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 |
The first account of library services in the Fayette County of Arlington dates to 1883, when resident O.H. Osborne made his personal collection of books available to readers within the town’s post office. Books were later stored in a downtown jewelry store before the community came together in 1928 to remodel a room for library use in the City Hall. The present building was constructed in 1982 at a cost around $62,000. A grant covered one-third of the cost, with the remaining funds raised from donations by local citizens and organizations. The 1,800-square-foot building was dedicated November 21, 1982.
Published January 25, 2012 |
Public Libraries |
The First National Bank of West Union was organized in 1934, taking over the assets of the defunct Fayette County National Bank, which closed following a bank moratorium declared by President Roosevelt in 1933. First National Bank moved to its present facility in 1935. An additional drive-through location was constructed in West Union in 1966, while a branch office was opened in nearby St. Lucas in 1978. The bank celebrated its 75th year of operation in 2009; at that time, deposits totaled $90 million.
Published November 28, 2011 |
Banks |
The pictured church building was originally constructed in 1875 for the First Congregational Church in the Fayette County community of Waucoma. In 1928, the local Methodist Church merged with the Congregational Church to form the Waucoma Federated Church. Services were continued in this building until 1989, when the congregation disbanded. By the end of 1990, the Waucoma Historical Society was deeded possession of the building. Initial improvements were made to add restrooms, a kitchen, and a dining area, with many fundraising dinners held to raise funds for maintenance of the historic facility.
Further improvements were made in 2008 and 2009, when the interior was repainted, stained glass was restored, and a handicapped accessible entrance was added. The church is available for local groups to hold non-denominational church services and celebrations.
Published November 24, 2011 |
Churches |
The Wadena Savings Bank was organized in 1906 with a capitol investment of $10,000. After two locations within other buildings, a permanent structure for the bank was completed in December 1920. Like numerous other banks across the state and country, the Wadena Savings Bank folded during the Great Depression, closing in 1931. After five years without a financial institution, the Elgin State Bank opened a branch in the Wadena Savings Bank building. Open four hours daily, the bank branch office continues to serve the Fayette County community of Wadena today.
Published August 23, 2011 |
Banks |
