As early as the year 1849, a group of people of the Methodist faith worshipped together in a log cabin near the Keg Creek Bridge in Glenwood. In 1853, the first Methodist Society was organized.

The first actual church (a modest frame structure) was built in 1856, at Third and Walnut streets in Glenwood, but was sold to B.F. Buffington for $300 in 1973. The brick church, which later became the Dean Hotel just south of the present church building, was constructed in the summer of 1873 at a cost of about $7,000. The building was dedicated in early 1874 and served as a house of worship for the Methodists until 1906.

This Grace Uniited Methodist Church was built in 1905. It was dedicated in January 1906. The first pastor of this church, when new, was C. M. Ward.

In 1961, the official board of the church approved the building of a new $100,000 educational wing to the west of the original building. The addition provided much needed room for the continually growing Sunday school classes. Christian education is an important ministry at Grace. In 1989, the position of Director of Christian Education was created.

For a more complete history of this church see History of Mills County, Iowa; 1985

Provided by Roseanna Zehner