a new millennium, fresh opportunities and challenges arose. Between 2004-2005, Noelridge Park Church revised its constitution and by-laws, refining its vision and mission. In October 2005, the church officially changed its name from Noelridge Baptist Church to Noelridge Park Church, marking a new chapter in its journey. In 2008, the church planted Imago Christi, and several families stepped forward to help lead this new faith community under Pastor Donovan Santamaria.

A Light in the Darkness

Noelridge Park Church has seen seasons of growth and decline, consistency and change, but its mission has always remained the same: to be a beacon of Christ’s love and truth. Through every challenge, Noelridge Park Church continues to stand firm in faith, serve the community, and shine brightly as a light in the darkness.