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The Strahan Methodist Church, 64632 360th St., rural Hastings, IA, began as
the idea of pioneer Clark Miller. Following the revival, regular services were
held in the Sunbeam schoolhouse. Rev. Farlow of Clarinda is called to the
charge, Clark Miller became Sunday School class superintendent. Then and now,
the church not only filled the spiritual needs the community, but also served
as a social outlet. In May 1884 plans were drawn, fund raising started and
work began at once. In early November 1884, stoves were in place and Sabbath
School began at 1:30 PM each Sunday.
However, on April 15, 1886 a tornado blew the church apart. “The damage to the
church is $3,000 or all it was worth.” New plans also included a belfry on the
east side the building. The new church building was dedicated September 1886.
In 1929, the church needed repair. With additional money raised, remodeling
began to dig a basement, install a furnace, build a new vestibule, and to make
other improvements.
Music abounds in the church. In the 1980’s four choirs, young women’s group,
instrumentalists, and holiday cantatas filled the church with beautiful music.
Sunday school at youth groups have functioned for all of the 118 years of the
church. Father-daughter, father-son, mother-daughter, youth Easter sunrise
breakfasts, and the still popular annual turkey dinners all have given
fellowship. The women are the electrifying energy for well over the 100
years. The Ladies Aid Society evolved into the Ladies Union, W.S.C.S., and now the
U.M.W.
August 11-12, 1984, a two-day centennial
celebration drew a crowd of over 300 people back “home.” The
“Little White Church on the Hill” still stands as testimony to the
dream long ago. The church has experienced many changes. But the
people have never wavered from their dedication to Christ. And it
is this commitment that has helped build a strong foundation for
the church and community |
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