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Churches Arranged by Townships in 1908

source: "History of Warren County Iowa, From Its Earliest Settlement to 1908," by Rev. W. C. Martin, D.D."; S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1908
(graciously transcribed and submitted by a Researcher)

ALLEN TOWNSHIP CHURCHES

Carlisle - Baptist Church – first building erected in 1865
The Baptist church at Carlisle was organized in February 1858 with the following members: Malachi Adams, I. B. Chapman, Archibald Mount, James Mount, Daniel Stark, William Major, Henry Burgett, John Burgett, Ephraim Fisher, Thomas Alexander, Ollie Adkins, Nervine Chapman, Mary Pearson, Netty Hargis, Sarah Stark, Susan Major, Jane Burgett, Amy Durvel, Rounna Pearson, Eliza Hargis. B. B. Arnold was the first pastor. The church building was erected in 1865 at a cost of $2000. Arthur Owens is the present Sunday school Superintendent. This society has had no preaching for two years and further data was not obtainable.

Carlisle – Christian Church – first building erected in 1868
The Christian church at Carlisle was organized in 1868 with one hundred and ten members. The church building was erected in the same year at a cost of $2100. Rev. Bly was the pastor. Mrs. Sarah Reed is the only surviving charter member of this society. A. W. Rice is the Sunday school superintendent. There is a Ladies' Aid Society and a Christian Endeavor Society maintained by this church. The present membership is one hundred. Robert Wade of Drake University preaches each alternate Sabbath.

Carlisle – Methodist Episcopal Church -  first building erected in 1867
The first quarterly conference for Hartford circuit, Des Moines district. Iowa Conference, was held at Hartford, December 2, 1854, and mention is made of a class at Carlisle. Carlisle became the head of the circuit in 1870. The Board of Trustees was incorporated June 17, 1871, by William Buxton, Elijah Jones, A. B. Shoemaker and J. L. Reed. During the pastorate of D. H. Randall, in 1867, the first M. E. church building was erected in Carlisle, at a cost of $2,000, and was dedicated in 1868, by Dr. A. Burns. It seems probable that the first class was organized by Rev. Lawback. In an early day A. Badley and Ezra Rathbun ministered to this people. Mrs. A. Shoemaker, J. T. Wright and wife, William Buxton and wife, Mr. Bramhall and wife, and Mrs. Deets were the first members. Mrs. Mary McKissick is president of the Ladies' Aid Society. which has a membership of forty-three. C. Beauchamp is the superintendent of the Sunday school. The enrollment is one hundred and forty-three. The present membership of the church is one hundred and thirty. The benevolences of last year amounted to $104. L. E. Prall contributes $60 per annum for the support of a pastor in China and the W. F. M. S. contribute $25.00 for the support of a Bible woman in China. The following pastors have served this church since Carlisle was made the head of the circuit: T. S. Berry, E. Kendall, W. C. Martin, J. W. Adair, S. Guyer, J. A. Smith, C. Ashton, F. Brown, W. E. Howe, M. R. Harned, W. C. Smith, H. E. Beeks, J. S. Young, Henry C. Preston W. W. Williams, A. T. Curtis, F. G. Clark, J. I. Farley, Paul Gardener, C. B. Guest, A. H. Rusk.

Carlisle – United Brethren Church – first building erected in 1872
The United Brethren church at Carlisle was organized in 1868 with the following charter members: J. W. Patterson and wife, Thomas Patterson and wife, A. Marshall and wife, James Sanders and wife, Joseph Sanders and wife S. P. Thomas and wife, and Loren Thomas and wife. The church building was erected in 1872 at a cost of $2400. Miss Minnie Patterson is the present Sunday school superintendent. The young people maintain a Christian Endeavor Society. The present membership of the church is seventy-two. Rev. Emmerson, pastor.

Scotch Ridge – United Presbyterian Church – first building erected in 1857
This church is one of the most flourishing and efficient churches in this part of the state of Iowa. It is seldom that an entire neighborhood is brought so completely under the influence of one church as in this case. The community is made up of enterprising farmers, who are loyal to their church and to every other public interest. It is seldom that a country church can sustain a minister for so many years consecutively, as this church has done; and maintain a Sunday school and other church societies. The history of this church is a volume of praise, both to the church and to the faithful ministers who have served the church. After fifty-five years of active organized life, this church still abounds in zeal and good works; but few of the first generation remain, but the work goes on with increasing vigor and usefulness. Scotch Ridge United Presbyterian church was organized August 3, 1853, with sixteen members as follows: Elders, Wm. Vance, J. McElroy, Andrew Hastie; Wm. Runciman, Elizabeth Runciman, Wm. Hastie, John Wood, Mary Wood, Mrs. Wm. Vance, Mrs. J. McElroy, Wm. McBride, Mr. Ray, Nancy Ray, Margaret Ray. Josiah Hanby and Elizabeth Hanby. Pastors and term of service: T. P. Dysart, 1863-67; Joseph Boyd, 1869-77; T. B. McKee, 1881-87; R. L. Welsh, 1890-93; J. E. Springer, 1900-02; J. D. Graham, 1904. The first church building was erected in 1857, at a cost of about $1,000. This building having served its purpose gave way to a new and more commodious building in 1885, which cost $4,000. The latter building still answers a good purpose. This church has a first class Sunday school which is well attended, and bears good fruit. There is a Ladies' Missionary Society, a Young Women's Missionary Society, and a Junior Missionary Society all in active operation. The current expenses for last year were $800; $650 was raised for benevolences, making a total of $1,450. The present membership is eighty-five. The Scotch Ridge church owns a good parsonage with three acres of land worth $1500. The parsonage is in Greenfield Township, while the church is in Allen Township.

BELMONT TOWNSHIP CHURCHES

Belmont – Zion Christian Union Church
This society was organized in 1889.  The following have served as pastors: K. D. Wolf, B. M. Hutchins, C. S. Fair, A. F. Dorrell and N. D. Gordon.  The Sunday school superintendent, B. S. Reynolds - Sunday school enrollment sixty-five. President of the Board of Trustees, John Long.  Current expenses last year, two hundred dollars.

Milo – First Presbyterian Church – first building erected in 1891
This church was organized February 24, 1891, with the following members: John Bryant, M. Tusing, Mrs. Annie Tusing, John Pennington, Robert McClelland, Mrs. Martha J. McClelland, William C. Wilson, Mrs. Hannah M. Wilson, Edwin M. Wilson, Walter Waugh, Mrs. Elma B. Waugh, Edwin Pennington, D. B. Paxton, Mrs. Mattie E. Paxton, H. F. Schrader, Mrs. Anna E. Schrader, George Nolte, Mrs. Augustie Nolte, Mrs. Debora Smith, Mrs. Ruth A. Emmons, J. S. Fry, Mrs. Maggie E. Fry, Mrs. Jane C. Hines, Robert W. Graham, Miss Lillian A. Curd, Mrs. Anna E. Tidball, Dr. A. M. Hooper, Mrs. E. B. Hooper, Mrs. Margaret Bryant, Mrs. Emma Hunt, Mrs. Mary A. Davey. Miss Mintie Emmons, Mrs. Sarah A. Nemeyer, Mrs. Cora P. Stewart, Mrs. Marilla Trotter, Frank O. Nutting, Mrs. Maggie J. Nutting, Miss Sarah Nutting, William P. Nutting, Mrs. Catherine Nutting, Herbert W. Nutting, Miss Nellie A. Nutting, Mrs. Isabella Amsberry, Miss Mary Williamson. The church building was erected in the fall of 1891. The following Pastors have served this church: J. A. Stewart, 1891; J. C. Gilkerson, 1892; J. M. Wiggins, 1896; H. S. Condit, 1903; J. A. McKay, 1905 to 1907; and the present Pastor, W. R. Coventry, came May 2, 1908.
The present membership is sixty-two. This church has an interesting Sunday school, an active Christian Endeavor, a Ladies Home Missionary Society, a Ladies Foreign Missionary Society, and a Ladies Aid Society. As the above organization indicates, this is one of the most liberal and energetic churches in the county.

