The First United Methodist Church in the Jasper County seat of Newton was first organized in 1848 as the Methodist Episcopal Church. Worshipers met at a number of homes before a public meeting place was established in 1854. Construction on the current $85,000 church began in 1914, with the dedication service held the following year. A significant addition was built in 1852 for classrooms and meeting rooms; major remodeling projects were completed in 1987 and 1990.
Published February 16, 2012 |
Churches |
Liberty Baptist Church between Thurman and Sidney in Fremont County in extreme southwest Iowa was organized June 27, 1857 with 14 charter members. Meetings were held in private homes before a permanent facility was constructed near Thurman. In 1922, the congregation purchased the former Methodist church building near the defunct hamlet of Knox. Membership peaked at 66 in 1909; the church closed its doors in August 1959.
Published February 15, 2012 |
Churches |
The United Methodist Church in the Wapello County community of Kirkville can trace its history to 1844, when a group was organized by Rev. T.M. Kirkpatrick, based in nearby Eddyville. After meetings in homes and a local schoolhouse, a new church building was constructed and dedicated in 1853. The present church was constructed around the turn of the century; in 1917, a basement was added and the sanctuary was reconfigured.
Published February 9, 2012 |
Churches |
Bethel Presbyterian Church in the Fayette County seat of West Union was officially organized in June 1867 with 12 charter members. The congregation first met in an old church facility and then the Fayette County Courthouse before a new brick building was constructed and dedicated in 1872. The first church was remodeled in 1893, but plans for an addition were interrupted when the building was destroyed by fire on February 11, 1922.
Prompt action was taken to construct a new church on the site of the old one, with the cornerstone laid on September 17, 1922 and dedication services held the following year. A basement was added in 1951, while an education wing was added (in the lighter brick) in 1961.
Published February 2, 2012 |
Churches |
In 1873, Methodists in rural Poweshiek County organized the Sunset Church near the present-day site of Guernsey. The first church building for the congregation was constructed at a cost of $1,600 and was dedicated October 26, 1879. The town of Guernsey was platted four years later, and a majority of members desired to establish a presence in the new community. In 1894, the Sunset Church was torn down, with the lumber repurposed for use in construction of a new church building in Guernsey.
The new church in Guernsey was completed in 1894 at a cost of $3,350. Though efforts in 1941 to construct a new building did not materialize, a significant expansion project was completed in 1965. The Guernsey United Methodist Church currently shares a pastor with four other area churches.
Published January 26, 2012 |
Churches |
