Wilton History 1854-1947

Source: Henry Wildasin's Revised History of Wilton, Iowa
***Containing a complete reprint of Wilton History 1854-1876 by Rider & Stevenson***1947

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THE WILTON METHODIST CHURCH

The first church built in 1860, was in use in 1877, our beginning. The church had a dome instead of a spire, in 1878 the first church building was wrecked in making the change. This building had quite a high spire, and was remodeled to compare with the churches of that date, it was quite an edifice for the day. In 1893 this second church was torn down and a new church built. Instead of being of a more modern order, in the erection of this building, it was built to conform to churches of that day, the pews were put in a semi-circle and a choir loft was built back of the chancel. This building as well as the former church buildings were built of frame. This church was burned down in 1902. That same year they built the present edifice, but, built it of brick, and in 1945 they gave the building a general overhauling. It is now in respectable condition. They also have a fine parsonage near the church. The following ministers served since 1877 : Murphy, Briggs, Bevan, Schreiner, Walters, Adams, Groom, Barnett, Hanks, Hall, Payne, Poole, Corley, Dillon, Caughlin, Stafford, Zabilka, Loose, McBlain, Gruber, Meier, Moer, Smith, Longnecker, and the present minister, Crabtree.

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