Milo – Methodist Episcopal Church
Soon after the town began to grow, the Methodist people organized a society, which has kept pace with the town and surrounding country. They have a neat frame church, valued at $2,500; and a parsonage, valued at $1,500; also the charge has a church at Green Plains, five miles south which is in a flourishing condition. The Sunday school at Green Plains is well patronized. The Milo charge now numbers two hundred members. The Sunday school of the two churches have an enrollment of one hundred and seventy-five. The benevolences of the two societies, Milo and Green Plain, are computed together, and reached a total last year of $215. The amount raised for ministerial support was $940. The following pastors have served the Milo charge. The dates given below indicate when the pastor began his services, he continues until his successor is appointed. 1879, M. R. Harned; 1880, B. B. Kennedy; 1883, S. Farlow; 1884, J. L. Johnson; 1886, C. D. Fawcett; 1887, D. S. Main; 1888, T. P. Newland; 1893, S. L. Culmer; 1895, A. L. Bates; 1898, C. C. Culmer; 1901, John Harned; 1903, Alfred Knoll; 1905, J. L. Johnson; 1907, R. J. Tennant. The usual societies are organized and in active operation in this church.

Motor – Christian Church - first building erected in 1870
Motor church was organized in 1869 with about twenty constituent members. The following pastors have served this church: Mary Trueblood, Anna Trueblood, Catherine Smith, Nathan Armstrong, Joseph Blackledge, Benjamin Neval, Benjamin Hiatt, Edgar Requa, Levi Marshall, James Picard, Florence Baker, William Figgie, and T. C. Perishu.  The church building was erected in 1870, at a cost of about $1200.  This church answered the purposes for which it was erected for a full generation.  The second church building was erected in 1907, at a cost of $2500.  The society owns a neat parsonage, with one and a half acres of ground worth about $1800.  This church has an excellent Sabbath school, a Missionary Society and a Christian Endeavor Society.  The amount raised last year for incidental expenses, $100; for benevolences $60.  At present there are one hundred and fifty members.

Plainville – Christian Union Church - first building erected in 1867
This society was organized in 1863.  The following have served as pastors: Eli Oliver, J. V. B. Flack, Theo. Stone, Joshua Wilson, K. D. Wolf, Benjamin M. Hutchins, C. A. Fair, N. D. Gordon and F. Dowell.  O. B. Walcott is superintendent of the Sunday School. There are forty scholars enrolled.  Board of Trustees: J. E. Hollingsworth, J. N. Goode, and Roy Town.  The church building was erected in 1867, at a cost of $1500. The current expenses last year were $200.

Rosemount - Catholic Church - first building erected in 1872
Rosemount Catholic church has for many years been one of the most prosperous Catholic churches in the county.  The organization was effected about thirty-seven years ago.  The church building was erected in 1872, at a cost of twenty-five hundred dollars.  Later a school building was erected and a parish school has been maintained for several years.  There are about forty families in the parish.

GREENFIELD TOWNSHIP CHURCHES

Spring Hill – Baptist Church - first building erected in 1873
The Spring Hill Baptist church was organized in 1872, and the first building was erected in 1873, during the pastorate of Rev. Funk. The constitutent members of this church were as follows: P. P. Bishop and wife, Morris and Rachael Stogsdill, Mrs. Mary Stogsdill, Mrs. Hanah Peverley, Robert Comer and wife, James Lloyd and wife, and Mrs. Nicy Kipley, the only one now living. The Baptist owned a two-fifth interest in the Protestant Methodist church, and purchased the remaining three-fifths about twenty years ago, since which time there has been no organization of the Protestant Methodist in Spring Hill. The present membership is twenty-five. The last pastor of this church was N. Ledson. Mrs. Edna Perkins is clerk. George C. Brand superintends the Sunday school. Mrs. Kate Garrett is the president and treasurer of the Ladies Aid Society. The Aid Society expects during this summer to pay the entire indebtedness of the church and to call a pastor. The church building was remodeled in 1899 at a cost of two thousand dollars.

Spring Hill – Christian Church- first building erected in 1899
The following is the list of charter members: Jacob Lockridge and wife, B. Davidson and wife, Dr. Flinn and wife, John Foust and wife, G. H. Walter and wife, John Waymon and family, Joseph Lockridge, Aaron Lockridge and wife, George Dillard and wife, David Lockridge and wife, J. Wood and wife. The following pastors have served this church: F. E. Butterfield, Edgar Brandenburg, W. S. Johnston, Rev. Lemon, H. L. Ford, Leslie Wolf, D. B. Clark, W. T. Stevenson. This church was organized in 1899. The first church building was erected in 1899 at a cost of three thousand dollars. Present membership eighty.

Spring Hill – Methodist Church - first building erected in 1874
The charter members of this church were: A. C. Tigner, Mrs. A. C. Tigner, J. F. Lough, Mrs. J. F. Lough, Alice Caves, Mrs. L. Childs, Emma Barker, Martha Barker, Alice Barker, Mrs. Richard Barker, and Mrs. Asa Perley. This church was made the head of the circuit in 1891 and A. J. Barton was appointed pastor, in 1892; H. C. Preston, in 1894; A. C. Heckathorn, in 1895; J. I. Farley, in 1897; J. D. DeTarr, in 1900; C. W. Proctor, in 1903; W. R. Suman, in 1905; W. C. Smith, in 1907. The following are some of the early pastors who served this charge when it belonged to other circuits: E. Kendall, W. J. Beck, A. J. Barton, C. C. Maybee, M. R. Harned, W. Patterson, T. P. Newland and W. H. H. Smith. The first church building was erected in 1874 at a cost of two thousand two hundred and forty dollars. A new building was erected in 1900 at a cost of twenty-four hundred dollars. The society contributed last year for pastoral support four hundred dollars. Grant Joy superintends the Sunday school, scholars enrolled one hundred twenty. Current expenses of school sixty dollars. Forrest Perkins is president of the Epworth League, which has a membership of fifty-six. Mrs. William Cochrane is president of the Ladies Aid Society to which all the ladies of the church belong. This society collected for all purposes last year two hundred dollars. Mrs. Van Dyke is president of the W. F. M. S., which has a membership of seventeen, and contributed eighty-six dollars to missions. The present membership of the church is one hundred thirty-nine.

North River – Christian Church - first building erected in 1867
The North River Christian Church was organized in 1849 and therefore was one of the first religious organizations in Warren County.  The records show that there were sixteen constituent members.  The organization was effected by Thomas Cason and William P. Coger, the latter of which was the first pastor and served three years.  The church then called Thomas Cason who served for a number of years.  The following pastors have ministered to this church: A. C. Stores, Elder Stull, S. O. Calvin, David Matson, Elder Lamb, J. O. Elwell, Albert Godley, O. E. Brown, J. R. Reed, Elder Black, Elder Fitzergerald and John H. Stover.  The society worshiped in private homes and schoolhouses for eighteen years.  The Board of Trustees then consisted of J. J. Bishop, Lazarus Whited, Adam Surber.  In 1867 a church building was erected which cost about one thousand dollars.  Since 1901 there have been no services held in this church.  This is further evidence that the country church is passing away.

