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

RODMAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

     At the turn of the century, Rodman was a thriving town not much smaller than the surrounding towns. Because of poor roads, farmers patronized the nearest town.
     There was a small Methodist church just east of Turner's Blacksmith Shop. The Presbyterians organized in 1893, electing a session and purchasing a lot where the Presbyterian Church now stands. They had their worship services with the Methodists, usually being served by Presbyterian or Methodist ministers from other towns by having their services in the afternoon.
     In 1918, a group of Presbyterians raised enough money to build the present church complete without debt. They purchased a house for a manse with a small debt which was paid off in a few years. They called Rev. deBest for their first minister.
     About 1927, the bank failed and so many farmers lost their farms, which caused them to move away and, as the roads were improved, the town lost population and business. The church was linked with the West Bend Presbyterian Church, the ministers living at West Bend.
     We have one charter member living, Mrs. John Walker, of Rodman, who is 101 years old. We are proud of our church's history and present small church, but the declining population of the town and farming community is being felt.
     (The above history was submitted by Mrs. Walter McCormick.)