Following the completion of the C.B.&.Q. Railroad in 1880, a Methodist Episcopal organization was established in the new town of Henderson, Iowa. The waiting room of the new depot was secured as a meeting place and
in the winter of 1881, the first sermon was preached by Rev. Mirshon. Soon after the church was established, Rev. Leach, pastor of the Emerson Methodist Church, preached every other week, in the newly completed
Starrett Hall.
In March 1882, Joel and Sarah Woods deeded property to the church trustees. A building was dedicated on November 3, 1882. A soliciting committe was appointed and about $1000 was raised. This amount, combined with $250
donated from the members themselves, and a $200 bond from the Church Extension Society of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania allowed for the erection of a church building. The contruction contract was awarded to Thomas Phillips, Sr.,
and Eli Carr who completed the small wooden-frame, in the fall of 1882, at the cost of $1500.
In 1905, a cornerstone was laid for a new building. Construction was completed in 1906 and the $5,000 church edifice was dedicated on February 24, 1907, debt free.
In 1970, the Methodist Church merged with the United Brethen Church, and the name was changed to the United Methodist Church.
Source: Notes from History of Mills County Iowa, 1985~ transcribed by Karyn Techau
Photo donated by Bette Byers, January 2015
Following the completion of the C.B.&.Q. Railroad in 1880, a Methodist Episcopal organization was established in the new town of Henderson, Iowa. The waiting room of the new depot was secured as a meeting place and
in the winter of 1881, the first sermon was preached by Rev. Mirshon. Soon after the church was established, Rev. Leach, pastor of the Emerson Methodist Church, preached every other week, in the newly completed
Starrett Hall.