Category Archives: Churches

Christian Church (Bladensburg, Iowa)

The Christian Church in the unincorporated Wapello County hamlet of Bladensburg was dedicated July 3, 1904, less than a year after the previous church building was struck by lightning and destroyed by fire. In 1951, the building was raised for construction of a basement, along with the installation of an updated furnace, kitchen utilities, and front doors. A pastor is shared with a Christian Church in Ottumwa.

United Methodist Church (West Chester, Iowa)

The Methodist Church in the Washington County town of West Chester can trace its history to 1845, when a frame cabin chapel was setup for local families to worship. By 1873, the church was officially incorporated and plans were made for a larger building for worship; it was dedicated the following year. Within three decades, the congregation had again outgrown its building, and construction on the current church began in 1914. The church was dedicated October 3, 1915.

Munterville Lutheran Church (Near Ottumwa, Iowa)

A new Lutheran Church was organized in 1856 in the hamlet of Munterville, located 10 miles west of Ottumwa in rural Wapello County. Twenty-two Swedish families were charter members of the church, which met in homes until the first church was constructed in 1865. Services were initially held only in Swedish, but the arrival of English-speaking residents led the church to limit and ultimately end Swedish language services.

The present church building was dedicated in 1901; it was renovated and significantly expanded in 1956.

Former Community Church (Hayesville, Iowa)

On December 11, 1893, a meeting was held to establish a church in the Keokuk County town of Hayesville. Quick action was taken, with a new building dedicated the following year, with donated labor, materials, and funds. Originally opened with Methodist affiliation, the church became a non-denominational community church in 1918. A remodeling project was completed in 1947, and a basement was added eight years later.

After 104 years of operation, final services were held on October 4, 1998. Though the church was recently repainted, the interior is unsafe due to damage from a leaky roof and raccoon infestation.

United Methodist Church (Redding, Iowa)

In 1874, a Methodist church was established in a country school building one-half mile south of the present Ringgold County town of Redding.By the turn of the century, a new building was constructed within the Redding city limits, with a significant remodeling project completed in 1905. In 1912, the church was raised and a basement was added, while a kitchen was added to the lower level in 1954.