JACKSON TOWNSHIP CHURCH

St. Marys – Catholic Church - first building erected in 1870
St. Marys is the only village in Jackson Township.  The Catholic church was erected in 1870 during the pastorate of Father A. N. Sassel, at a cost of $1,000.  He was succeeded by Father J. Knapple in 1876.  Subsequently, Father J. B. Fendrack, John Stritzelberger, George Schumacker and Peter Stahl served this church.  The present church building was erected during Father Stahl’s administration, at a cost of $6,500.  Father Cook is the present pastor.  There are forty-five families in the parish.  A parochial school was inaugurated in 1885, and employed three sisters of charity as teachers, but at present is not in operation as many families have moved away and there are not enough children in the parish to justify continuing the school. 

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP CHURCH

Churchville – Catholic Church - first building erected in 1903
The Catholic church was built in 1890 by Father Dunyan, at a cost of $4,500.  Father Condon is the present pastor.  There are ninety families in the parish.  A parochial school is carried on in connection with the church, which was built in 1903, at a cost of $3,000.  This school employs three sisters as teachers.  The total value of church property, including the parochial school, is $12,000.

Churchville – German Lutheran church - first building erected in 1903
The German Lutheran Church was built in 1903 by the Rev. Jackson, at a cost of #2,400.  The present pastor is Rev. Smith. There are forty members.  The trustees are Carl Martin and William Huss, with Guss Gearing as bondsman.  There is a new blacksmith shop just erected, and a new bank building to be erected during this year, by Lu Clem, proprietor.

Linn Grove – Methodist Episcopal Church - first building erected in 1867
This class was organized in 1853, with Whitney Allen as class leader.  Samuel Crow and wife, William Allen and wife, and Sarah Allen were the constituent members.  The first church building was erected in 1867, during the pastorate of D. B. Clary, and was rebuilt in 1892, during the pastorate of H. C. Preston, at a cost of $500, and rebuilt again in 1903, during the pastorate of C. W. Proctor, at a cost of $2,500.  Rev. M. R. Harned is the present pastor.  The present membership is ninety.  The Sunday school enrollment is one hundred and twenty.  A. Beerbower, Sunday school superintendent; W. V. Elliott is president of the Epworth League, and class leader.  Miss Lydia Essex is president of the Ladies’ Aid Society.  $400 is being expended now on the church property.  This society paid last year for pastoral support, $150; for missions and benevolences, $60; for incidental expenses, $100; for Sunday school expenses, $50.

Prole – Christian Church - first building erected in 1904
The Christian church was organized by W. S. Lemon in 1903.  The church building was erected and dedicated in 1904, at a cost of $2,200.  The first trustees were Fred Naubauer, J. H. Huss and J. W. Wheeler.  The present membership is fifty-five.  There is a Ladies’ Aid Society in this church.  William Keller is Sunday school superintendent.  The last year this church paid for pastoral support $312; for evangelist, $60; incidental expenses, $50; Sunday school expenses, $32; missions and benevolences, $50.

Wick – Methodist Episcopal Church - first building erected in 1871
The first preaching services were held in the homes of people.  The first M. E. class was organized in 1848.  The Revs. Worley, Pring, Anderson, Lawback and Garbison were among the first preachers.  The members of the first class were John Wallace, Julia Ann Wallace, Elizabeth Berger, Margaret Berger, and Darius Berger.
The Wesley M. E. church of Wick was erected in 1871, during the pastorate of Michael Sheets, as a cost of eighteen hundred dollars, and dedicated by Rev. J. W. Todd.  John Wallace was the first class leader.  The present trustees of the church were G. W. Day, C. W. Dunn, L. S. Maine, O. O. Trucher and J. F. Grissom.  Class leader, L. S. Maine. This church was re-built in 1896 at a cost of one thousand dollars.  J. H. Sweeney preaching the re-opening sermon.  William Mercer is the present pastor.  The membership of this society is ninety.  This is a flourishing Epworth League.

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP CHURCHES

Liberty Center – Christian Church
There is a Christian church a mile and a half south, and a half mile west of Liberty Center, from which no data has been received. The third church organized  in Liberty Township was the New Light, or Christian church, organized by Rev. J. Lamb of Carlisle, who built the present church, near the south cemetery.

Liberty Center – Friends Church - first building erected in 1907
The Friends church was built in the fall of 1907, at a cost of $3,000.  There is no permanent organization as yet,  but preaching and Sunday school are held in this church every Sunday.  The people who erected this church made a remarkable record, in that every bill in connection with the enterprise was paid and money left in the treasury before the time of dedication. 

Liberty Center – Methodist Church - first building erected in 1870
The first church organization [in Liberty Township] was the Methodist, organized by Reverends Todd and Conrad, at the log school house which stood near the present site of the Christian church. In the fall of 1856, Rev. J. W. Todd, John and George Conrad, conducted revival services which continued at intervals far into the summer of 1857.  A Methodist church was organized with the following members: Enoch and Polly Matson, John and Rachel Matson, Benjamin and Julianna Matson, William and Mahala Berry, Sarah Coles, Mary and Sarah Berry. Polly and Ellen Coles were the first probationers; Joseph Michael, the first class leader; and Jacob Garbison, the first local preacher.  When the period for probation for new members had expired, the membership was increased to eighty, and it was decided to secure a building.  Accordingly, in 1860, the original part of the building new occupied by S. J. Shupe’s store was leased,  and afterward purchased of Nathan Mosher, for a church.  In 1870, during the pastorate of Rev. J. A. Smith, the original part of the present church was erected at a cost of $2,300, and dedicated in 1871 by Dr. Burns, president of Simpson College.  In 1906, the present structure was erected at a cost of $2,300, and all paid for, and dedicated October 21, 1906, by Rev. John F. St. Clair.  The membership now numbers sixty.

LINCOLN TOWNSHIP CHURCHES

Ackworth – Friends Church - first building erected in 1850s
This church was organized in June 1852, and called South River, forming with Middle River, the “Three River Monthly Meeting.”  There were about forty members in the organization. In the early times they did not have regular pastors.  D. B. Cook is the present pastor; Rhodema Newlin was the first pastor; between these about twenty others have ministered to the church.  The first church building was erected during the early “fifties.”  The second was the academy building, erected in 1869, and cost $7,000; remodeled and refurnished for church purposes in 1908 at a cost of $2,800.  The Bible School was organized soon after the meeting was established.  The present enrollment, including Home Department and Cradle Roll, is one hundred and fifty.  The church maintains a W. F. M. S., also a Christian Endeavor Society.  Amounts raised last year; ministerial support, $225; incidentals, $80; Sunday school, $33; missionary, $28; E. M. Heffley, Sunday school superintendant; Eliza Hiatt, president of W. F. M. S.; Clay Clark, president of Christian Endeavor.  As early as 1852 this church began to look after educational interests, which resulted in the establishment of the Ackworth academy, the influence of which has extended far beyond the community. An academy building was erected in 1869, and opened in 1870, by the Friends church.

Ackworth – Free Methodist Church - first building erected about 1893
The Free Methodist church was erected about fifteen years ago.  The constituent members are: Frank Roberts, Unice Roberts, J. H. Farley, L. J. Farley, Milton Minor, Margaret Minor, and Nettie Farley.  The present membership is twenty-two.  This church maintains a good Sunday School, Ladies Home and Foreign Missionary Society.  The church building cost $1,100.  The pastors who have served this church are: J. Q. and Ettie Murray, W. E. Boger, W. C. Houts, William VanHorn, J. B. Newell, W. E. D. Harper, J. H. and Phoebe Grovier, Luke Scriptur, W. C. Karns, Albert Helsel.

