Arthur UMC celebrates 125 yeras

Courtesy of the 8/21/13 on-line edition of the Ida County Courier.

Arthur UMC celebrates quasquicentennial

Arthur United Methodist Church celebrated its 125th anniversary, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2013 with a special 11 a. m. service led by Rev. Chad Lierman, who shares Arthur with his Ida Grove charge, and lay speakers Patty Nelson and Sharon Spotts.

Rev. Lierman showed a video of pictures from the past, and Jeanette Haefner read a history report, starting from the 1888 days—reminding everyone what the church used to be involved in.

Guest Mary Ann Lindgren of Arthur brought pictures of her grandfather, Rev. Bert Greene, who came to Arthur in 1916 and then to Deloit after several years.

Past preachers attending were Rev. Clarence Landis of Griswold and daughter, Laura Amos. He served in Arthur from 1977-82 and is the oldest living past preacher; Rev. Kathy and Gerald Spracklin of Fremont, Neb.; Rev. Russ and Karen Burnett of Ida Grove; and lay speakers Russ and Glenda Paulson of Kiron.

Rev. Russ and Doris Eldridge of Perry; Rev. Sheridan and Rev. Charlotte Mallot of Omaha, Neb.; Rev. Lyle and Paulette Johnston of Prescott, Ariz.; and Rev. Al and Liz Milligan of Des Moines all sent letters. Several former members also sent letters.

Later, all enjoyed a potluck dinner at the church.

Out-of-town guests were Robert and Margaret (Noll) Adams of Omaha, Betty Olson of Fairfax, Va., Kiley Paulsen of Omaha and Randy Spotts of Ida Grove.