The United Methodist Church in the unincorporated Adams County community of Corning can trace its history to the 1850s when first services were held in local homes. Services were then held in a Methodist seminary building before a permanent church was constructed in 1883. A fire destroyed the original church structure in the fall of 1922, but funds were quickly raised, and the present facility was constructed the following year.
In 2007, the church underwent extensive updating, including new interior painting and carpet, a new alter, refurbished cross, and framing of stained glass windows from the Corning Baptist Church. In 2008, the exterior received a new coat of paint. An 125-year anniversary celebration was held on June 29, 2008. With around 40 members, the small church averages 15 attendees weekly. It shares a pastor with nearby United Methodist churches in Carl and Carbon.
Founded on December 11, 1889, the Church of Christ is the oldest church in the Woodbury County town of Anthon. The initial membership totaled 14 members, who contributed $1,000 to construction of the building in 1890. The church, which was moved to its present location in 1916, has seen just a few major changes over its century-plus history. Main changes include the addition of a basement in 1953 and main-floor classrooms in 1960.
The Cory Grove Community Church is located two miles east of Elkhart in rural Polk County, where a community of settlers once lived. Isaac Cory, the area’s first settler, not only was the namesake for the town but also was the minister of the town’s first church. Little is known about the church’s early history except that it was established in 1848, and the current church building was constructed in 1897. After several years of inactivity, the non-demoninational Cory Grove Community Church resumed services in 1945. A cemetery is adjacent to the church, which has worship services weekly at 10:30.
The first Catholic church in the Warren County town of St. Marys was constructed in 1870 at a cost of $1,000. The basic building served the congregation until the present church was built in 1900. A parochial school was operated between 1891 and 1919, before consolidating with the local public school district. The church is now served by a priest based in Indianola.
The First United Methodist Church in the Webster County seat of Fort Dodge can trace its roots to 1851 when a traveling preacher came to the community. The church was officially organized in 1855, with a small white frame building constructed for services within three years. A new building was constructed in 1873 before the current brick structure was built in 1915. Extensive renovations were made to the historic facility in the early 2000s, including the installation of new heating and cooling equipment along with a re-carpeted and redecorated sanctuary.
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