Center Chapel – Methodist Episcopal Church - first building erected in 1894
The Center Chapel M. E. church, four and one-half miles west of Indianola was organized in 1894, during the pastorate of H. C. Preston, and erected a church building at a cost of $2,000.  J. C. Morton is the Sunday school superintendent; present enrollment, sixty; current expenses, $24.  Mrs. McAdoo is the president of the Ladies’ Aid Society; this society collected from all sources last year, $150.  The present membership of the church is forty-nine.  This church is served by the pastors of the Spring Hill circuit.  B. R. VanDyke is the present pastor.

Farmers Church – 5 miles N.E. of Indianola - first building erected in 1894
This society was organized almost forty years ago.  It has been served by the pastors of the Carlisle circuit.  The present church building was erected in 1894, at a cost of $1,500.  This church maintains an excellent Sunday school.  The present pastor is W. B. Reed.  The current expenses last year were $353.  The present membership is ninety-three.

Summerset – Baptist Church - first building erected in 1882
The Baptist church of Summerset was organized November 16, 1878, with the following constituent members: J. B. Hicks, Ruth A Hicks, Able Edwards, Eliza Edwards, James Loyd, Susan M. Loyd, John Loyd, LeMars Adams, Jennie E. Adams, Mary Welch, Angie Turnipseed, Phebe Holberry.  The following pastors have served this charge: Thomas Miller, one year; F. R. Still, one year; W. A. Cain, five years; T. S. Bovel, five years; F. M. Gaines, one year; J. E. Trelvor, three years; F. M. Tull, three months; W. A. Terry, two years; Henry Froning, three years; E. P. Bartlett, two years.  The present pastor is C. T. Illsley.  The first church building was erected in 1882, at a cost of $1,400.  A Sunday school Ladies’ Aid Society and a Baptist Young People’s Union are maintained in this church.  The current expenses were $300.  Present membership, sixty.

Summerset – Methodist Episcopal Church - current building erected in 1881
B. F. Wadsworth and wife, I. L. Surber and wife and Mrs. Peter Thompson were consitutuent members of this society which was organized about forty years ago.  The present church building was erected in 1881, at a cost of $1,800.  Since the erection of the church, students of Simpson College have supplied this appointment with preaching.  John M. Hillis is the present pastor and receives $150 per annum for his services.  The present membership is forty-five.  The Sunday school is superintended by Edgar Thompson, and has an enrollment of eighty-five.  The Ladies’ Aid Society has fifteen members; Mrs. May Kennedy, president.  The collection for benevolences last year was $60.

LINN TOWNSHIP CHURCHES

Cummings – Catholic Church - first building erected in 1893
This church was built by Father O. O’Roronick in 1893, at a cost of $4,000, with sixty families in the parish.  Present pastor, Father Gleason of Valley Junction.

Cummings – Friend’s Church - first building erected in 1880
This church was built in 1880, at a cost of $1,400, and the society organized with about sixty charter members.  The parsonage is on the same lot with the church, and occupied by the present pastor, E. Loft.  C. L. Jenks is the Sunday school superintendent.  The enrollment is forty.  Pastoral support last years, $300.  Present membership, sixty-five.

Cummings – Methodist Episcopal Church - first building erected in 1892
The church building was erected in 1892, during the pastorate of Fred L. Stevenson, and cost $1,700.  Lawrence Ivenson, Class Leader.  Mrs. Fagan, Steward.  Rev. M. R. Harned, Present Pastor.  Paid last year for pastoral support, $100; and for benevolences, $50. 

Norwalk – Christian Church - first building erected in 1872
The Christian church of Norwalk was organized in 1866, with a class of twenty members.  The church building was erected in 1872, during the pastorate of Elder Gaston, and dedicated by Elder Neil Cheatham.  Elder Wessel Stevenson is the present pastor.  Present membership, one hundred and twenty-five.  Raised last year for pastoral support, $800.  This church has a Ladies’ Aid Society of thirty members; Mrs. Stepheny, president.  W. F. Dessenberg is the Sunday school superintendent.  The school has an enrollment of one hundred and twenty.  The annual incidental expenses of the church is $100.  A Christian Woman’s Board of Missions (C. W. B. M.) of eighteen members, Miss Maude Thomas, president.  This society gave to missions last year $100.

Norwalk – Methodist Episcopal Church - first building erected in 1868
The Methodist Episcopal church was organized in 1856 with the following members: Benoni Black, Mary Black, Peter Black, Thomas M. Wilson, Eliza Wilson, Jane Onstott, Jesse Huff, Mary Huff, George Blosser, Dorcas Blosser, John Kern, and Miriam Kern.  The first church was built during the pastorate of D. B. Clary, in 1868, at a cost of $3,600; and dedicated in 1869 by Rev. A. C. Williams. The present church building was erected in 1896, at a cost of $7,000, during the pastorate of A. A. Thompson.  Present membership, one hundred and fifty.  Raised for pastoral support last year, $650; missions and other benevolences, $300. The Sunday school has an enrollment of one hundred and fifteen; C. B. Kern, Sunday school superintendent.  Ladies’ Aid Society, Mrs. Allen, president.  Epworth League, Lester Cooley, president.  W. F. M. S., Mrs. M. R. Harned, president.  Board of Trustees, D. W. Yount, president, Present Pastor, M. R. Harned.
Norwalk circuit has long been considered one of the most desirable charges in the Des Moines conference; and some of the ablest pastors in the conference have served this charge.

Orillia – Methodist Episcopal Church
The Orillia M. E. church was formerly called Pleasant Ridge, and was organized in 1873 with John Thompson and wife, Hiram Baker and wife, M. A. Bently and wife, Philip Hull and family, Mr. Clark and wife, J. W. McClain and wife as original members.  During the pastorate of J. A. Smith the first church building was erected, and dedicated by Bishop E. G. Andrews.  The building cost $1,500.  There is a Ladies’ Aid Society and a Sunday school connected with the church.  Current expenses last year, $60; benevolences, $75; ministerial support, $200.  The church is being repaired at the present time, and will shortly be reopened.  Present pastor, J. D. O’Dell.  A large number of pastors have served this society, among whom have been some of the ablest in the Des Moines conference.

OTTER TOWNSHIP CHURCHES

Hammondsburg – Christian Union Church - first building erected in 1874
The Christian Union church in Hammondsburg was organized October 10, 1889, with twenty members.  The church building was erected in 1874, repaired in 1890 at a cost of $400.  There is a Sunday school in connection with this church.  The current expenses of the church are about $150.  At present there are seventy members.  The following pastors have served this church: C. G. Hollinsworth, one year; Joseph Griffin, one year; K. D. Wolf, one year’ W. D. Pond, four years; C. S. Fair, seven years; Andrew Dorrel, three years; N. D. Gordon, one year.

Hammondsburg – Methodist Episcopal Church
There is a Methodist Episcopal church, called Brown’s Chapel, located on section 19, in this township.  At present there is a membership of eighty-five.  This church sustains an interesting Sunday school; W. F. Butler, superintendent.

PALMYRA TOWNSHIP CHURCHES

Palmyra – Friend’s Church - first building erected in 1849
The first Friends' church in Palmyra township was organized about the year 1849; one among the first religious organizations in the county. The constituent members were: Thomas Rees and family, Robert Rees and family. Solomon Kight and family, A. Johnson and family. Charles Hinshaw and family. Rhodema Newlin and husband were pastors of this church in an early day. The first church building was erected in 1849. It was a log building, erected by the members of the church and the neighbors, and was used for both school and church purposes. Later a frame building was erected and paid for by subscriptions, and this building was also used for both school and church purposes. Later, another church building has been erected by a branch of the Friends' church, known as the Progressives.

