History of the First Hundred Years of the First Baptist Church of Glenwood, Iowa

      The First Baptist Church of Glenwood, Iowa, was organized on July 4, 1857, with eight members only, and was a part of the Nebraska Association until 1867, when it became a member of the newly organized Southwestern Iowa Association. A Reverend J.C. Renfro preached for the church for several years without remuneration until the Rev. J. W. Daniels was ordained and became the first pastor in 1861.

      In 1864, the church purchased a two-storied building on the north side of the square, and fitted the upper part for church services. At this same time, the Sunday School was organized with E. R. S. Woodrow as superintendent. Shortly afterwards, there were a number of accessions to the church.

[Source: p. 3, Centennial Celebration; history continues through p. 6]

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Chronology of Important Events

July 4, 1857--Organization meeting. Surrounding churches of the Nebraska Association sent delegates, including the Rev. J.C. Renfro who had worked in the community for several years, to assist in organizing eight persons--Oliver Tyson, Catharine (sic) Tyson, William Hobson, Sarah A. Hobson, Jacob Adams, Rachel Adams, Lucinda Brown, and Clarissa Brown--into the First Baptist Church of Glenwood, Iowa.

[Source: p. 7, Centennial Celebration]

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Centennial Celebration Committee - 1957

Mrs. Ralph McPherron, Chairman; Mrs. Berwyn Hamilton, Mrs. Della Richards, Mr. Dahle S. Boyer, and Mr. T. E. Jacons