Category Archives: Churches

United Methodist Church (Pacific Junction, Iowa)

United Methodist Church (Pacific Junction, Iowa)

A white frame building constructed in 1884 served as the first Methodist church in the Mills County town of Pacific Junction. In 1921, the building was sold to the local I.O.O.F. Lodge, and a new and larger brick church was constructed. The brick building served the congregation until December 9, 1945, when it was completely destroyed by fire. Services were temporarily held in the Pacific Junction school and gymnasium, until a restaurant building was purchased and remodeled in the fall of 1946. The bell tower was added to the church in 1985. The pastor also serves churches in Silver City and Hillsdale.

Baptist Church (Ollie, Iowa)

Baptist Church (Ollie, Iowa)

The original Baptist church building in the Keokuk County town of Ollie was destroyed by fire on January 9, 1944. While construction plans to replace the building were drawn up quickly, and basement construction began the following year. War-time conditions slowed construction progress, and the full building was not dedicated until October 1952. The steeple was added in 1974.

United Methodist Church (Sigourney, Iowa)

United Methodist Church (Sigourney, Iowa)

The decision was made to construct a new United Methodist Church in the Keokuk county seat of Sigourney in the fall of 1899. Construction plans were made, and the cornerstone was laid during a ceremony held July 10, 1900 at 2:00 p.m. The cornerstone featured a number of items including a Bible, hymnal, current copies of Sigourney’s three local newspapers, and a listing of names of church leaders and members of the building committee. Construction was completed and the new church was dedicated on February 3, 1901. A basement was added in 1921, while a Sunday school addition was added in 1974.

United Methodist Church (Barnes City, Iowa)

United Methodist Church (Barnes City, Iowa)

The United Methodist Church in the Mahaska County town of Barnes City can trace its history to July 1894, when it was organized following an evangelical tent service. Construction on a permanent building began later that year, with a dedication service held in 1895 with the President of Iowa Wesleyan College as the ceremony speaker. Significant renovations were made in 1912, with the expanded church dedicated in October that year.

The church remains in service today, sharing a pastor with United Methodist Churches in the nearby communities of North English, Millersburg, and Deep River.

Christian Reformed Church (Tracy, Iowa)

Christian Reformed Church (Tracy, Iowa)

The Christian Reformed Church in Tracy was first organized in the nearby town of Harvey on May 29, 1902. The congregation moved to Tracy in 1914, with first services held in the old schoolhouse. The former school served members until 1945 when it was torn down and the current church was built on the same site. Much lumber from the school building was reused for construction of the new church.