Palmyra – Methodist Episcopal Church - first building erected in 1855
In the spring of 1852, John Kitchell organized a class of Methodists, composed of the following members: John Kitchell, Esther Kitchell, Lucy Ann Kitchell, Sylvester Farley, Elizabeth Farley, Jane Farley, Lucinda Paul, Eri W. Fonts, Filethe Fonts, Phebe Fonts, Smith Parker, Mary Parker and Lucinda Lundy. John Kitchell, class leader. Eri Fonts, steward. The religious services were held in the schoolhouse. The first board of trustees were: E. W. Fonts, John Kitchell, Sylvester Farley, John Morris and Michael Laverty. E. L. Briggs was the first pastor. In a short time there were added to this class seventeen members. The first church building was commenced in 1855, and completed in the early part of 1856. In fourteen years it became necessary to have a church of larger dimensions. In 1870 the present church building was erected with a seating capacity of 500. For many years it was the largest church in Warren County.

RICHLAND TOWNSHIP CHURCHES

Hartford – Baptist Church - first building erected in 1858
The Baptist church was organized April, 1853. The following list of charter members shows that Charles McKay was among them: E. D. Taylor, A. J. Duncan, O. C. Hancock, James Duncan, Charles McKay, S. V. R. James, J. H. Terwilleger, Margaret Duncan, Louisa Jane Duncan, Susan Taylor, Margaret Hartman, Julia A. Hancock. This society was organized by B. B. Arnold, moderator, and H. Wyatt, clerk. B. B. Arnold was the first pastor. The first church building was erected in 1858. The building was sold about a year ago. But ten members remain.

Hartford – Christian Church - first building erected in 1854 (as a school & church)
The Christian church was organized in a schoolhouse in 1854 with the following members: Uriah Dodson and wife, James Talbott and wife, Amos Mattock and wife, Clark Badgley and wife, Henry Stonebunner and wife, Martha Carey and Mrs. Ray. The first pastor was James Hill, and the next P. T. Russell. A schoolhouse was built east of Hartford, known as Brown's schoolhouse, to which the Christian church gave $100 and was allowed to use the schoolhouse for church purposes. The Christian church at Swan met with thhem making a strong society. In 1868 the present church building was erected in Hartford at a cost of $1500. S. J. Mathewson is pastor. Present membership one hundred. This church has a flourishing Sunday school and Christian Endeavor Society.

Hartford – Methodist Episcopal Church
Hartford was the head of the first Methodist Episcopal circuit established in this part of the country. John W. Teas was appointed pastor of the Three Rivers Mission in 1849, and took up his head-quarters at Hartford.  His circuit embraced Warren and Madison counties and a part of Polk county, and was called the Three Rivers Mission.  A parsonage was built at Hartford and occupied for several years by Methodist preachers.  A small church building was erected and served a good purpose for many years.

Hartford – Presbyterian Church
William Henry Kelly, pastor.  Present membership one hundred.  Congregational expenses $750.  Benevolences raised last year, $80.  The Sunday school has an enrollment of seventy members, and the Ladies Industrial Society, fifty, and the Junior Endeavor Society, twenty members.  This has long been recognized as an influential and prosperous church.

SQUAW TOWNSHIP CHURCHES

Cool – Christian Union Church - first building erected in 1894
The Christian Union church was organized November 11, 1893, with the following members: Elizabeth Morris, Maude Butler, Sarah Goodrich, Rebecca Coatney, Lizzie Hess, Ella R. King, Anna R. New, Lizzie Disney, L. A. Disney, Lucy New, Etta New, W. B. Disney.  The following pastors have served this church: Rev. Quick, Joe Griffin, Charlie Hollingsworth, Nathan Eveland, N. D. Gordon, C. W. Reed.  The present membership is fifty-six.  Horace Wallace is Sunday school superintendent.  The church building was erected in 1894 at a cost of fifteen hundred dollars.

Medford – Methodist Episcopal Church
The Medford M. E. church maintains a Sunday school, superintended by Mary Davidson, and also an Epworth League.

Medora – Presbyterian Church
There is a Presbyterian church building at present unoccupied.

Medora – Methodist Episcopal
The Methodist Episcopal church has a membership of eighty-six.  Harry Lyon is the Superintendent of the Sunday school.  Mrs. Joe Burgess is the president of the Epworth League.

Plainview – Methodist Episcopal Church
Plainview M. E. church has a membership of forty one.  Mrs. John Murphy is Sunday school superintendent.

Mt. Tabor – Methodist Episcopal Church - first building erected in 1874
The Mt. Tabor M. E. church was organized March 1855, with a membership of twenty-eight.  The following have served this church as pastors: Wm. Butts, Wm. Pring, John Reynolds, Henry Hadley, George and John Conrad, Enoch Woods, Archibald Murphy, D. B. Clary, D. Thompson, John Hestwood, Michael Sheets, Joseph knots, Joshua Smith, George Clammer, M. R. Harnard, Adam Kern, Arthur Barton, W. C. Smith, E. Voorhees, M. R. Stryker, H. C. Preston, C. A. Fassett, J. D. DeTarr. The first church building was erected in 1874 and dedicated on the fourth day of July, and cost nineteen hundred dollars.  The society has a membership of thirty-six.  It maintains a Sunday school, Epworth League and Ladies’ Aid Society.

UNION TOWNSHIP

Sandyville – Christian Church
The Christian church was organized over fifty years ago.  A very comfortable church building has been erected, which was destroyed by the cyclone of July 4, 1876. The society was reorganized about 1890.  The present building was erected in 1892 at a cost of $1,600.  The present membership is seventy-five.  A flourishing Sunday school and a Ladies Aid Society are well maintained.

Sandyville – Methodist Church - first building purchased in 1873
The first society of Methodists was organized in 1867 consisting of seven members.  In 1873 they purchased a small church building of the “Seven Day Adventists” in which they worshiped until 1898, when the old building was wrecked and the present structure erected at a cost of $1,200.  A Sunday school and Epworth League are maintained.  R. G. Vanatta is the present pastor.

Sandyville – Seventh Day Adventist Church - first building erected in 1855
This church was organized in an early day.  The church building was erected in 1855 at a cost of $1,500.  A. F. Ferguson is the present pastor.  A good Sunday school is superintended by John Glasgow.  The church maintains a prosperous Missionary Society.  Some of the leading men of the denomination have been connected with this society.

Sandyville – United Brethren Church - 2nd building erected in 1884
Otterbein United Brethren Church. Early in 1850, regular preaching was established in the home of T. J. Sinnard; later a log schoolhouse was erected in the community in which religious services were held. A society of United Brethren was organized by Rev. Corbin, which was finally disbanded because of deaths and removals, but was reorganized in 1878, by Rev. J. H. Young. The constitutent members were, S. A. Gose and wife, D. C. Pearson and wife, Richard Pearson and wife, Aaron Reeves and wife, Samuel Hagan and Alice Pearson. The present membership is twenty-five. A large number of pastors have served this society, some for a shorter, some for a longer period. In 1884, the society erected a commodious church on the corner of S. A. Gose's farm in section 2 in Union township. At present the society is supplied with regular preaching once in two weeks. Mrs. Henry Thompson is the superintendent of an excellent all-the-year-around Sunday school.

VIRGINIA TOWNSHIP CHURCHES

New Virginia – Christian Church - first building erected in 1894
The Christian church was organized in 1894 with twenty-five members, and erected a church building at a cost of $1,000 during the pastorate of H. F. Morrison.  E. E. Stringfellow is the present pastor, and the society now numbers one hundred and eight.  Miss Gertie Wilson is the Sunday school superintendent, and the school has an enrollment of seventy.  Mrs. L. A. Stansel is the president of the Ladies Aid Society.  The Young People’s Society of Christian Endeavor is presided over by Miss Gertie Wilson, and the junior society is superintended by Miss Linnie Moore.  This church pays $300 annually for pastoral support, Sunday school expenses $30, benevolences $50, incidental expenses $25.

