MUSCATINE COUNTY IOWA HISTORY

Pg 175

First United Presbyterian Church
By Irma Wildasin

Transcribed by Lynn McCleary, April 18, 2015

     The Presbyterian element in Wilton was originally a part of Sugar Creek Church, Cedar County, which was organized in 1856. Services were held in Wilton as early as 1855-1856. On ay 14, 1860 the congregation at Wilton was set off from Sugar Creek and the committee of Cedar Presbytery formally organized into a church. There were 19 original members.

     In the fall of 1866, a brick edifice was built in Marolf’s addition to Wilton, and was dedicated in February 1867. The size of the building was 32 x 48 feet and cost $2,800. This occurred during the pastorate of Rev. Mathes.

     While Rev. Martyn was pastor in the summer of 1874 a frame parsonage was built on a half lot adjoining the church at a cost of $1,100.

     The church was rebuilt in 1900 with many improvements.

     The earliest musical instruments used in the church were reed organs which were used until 1911, when the Ladies Auxiliary purchased a piano. On Sunday, March 27, 1949, a new Wick organ was dedicated. The organ is equipped with a set of Deagan cathedral chimes.

     The earliest musical instruments used in the church were reed organs which were used until 1911, when the Ladies Auxiliary purchased a piano. On Sunday, March 27, 1949, a new Wick organ was dedicated. The organ is equipped with a set of Deagan cathedral chimes.

     It might be of interest to note that the only men who have written comprehensive histories of the Presbyterian church in Iowa were both associated with this church. The Rev. J.W. Hubbard, an early pastor, 1879-1883, wrote “The Presbyterian Church in Iowa from 1837-1900.” Dr. John F. Hinkhoue, though not an actual member, was born and raised in this community. His book is “100 Years of Presbyterianism in Iowa in 1837-1932”.

More Presbyterian Church History
By Cloe Gill Walton
    In the fall of 1931, the Union Savings Bank closed, leaving our church in financial difficulty. A congregational meeting was called to see what could be done. The minister, the Rev. M. E. Lumbar, voluntarily reduced his salary to $900 per year and Mr. H. W. Lamp offered to pay the coal bill of $151.17. The balance on hand at the end of the church year was $3.78. The Sunday School treasury had a debt of $4.04 at the end of the year. In order to buy class material we put on some one act plays under the direction of Mrs. Clara Leith, admission 10 cents, and sold sandwiches and pie. This was continued for a few years.

     Wood Cutting Bee – On a nice crisp day (hopefully) the men of the church would gather in the James E. Walton timber to provide supplemental fuel for the winter months. Bert Gill provided the large saw and the men brought axes, malls, wedges etc. Those not having tools disposed of the brush by bonfires. It was usually on a Saturday so the big boys helped too.

     At noon came the ladies, girls and small children with baskets of food which was usually placed on a hayrack used for a table. All sat on the ground, stumps or logs to eat. In the middle of the afternoon…

Pg 176

…dishpans of raised homemade doughnuts were brought in for lunch by Mrs. Freda Hinkhouse. Some of the men provided trucks in which to haul the wood to the church. As soon as it was cut, so by nightfall the church basement was full of wood for the winter months.

     Our present pastor is the Rev. G. W Ukena who came to the Wilton church September, 1967. During this time we have excavated a full carpeted basement with Sunday school rooms. Besides his church activities he takes an active part in many community affairs.

     The membership roll in 1876 was 75; 1i 1976 there are 364 members.