Arthur Methodist holds last service

Courtesy of the 6-17-15 and 6-24-15 editions of Ida County Courier (www.idacountrycourier.com)

Arthur Methodist to hold last service on Sunday

The Arthur United Methodist Church will hold its last service Sunday, June 28, at 11 a. m., with Pastor Chad Lierman of Ida Grove preaching.

Declining enrollment led to the decision to close the doors. “We have 10 to 12 active members who attend services every Sunday, with a total roll of 34 members,” said Pastor Lierman.

Loyal church members include Russell and Glenda Paulson, Tagg Kitterman, Gordon and Jeanette Haefner and Bill and Donna Carlson. According to Lierman, Gordon has been attending the Arthur Methodist Church since he was three years old and Donna serves as the church organist.

“Glenda has been lining up the sale of items out of the building. The pews and other interior items have been locally purchased. Next month, we will figure out what to do with the rest of the stuff.”

Paulson reported items remaining for sale include: the organ, chimes, pulpit, lectern, altar, two crosses (one walnut and one brass), seven large tables, kitchen items and Sunday School area items.

Lierman said the local church board gives its recommendation on the fate of the building to the Methodist Church Conference who makes the final disposition.

The first religious services for early Arthur settlers were held at the Mitts Schoolhouse near Odebolt. Later, services were held in schoolhouses in Hayes and Blaine Townships. According to the history of the Arthur Methodist Church, the church proper was organized in 1886 and, through the efforts of Mr. and Mrs. Enoch Churchill, a church building fund was started.

In March 1888, the first two cars of stone for the foundation were received. The main part of the building was dedicated in May 1888, and the church was remodeled in 1914. The congregation celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2013.