CHURCHES OF PALO ALTO COUNTY
From Atlas of Palo Alto County
Compiled 1969 by Title Atlas Company; Minneapolis, Minnesota

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

     Early in 1871, several enthusiastic Congregationalists organized a Sunday School and held church services in the "Old Town" of Emmetsburg, a village on the Des Moines river about 1 -1/2 miles northwest of the present city. On Feb. 12, 1872, at a meeting in the Valley House, Articles of Incorporation were signed by 12 members and trustees were selected. Thus was the organization perfected for the first Protestant Church in Palo Alto county. On Oct. 20, 1872, an Ecclesiastical Council was convened with pastors present from the Congregational Churches at Algona, Humboldt, and Spencer, and the church was duly constructed in an inspiring devotional service.
    In those early days, the church meetings were held in the old schoolhouse near the river, or at the homes of the members. The "Old Town" was moved up to the new site on the hill by the lake in 1874. The first church was built in 1880, a rectangular building 30 by 40 feet with a vestibule and belfry, costing $1500. In 1896, the present brick church building was erected on the same location. It was a time of financial depression, but the devoted members, in their Christian zeal, rose above all obstacles in building a beautiful and commodious structure that has been the church home for all these years.
    The first church parsonage was built in 1884, and the new and larger parsonage on the same site in 1908; and in 1912, the church grounds were enlarged by the purchase of additional lots on the north. In 1950, a remodeling program was undertaken, a large fireside room and kitchen were provided in the basement for social occasions, the Sunday school rooms and the chancel and choir loft of the church remodeled, a pastor's study provided, and the entire church redecorated and improved with modern lighting and other equipment. The church is free from debt.