days of the circuit riders in the late 1860's. They rode on horseback and visited in homes and school houses. As soon as a few buildings were moved into the little town of Elliott, a group of dedicated people raised funds to build the first Methodist church in 1880.

     At first Griswold and Elliott were in the same charge with a small parsonage in the country between. Later they separated and Elliott sold their share of the parsonage for $100.00. Since 1886, Elliott and Pilot Grove have been one charge.

     In 1900, the three Elliott churches, Christian, Congregational, and Methodist secured the services of Billy Sunday to hold evangelistic services which resulted in over one hundred converts. The Methodists found it necessary to enlarge their building. Then in 1910, the Congregational people decided to disband and to sell their lot and building to the Methodists. The church was razed, and the present Methodist Church was built on the location. It was dedicated on Jan. 15, 1911 while the basement was completed in 1912. The present parsonage was built in 1914. In the early 1950's the sanctuary was redecorated; later the church basement was remodeled and the kitchen was moved to the south side. Paneling, carpet, or tile have been added to all Sunday school rooms. many memorial gifts have added to the beauty of the edifice.

    It is impossible to name the many devoted church workers who have helped spread the gospel in this church and who have worked in the many departments such as the church board, women's society, Sunday school, vacation Bible school, youth fellowship, and music, while 42 different ministers of the Word have supplied the pulpit.

    As for the future of the Elliott United Methodists, it is encouraging to note the strong primary and young adult department.

    Visitors and new members are always welcome.

Pilot Grove United Methodist Church   

generations of some families have attended this church.

    Pilot Grove and Elliott are a combines charge, and Church is held before Sunday School here. Present membership is 103.

    They have a strong U. M. W. They are noted for their fall bazaars and suppers, when the whole church, and most of the neighborhood is involved. They have conducted weekly craft sessions at Griswold Care Center from 1967 to 1976, when they changed to bi-monthly.

    The church basement is used for many community functions. $H groups meet there, and voting and assessing are conducted there.

    The cemetery lies to the north and west of the church. The gateway was a memorial to W. H. Petty, given by his family.

    When the cemetery was transferred to the administration of the Township Trustees in 1961, many beautiful evergreens were planted.

LOWMAN CHURCH AND CEMETERY

     The Lowman Church and Cemetery are located in Pleasant Twp., Sect. 34, Range 37, Cass Co., Ia. The congregation elected a Church and Cemetery Assoc. and received a deed to the property in 1884. Church services were held there until the tornado of 1928. In 1929, as a Community Hall. The old bell from the Chapel was sold to a Catholic Church in Urbandale in 1929.

CEMETERIES

     Gravestones in Elliott Hillside, Pilot Grove (Center) and Pilot Grove  Stinson (Presbyterian) Cemeteries were all recorded in conjunction with the Bicentennial in 1976, and copies are on file at the Houghton State Bank, Elliott.

CEMETERY

      Located about two and 1/8 miles north of Elliott, the land for the cemetery came from farmland now farmed by R. G. Artlip. Two of the early readable stones are: William A. Wight, d. Mar. 18, 1864, Son of F. and M. Wight; and Richard Cotter, Died March 23, 1875, Aged about 77 years, A Hero of the War 1812.

WAVELAND TWP. CEMETERY

      Located two miles north and one and 1.8 mile west of Elliott, the land for the cemetery was given by Robert and Helen Wilson in April 20, 1875. One of the first marked graves is Velma H. Norris who died in Mar. 30, 1870 at age four months, five days. She was the daughter of J. W. and E. L. Norris, one of the nine early Vermonters who settled here on Yankee Street, which runs approximately 1/8 miles east of Waveland Cemetery. O. D. Stone built the archways and began construction of the white retaining walls around the lots. He was caretaker for a number of years, about 1915-1950.

WAVELAND TWP. CEMETERY

      In the early 1870's farmers on Yankee Street applied and received a Post Office which was located 1/4 mile north of County Road M-66 (commonly referred to as the Pioneer Trail), on land now owned by Dr. R. G. Wilson, formerly owned by Jess Mathis. The Postoffice served farmers northwest of Elliott until the Elliott Post Office was in service. Robert Wilson was the first postmaster, several others followed, and Levi Persons was the last.