New Virginia – German Baptist Church - first building erected in 1891
The German Baptist Dunkard Brethren was organized in 1870 with the following members: Joseph Schutt, Sallie Black, John Field and wife, T. J. Thomas and wife, Eliza Keffer and William Goosbeck.  For fifteen years the society held its services in the schoolhouses.  In 1891 the present church building was erected at a cost of $1,000.  The present pastor is Sadie Gibbons.  The present membership twenty-eight.  Isaac Thomas, a local minister of New Virginia, is the leading member of this church especially in financial support.

New Virginia – Methodist Church - first building erected in 1875
In June 1855, Jesse Sherwood, a pioneer Methodist preacher, held a service under a tree in the door yard of John Felton, at the close of which he organized a society consisting of John Felton and wife, William Reed and wife, Absalom Sayres and wife, Julia Knotts, Matilda Strock and Nancy Felton.  After this there were regular preaching services in the neighborhood.  The first M. E. church building was erected in New Virginia during the pastorate of Rev. Joseph Knotts in 1863, at a cost of $2500.  The first parsonage was erected in 1875, during the pastorate of George Clammer.  In 1903, during the pastorate of J. L. Boyd, a new brick church was erected at a cost of $8,000, and dedicated by L. B. Wickersham.  In 1906, during the pastorate of L. B. Carpenter, a new parsonage was erected costing $2200.  A plat of two acres of land is owned by the society and occupied by the church and parsonage.  The present membership of the church is two hundred and twenty.  A. J. Irwin is Sunday school superintendent.  The school has an enrollment of one hundred and fifty.  Fred Foreman is president of the Epworth League.  Mrs. W. G. Frazier is president of the Ladies Aid Society.  This church pays annually $700 for pastoral support; $240 for benevolences; $50 for Sunday school expenses; and $200 for incidental expenses.  The following pastors have served this charge: A. Lawback, J. R. Cary, Samuel Jones, Joseph Knotts, John Hestwood, John Daley, M. Sheets, A. J. Smith, George Clammer, A. Murphy, M. R. Harned, W. C. Smith, H. C. Preston, Elliot Voorhees, M. S. Stryker, B. A. Fassett, A. E. Slothowers, J. D. DeTarr, J. I. Farley, J. C. Hall, C. H. Fisher, J. L. Boyd, A. E. Foutch, and L. B. Carpenter.

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP CHURCHES

Indianola – Baptist Church - first building erected in 1866
The following is the first record now on file among the early papers of the First Baptist church of Indianola, Iowa: "At a meeting of the Baptist friends of Indianola and vicinity, held on the 29th of April, 1865, it was resolved to invite a council for the purpose of organizing a regular Baptist church, and at a meeting held in the old courthouse April 16, 1866, a resolution was adopted in favor of proceeding at once to erect a house of worship, to be a frame building. A building committee was appointed consisting of the following: J. A. Pool, William Long, E. W. Hartman and E. W. Perry. The first board of Trustees were: John Kinsley, William Long, Charles McKay, J. W. Howard, John Webb. September 2, 1866, the membership was 130. The building was completed and dedicated on the third Sunday in February, 1867. On the 28th of February John A. Pool was called to the Pastorate and served until March 1, 1868. Rev. T. R. Cressey was called June 14, 1868, and served until April, 1870. Rev. D. Ibins served as a supply for a time. Rev. D. N. Mason served from September 25, 1870 until April 28, 1873. Rev. Garton served as a supply for a while. Of Rev. Morris' Pastorate the record is silent. The same is true of Rev. Till's Pastorate, which was probably from 1874 to 1875, one year. Rev. Boyless was a supply during the summer of 1877. Rev. E. D. Buckner was called October 5, 1878, he resigned in 1879. Rev. D. Heagle was called October 1, 1879, resigned January 23, 1881. Rev. W. A. Cain was called April 11, 1881, resigned April 28, 1883. W. A. Welsher was called February 1, 1884, resigned in about one year. Rev. Thomas Bovell was called February 28, 1885 and served until March, 1891. Rev. W. F. Gray was called April 12, 1891 and resigned in April, 1893. Rev. G. C. Peck was called August 20, 1893 and resigned January 29, 1899. Orr Campbell began his Pastorate in September, 1899 and continued to November, 1901. Rev. G. B. Simons was called February 22, 1902, and resigned October 5, 1905. Rev. C. T. Ilsley the present Pastor was called February 1, 1906. The cost of the first church building is not known. The present church edifice situated one block south and one block east of the public square was erected in 1902 during the Pastorate of Rev. G. B. Simons at a cost of $15,000. It was dedicated February the 15th, 1903. The present parsonage is estimated to be worth $3000. Officers of the Church are: Deacons: E. W. Fortney, S. M. Fortney, Wm. Ogg, P. G. Watson, S. W. Angier, E. J. Miller, Alvin Bitting. Trustees: J. E. Owen, chairman; C. W. Bitting, Geo. Long, Wm. Hewitt, Harry Watson, Geo. Farley, James A. Clore, secretary; W. M. Ogg, treasurer; Mrs. J. W. Lundy, clerk; Ruth Fortney, organist: Bertha Legge, musical director; W. M. Ogg, Wm. Gillis, Geo. Farley, Jesse Marshall, Harold Fisher, and Murry Bitting, ushers. Sunday School: Lieutenant E. S. West, Superintendent; S. W. Angier, Assistant Superintendent; Mrs. Anna Lundy, secretary; J. W. Lundy, treasurer; Cora McKay, librarian; Orma Owen, organist. Ladies Missionary Society: Mrs. J. W. Lundy, president; Mrs. W. M. Ogg, vice president; Cora McKay, secretary and treasurer. Ladies Aid Society: Mrs. Emma McKee, president; Mrs. Wm. Pope, vice president; Mrs. Maxwell, secretary; Cora McKay, treasurer. B. Y. P. U.: Jesse Marshall, president; Sallie Hiatt, vice president; Orma Owen, secretary; Harold Fisher, treasurer; Mary Bitting, corresponding secretary; Mrs. C. T. Ilsley, Junior leader.

Indianola – Christian Church
On the 20th of August, 1869, the Church of Christ of Indianola, was organized in Indianola, Iowa. The first board of trustees consisted of A. C. Cole. J. H. Thatcher, and J. P. Rader. The organization was the result of a series of services conducted by an Evangelist named A. J. Hobbs, in January, 1869. The following were the constituent members: J. P. Rader, Mary Z. Rader, Theodore B. Rader, Madison H. Rader, Gilbert H. Stover, Mary A. Stover, Mary Hipes, Henry Hipes, Sarah Hipes, C. K. Bidlake, Elvina Bidlake, J. H. Thatcher, Joseph Tharpe, Eliza J. Tharpe, Nelson N. Hall, Isabelle D. Hall, J. W. Hall. Rosa S. Hall, A. J. Easter, Sarah Easter, Elijah Armstrong and Catharine Armstrong. For several years this was a very prosperous church and a valuable adjunct to the city, but death and removals made inroads upon the membership until the congregation felt unable to employ a regular Pastor. Services were held at irregular intervals for several years. In the meantime the congregation endeavored to maintain social services and a Sunday school, but the membership continued to decrease until the congregation became discouraged, and some of the remaining members began casting in their lot with other denominations, and finally services were entirely abandoned. There were some financial obligations against the property. After careful deliberations and much hesitancy, the trustees decided to sell the building. This was not until it stood unused for some time. In 1905 it was sold, wrecked and removed. The site was then deeded to the University Place Church of Des Moines, upon the following conditions: The interest to be used in aiding the Iowa Missions of the Christian church; and the principal to be kept in trust for the Christian Church at Indianola, Iowa. The Christian Church, or Disciples of Christ as they are sometimes called, is one of the most prosperous Christian bodies in the United States. Every careful student of history, who rejoices in the uplifting of humanity, must feel a tinge of sadness when a church organization goes down, and its property converted to other uses. All who are interested in religious prosperity and the upbuilding of Indianola will rejoice when the Christian church is reorganized in the city and enabled to again join in the work of elevating humanity. The history of the Christian church throughout the country shows that she has a place in our civilization that no other denomination can adequately fill. The trustees acted wisely in retaining the lot, or the proceeds of it, for future use in Indianola.

