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         The religious devotions at Downey were originally held in the old depot. Rev. Howe, of Iowa City, a Presbyterian minister, first preached there.

         The Methodist Society was organized and their church erected in 1869. The church is located on Lot 3, Block 14, and was erected at a cost of $2,500 by John Work, William Purvis, Simeon Barnes and J. J. Roberts, Committee, under the pastorate of Rev. William Purvis, since deceased, of West Liberty. He was followed by Rev. Mr. Selby, of Iowa City. Next came Rev. M. Bolston, followed by Rev. Mr. Selby again. He was superseded by Rev. Mr. Scott, of Iowa City, the present Pastor.

         The Baptist Church was erected at a cost of $2,000, in 1870, although the corner stone is dated July 4, 1869. It is located on the hill at the southeast corner of the village, and was built by A. B. Cornwall, Joseph King, C. F. Hoyt, J. M. Watson and the Pastor, Rev. H. G. Sangster, of Iowa City, Committee. Rev. Mr. Sangster was followed in turn by the Revs. A. C. Kelley, of Iowa City, and J. W. Conlee, a teacher near Downey. This Society has a mission station at West Branch, for which it has purchased a church, which was dedicated April, 1878, by Rev. Mr. Hiscox, of Iowa City.

         Sabbath schools have been established in connection with each of the churches, Henry Mosier being Superintendent of the Baptist and Daniel O. Goodrich of the Methodist school.

         The village has never been incorporated, but acts under the township organization. While it cannot anticipate a great increase in size, being situated between and near West Liberty and Iowa City, yet it has a large scope of excellent farming land surrounding it, from which an unusual amount of produce shipping is done; and as its farmers leave their farms to rest from the life of labor, they will naturally find a home in the village on the beautiful hillside, where they are best acquainted and in the midst of life-long friends.