Because of the problem of traveling great distances and the slow modes of transportation, the Grant Center Church was built in 1891. It was located approximately 6 miles southwest of the town of Diagonal. Painted white, it was a striking church, framed by the dark green cedar windbreak on the north and west of the building.

Some of the Grant Center Church members included E. K. KELLER, Mrs. and Mrs. Benjamin KELLER, Solomon "Sol" STAHL, R. E. BUSBY and John TALLEY. W. C. SMITH and L. B. CARPENTER served as the church's ministers.

Services were held every Sunday afternoon.

Ringgold Record
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
July 13, 1905

The Grant Center Sunday School won first prize of $7,00 in the parade at Clearfield. It is not decided what will be done with the money.

A change in transportation brought about the end of the Grant Center Church. It was dismantled and sold. The congregation merged with the Diagonal church.

SOURCES:
Diagonal, Iowa: Centennial History p. 164. 1998.
JOHNSON, Mrs. Esther. "Bethel Church"

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, April of 2010