Indianola – Friends Church - first church purchased in 1893
The Indianola Friends Church is an offshoot of the old Mother Church at Ackworth. Several years ago a number of Friends settled in Indianola and Soon thereafter began holding prayer meetings in their homes. A Quaker Evangelist came to the city, and held a very successful series of meetings in the Christian church. The Friends continued to hold services in the Christian church and later in the courthouse. They purchased the old United Presbyterian church at that time owned and occupied by a military company. They repaired it at a cost of $114 and dedicated it to the service of God, had one hundred members, and organized what they called a monthly meeting. They then for the transaction of the business of the church. The first monthly meeting was held on the 19th of January, 1893. A committee for permanent organization was appointed. Isiah Frazier and Catherine Smith were appointed to take charge of the devotional exercises of the church. On the 16th of February, 1893, the committee offered the following names for the permanent organization: for clerks, W. E. White and Malinda Starbuck; for trustees, John F. Hadley, L. L. McQuaid and W. G. Stanley; for overseers, Fred Smith, Stephen Mosher, Lecelta White, and Loretta Morris; for recorder, Stephen Mosher; for treasurer, L. L. McQuaid; for finance committee, Fred Smith, L. L. McQuaid, and John F. Hadley; for elders, John F. Hadley, Sarah M. Hadley, Isaiah Frazier, Cyntha Starbuck, L. L. McQuaid, and Martha McQuaid. At the monthly meeting on March 15, 1893, the following names were presented for membership: Malon Pickering, Indian Stierwalt, Emma Young, Lilly DeBusk, Maggie Randolph, Carrie Hohl, Ada Cole, John Tilley, Callie Dillon, Elizabeth Perry, Joseph T. Young, Nannie Tilley and Viva Dillon. The old church was disposed of and removed in 1904, and the present building erected at a cost of $8,200, and dedicated January 15, 1905. The following Pastors have served this church: Isiah Frazier and Catherine Smith from January 1893 to January 1894, Enoch Pritchard from January, 1894 to August, 1894, Fred Ryan from November, 1894 to June, 1896, Samuel L. Haworth from September, 1896 to March 1898, Joseph Sopher from September, 1898 to September, 1902, Mrs. Laura Townsend from 1902 to 1906, T. C. Kennedy from September, 1906 to September, 1907, when the present pastor, C. N. Jones, took charge of the church. The current expenses for last year were $800; paid on debt $700; benevolences $175. The officers of the church are as follows: Ed Berry, clerk; Elders and Overseers, Mrs. Lydia Newlin, Mrs. Laura Cottingham, J. White, Henry Trimble, Mrs. J. White, Mrs. Carrie Hadley, and Fred Smith. Board of Trustees, A. Cottingham, chairman, W. G. Stanley, Fred Smith, and Thomas Frazier. Mrs. Sadie McGee, recorder; Forrester Stanley, Sunday School Superintendent; Miss Sutton, secretary; Burt Stanley, president of Christian Endeavor; Ed Berry, vice president; Agnes Howlette, secretary; Robert Epperly, treasurer. W. F. M. S.: President, Mrs. Ed. White; secretary. Ruth Allen; treasurer, C. Clarke. The present membership of the church is two hundred and eleven.

Indianola – Presbyterian Church - first building erected in 1870
On the 5th of November, 1853, a committee was appointed to organize a Presbyterian church in Indianola, Iowa, consisting of the Rev. G. M. Swan and David Willis, an Elder. On the day appointed for the organization the following record was made: "After a sermon by J. M. Lippincott, according to previous notice, all those who wished to consult in regard to the propriety of organizing a Presbyterian church were requested to remain. After prayer by the Rev. G. M. Swan, Moderator, the following persons presented their letters: Nathaniel McClure, Louise McClure, Mrs. Luthenia McClure Stark, David Demory, Mrs. James Nichols, Jacob Wiseheart, Mrs. Margaret Thompson." From its organization to 1867, the church was served by stated supplies as follows: Rev. J. M. Lippincott, 1853-4; Hiram F. Taylor S. S. from 1854-5; W. T. Lyons S. S. 1858-60; D. L. Hughes, S. S. 1864-5; William McCandlish, S. S. 1865-7. On May 1, 1867, the Rev. Silas Johnson was called and on October 23, 1868, was installed as the first Pastor. For eleven years he did most faithful and painstaking service, was much beloved by the church and highly esteemed by the community. He left the church with a membership of two hundred. The following were each installed and served the time indicated: T. M. Finley from June 22, 1880, to June 8, 1883. A. J. Berger from August 14. 1883 to October 1, 1893. Clarence G. Miller from December 9, 1893 to May, 1898. J. T. Hopkins from December 1898 to April, 1904. R. K. Porter from August 1, 1904 to June 1, 1908. OFFICERS: Elders, J. H. Hughes, W. P. Harbison, J. N. Perry, G. N. Beymer, J. H. Shultz, A. P. Ross, William Yoder. Deacons: J. H. McGranahan, John McElroy, John Cochrane, O. K. Butler, S. H. Tidball. Trustees: G. E. Johnson, C. C. Reynolds, Ross Noble, John A. Story, Adam Schimilfenig, Walter Peck. Missionary Society: Mrs. J. H. McGranahan, president; Mrs. Wm. Yoder, treasurer. Aid Society: Mrs. Hoyt Taylor, president; Mrs. Walter Peck, secretary; Mrs. Bert Davis, treasurer. Christian Endeavor: Miss Myrtle Schimilfenig, president; Miss Ethel McGranahan, vice president; Miss Edith Gilliland, secretary; Charlie Murdock, treasurer. Sunday School: W. P. Harbison, superintendent; J. H. McGranahan, assistant; Ina Smith, secretary and treasurer; Bess Talbott, organist. The first church building erected by this society was a frame and cost $8,000. It was dedicated September 11, 1870. At the time it was the best church edifice in the town. The present building was dedicated December 18, 1900 and cost $15,000. The present membership is three hundred and seventy-five.

