Settlers
started coming to the south side of the Raccoon River in 1855. There
was no bridge to cross the river so they began to form religious
classes with their neighbors and started meeting in homes. These
settlers had come from New Rumley, Ohio and were Untied Brethren
members. In early 1873, ground was bought from Simon Shambaugh for a
church and cemetery. The members of the building committee were Rev.
Roberts, Adam Shambaugh and Jacob Gutshall.
In the
spring of 1873 construction began at a cost of $2700. The church was
completed and dedicated on September 10, 1873. There were 34 adults
in the first congregation.
In
1907, the original building was modernized at a cost of $2000. A
furnace was installed, and a stained glass window and belfry were
added. On September 9, 1923, the congregation celebrated its
fiftieth anniversary at a basket dinner attended by 300
persons.
Like
many rural churches, the congregation dwindled and could not sustain
itself. The property was sold in 1953 and eventually became a private
residence.
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