Catholic services were first held in 1875 in the Union County town of Afton, with the first church constructed four years later. Fire destroyed the building in 1921, and the present facility was completed in 1923. Another fire struck in 1951, though it was limited to the building’s interior, which was quickly repaired and redecorated. The church is served by the priest at Holy Spirit Parish in nearby Creston.
Published May 17, 2012 |
Churches |
Union County
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The United Methodist Church in the unincorporated Warren County town of Liberty Center was organized in 1856, with first meetings held in a log schoolhouse south of town. As membership grew, space was leased in a general store in 1860 before a permanent building was constructed in 1870 at the cost of $2,300. The dedication ceremony featured Dr. Alexander Burns, president of nearby Simpson College.
The church was enlarged in 1906 and again in 1968 when a basement was added. Additional improvements were made in 1962, including refinished floors, a new gas furnace, and new carpet, with a rededication ceremony held on March 9, 1969. The church shares a pastor with United Methodist Churches in the nearby communities of Milo and Green Plain.
Published May 10, 2012 |
Churches |
Warren County
The unincorporated town of Troy has the distinction of being the site of the first Methodist church in Davis County in southeast Iowa. It was organized in 1846, with the first building constructed in 1852. On September 8, 1923, the first load of sand was hauled to Troy for use in construction of a new church. An all-day farewell service was held and the first church building was torn down the following week. The $9,000 building was dedicated on June 15, 1924. The church shares a pastor with the Methodist church in the nearby town of Cantril.
Published May 3, 2012 |
Churches |
Davis County
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The Mingo United Methodist Church can trace its history to the hamlet of Greencastle, a mile to the southeast of the Jasper County town of Mingo. When the railroad choose a route through Mingo instead of Greencastle, store, homes, and the Methodist Church moved north. In 1898, the current church was constructed, a block east of the downtown area. The building has seen a number of upgrades since opening, including a 1967 addition of a kitchen, nursery room and new classrooms. The church shares a pastor with the United Methodist Church in the nearby unincorporated town of Farrar.
Published April 26, 2012 |
Churches |
Jasper County
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The Elberon United Methodist Church can trace its history to 1883, when a few families held services in homes in the Tama County community. As the number of families grew, more space was needed, and in 1884, the church held services in a school house on the west edge of town. The current building was dedicated six years later; a basement was added in 1920, and significant interior improvements were made in the late 1950s. The church, which recently celebrated its 125th anniversary, shares a pastor with churches in Van Horne and Norway.
Published April 19, 2012 |
Churches |
Tama County
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