Indianola – United Presbyterian Church - first building erected in 1868
The United Presbyterian Church of Indianola, was organized sometime in the autumn of 1864, by the Rev. T. P. Dysart, who had been supplying for a year one-fourth of the time. The constituent members were as follows: Robert Graham, L. A. Graham, J. H. Millen, Lina Millen, David Miller, Lucinda Miller, Margaret A. Harbison, R. T. Harbison, Esther Harbison, W. J. Clarke, Susan Clarke, S. F. Palmer, Melvina Lyons and Margaret Alexander. Robert Graham was elected and ordained an Elder over the congregation, J. H. Millen had been an Elder in a former organization, so was continued. The General Assembly appointed Rev. Andrew McCartney to preach one-half of the time in Indianola and the other half at Lacona. He began his work on the first Sabbath in August. 1866, in the old Seminary building on East Main street. He was formally called to take the two churches. Indianola and Lacona in January 1867, and installed the following March. At that time there were about twelve members. The Rev. Joseph Calhoun was called to Indianola, August 27, 1873, and continued in this Pastorate until December 31, 1896. This was a remarkable Pastorate not only for its length, but for its efficiency. W. P. White was called in the spring of 1897 and served until December, 1901. The next Pastor was D. Everett Smith, who was called in September, 1902 and served until January, 1907. The present Pastor E. E. Douglass was called in October, 1907. The first house of worship erected by this society was on the site of the present Friends church. The minutes show that it was completed and services were being held in it February 15, 1868, but do not show what it cost. For twenty years it answered a good purpose. The present church building on east Salem avenue one block from the square was erected in 1889 at a cost of $15,000. The present membership is two hundred.
The following are the officers: Congregation: E. P. Wright, chairman; Clarence Schrier, clerk; Harry McCoy, congregation treasurer; Mrs. G. W. Speer, mission treasurer. Session-Rev. E. E. Douglass, moderator; Samuel Martin, clerk; R. C. Parr, C. M. McCoy, J. L. Brown, A. S. Dyer, J. A. Henry. Trustees: Geo. Piffer, chairman; W A. Dietrich, secretary; Fred Henry, John Moore, S. P. Speer, W. H. Bracken. Sabbath School: J. L. Brown, superintendent; Emma Schooley, assistant superintendent; Stella Freeman, secretary and treasurer. W. M. S.: Mrs. H. E. Douglass, president; Mrs. Ed. Wright, Mrs. Geo. Speer, vice presidents; Mrs. J. F. Henry, secretary and treasurer. Y. P. C. U.: Edith Calhoun, president; Edith Hickman, vice president: Ida Schrieber, secretary; Homer Millen, treasurer; Alta Ross, corresponding secretary. Junior: Nellie McCoy, leader; Ollie Litzenberg, Ed Wright, assistants.

WHITE BREAST TOWNSHIP CHURCHES

Lacona – Christian Church - first building erected in 1888
Was organized May 6, 1888, and their building dedicated December 16, 1888, M. L. Rose, pastor. C. H. Angle and wife, Dr. J. S. Starr, George Hayes and wife, James Lyons and wife and Evaline Starr were among those who organized this church. The parsonage was erected in 1904, at a cost of $850.00. This church has in active operation a Christian Endeavor Society and a Junior Endeavor Society, and a Ladies' Aid Society. The Bible School is in a prosperous condition, and has a membership of one hundred and thirty.

Lacona – Methodist Episcopal Church - first building erected in 1889
The Lacona M. E. church was organized April 13, 1884, by M. A. Castle, an evangelist, with the following members: Robert B. Burnett, class leader; Levi Fisher, steward; Mary Fisher, Ed. Baldwin, Elizabeth Baldwin, S. D. Kirkhart, Amanda Kirkhart, P. P. Steaman, Hattie Steaman, Mary E. Williams, Joseph Purcell, Emily Hayes, Cora Gibbons, Mary Purcell and Phoy Bartman. The present church building was erected in 1889, and dedicated May 25, 1890; probable cost, $4,000. Present membership, one hundred and seventy-seven. The following pastors have served this church: S. N. Matheny, 1884; Daniel Lamont and Elmer E. Willey, 1885; Jesse P. Evans and Ed. W. Bartholomew, 1886; Alfred Knoll, 1887; W. B. Cox and Alfred L. Bates, 1888; A. E. Slothower, 1889; Carl Brown, 1890; George H. Bennett, 1891 and 1892; Theo. P. Newland, 1893 and 1894; G. W. McCracken, 1895 and 1896; C. Alfred Carlson, 1897; Roscoe B. Hughes, 1898; Thomas G. Aten, 1899; Samuel Krell, 1900 and 1901; Jas. F. Bingaman, 1902; Frank B. Dunn, 1903; C. C. Wilkins, 1904; A. D. Davis, 1905 and 1906;. Louis Smith, 1907. The Sunday school is in excellent condition, and has an enrollment of one hundred and fifty; W. H. Funk, superintendent. The Epworth League has a membership of thirty; Verna Shupe, president. The Junior League has a membership of twenty; Alice Landis, superintendent. The Ladies' Aid Society has a membership of fifteen; Mrs. J. W. Shupe, president. The current expenses of this church last year were $800, and $100 contributed to benevolences.

Lacona – United Presbyterian Church
Under the ministry of Rev. A. McCartney, a United Presbyterian church was organized in Lacona in 1867.  This society prospered until it had fifty-one members – erected a neat frame church building, and purchased ten acres of ground for a parsonage, all of which was paid for.  Subsequently, because of deaths and removals, the society was so weakened that the members remaining decided to abandon further services, and sold their property.

WHITE OAK TOWNSHIP CHURCHES

Pleasant Hill – Methodist Episcopal Church - first building erected in 1871
This church was organized in 1852. The Randolphs, the McClures and the Bilbos and others took part in the organization.  At first they worshiped in private houses, and later in a schoolhouse.  The first pastor was E. L. Briggs, who made his headquarters at Indianola.  At an early date this became a very prosperous and interesting society.  The society continued to worship in the schoolhouse until 1871, when a church building was erected at a cost of $2,000 during the pastorate of Michael Sheets.  The appointment was sometimes in one circuit and sometimes in another.  For the last fifteen years it has been in Spring Hill circuit. In 1901 the church was rebuilt at a cost of $2,000.  It is a very neat and comfortable building, and answers the purposes for which it was erected.  W. O. Friar is the Sunday school superintendent.  The Sunday school enrollment is seventy.  The current expenses of the Sunday school, $30.  The Epworth League has an enrollment of twenty-three, with Miss Nellie Sayre, president.  Mrs. Emma Hutt is president of the Ladies’ Aid Society.  During the year past this society has raised over $150.  The present membership of the church is ninety-five.  The incidental expenses of this church for the last year were $127.  The benevolent collections amounted to $150.  Paid on pastor’s salary last year, $195.  The present pastor is Benjamin R. VanDyke.

Churches Arranged by Town - in 1910

Source: "Warren County Boasts of the Number of Her Churches" Indianola Herald, Indianola, Iowa, Thursday, Sep. 1, 1910, p.6

Warren County is essentially a Christian Community. Threaded in with all the other activities of the strenuous life, is the religious stripe. This is evidenced by the presence of churches in all parts of the county.

Ackworth (Washington Twp.) – Free Methodist Church, Friend’s Church
Belmont Township – Friends Church at Motor, Plainville Christian Union Church, Belmont Zion Church, Belmont Catholic Church
Carlisle (Allen Twp) – Methodist Church, Baptist Church, Christian Church, United Brethren Church
Churchville (Jefferson Twp.) – Catholic Church, German Lutheran Church
Cumming (Linn Twp.) – Catholic Church, Friends’ Church, Methodist Church
Hartford (Richland Twp.) – Christian Church, Presbyterian Church, Methodist Church
Indianola (Washington Twp.) – Methodist Church, Presbyterian Church, Baptist Church, Friends Church, United Presbyterian Church
Lacona (White Breast Twp.) – Christian Church, United Presbyterian Church, Methodist Church
Liberty Center (Liberty Twp.) – Friends Church, Methodist Church
Lincoln Township (country churches) – Farmer’s Church, Center Chapel
Milo (Otter Twp.) – Presbyterian Church, Methodist Church
New Virginia (Virginia Twp.) – Christian Church, Methodist Church
Norwalk (Linn Twp.) – Christian Church, Methodist Church
Palmyra (Palmyra Twp.) – Methodist Church, Friends Church
Prole (Jefferson Twp.) – Christian and Methodist
Saint Marys (Jackson Twp.) – Catholic Church & a parochial school
Sandyville (Union Twp.) – Christian, Methodist, United Brethren Church, Seventh Day Adventists Church
Scotch Ridge (Allen Twp.) – Scotch Ridge United Presbyterian Church
Spring Hill (Greenfield Twp.) – Christian Church, Baptist Church, Methodist Church
Summerset (Lincoln Twp.) – Baptist Church, Methodist Church