Pilot Mound Methodist Church

Methodism came to Pilot Mound in the late 1800’s. A church was organized in 1871 and the congregation met in a building northeast of town on I Ave. This building was sold and a new church was built at 111 Durrell St. at the cost of $4,000.00 in 1915.
Between 1871 and 1915, 160 members were received into the church and were served by a circuit rider. When the congregation moved to the new building, there were 50 members.  A parsonage was built in the early 1900’s on 2nd St., 2 blocks east of the church. During the years of 1915-1940, 17 Pastors had served this charge and resided in this parsonage. Eleven of these pastors served just one year, the others served for a longer period of time.
Over the years many improvements were made. In 1921 the church was raised and a basement was built under it. This provided Sunday School rooms, social hall and a kitchen.  In 1928 the Carson Fund was established by a Mrs. Anna Carson with the interest to be used for improvements. These proceeds were used wisely. Along with memorials and donations, some of the improvements were: In 1950 the electric organ and chimes were purchased. The choir loft was extended and carpeted. In 1952 Roy Crouch was commissioned to build an altar. This resulted in the establishment of his new business here in Pilot Mound. In 1955 the sanctuary was redecorated with new ceiling and walls. A Memorial Committee was formed to purchase candle stick holders and cross, pulpit, and baptismal font. Sound equipment, velvet dossal hanging, flowers stands, choir chairs, altar rail, and many other smaller items. 

In 1959 new front doors were installed and an additional stairway to the basement was built. In 1961 the church was connected to the new city water system, more cupboards were built in the kitchen and bathrooms were installed. Carpet was installed in the sanctuary, the basement walls were lined with paneling. Choir robes were purchased, a new piano was given as a memorial. The choir remained strong over the years under the direction of Mildred Thorngren. There were some young girls that were involved with the music department. Virginia Forney, Janet Zunkel and Cheryl Long were encouraged to participate by playing the piano and organ, along with the help of Thelma Johnson.

The membership continued to stand between 50-75 and the church continues to play an important part in the lives of this community. In 1993 another trust fund was established from the estate of Roy T Campbell. The interest from that trust is to be used for improvements and repairs to the church.   

On the morning of August 5, 1998 the church that stood on the corner at 111 Durrell St. was destroyed by fire. A short in the wiring of the lighted cross on the north side of the church caused the fire. With the help of neighboring fire departments the fire was battled for several hours, but the building was a total loss. The loss was felt by everyone in the community, but plans began immediately to rebuild. The loss was partially covered by insurance. With the leadership of our pastor, Rev Terri Elder, we began forming committees to move forward. Church services were held at the Community Building during the next 14 months. It was decided that we would like to have more ground for our new church home. The May Company of Audubon was the contractor for the building. Ground breaking ceremonies were held at 210 3rd St. on March 14, 1999. Our church was the recipient of the United Methodist Builders Call, donations from churches in the Iowa United Methodist Conference, donations from Sunday School groups, as well as donations from friends all over the United States. Many fund raisers were held. Jane Thorngren, world renowned Opra singer who grew up in this church, gave a concert at the Collegiate United Methodist Church in Ames with the proceeds going to the building fund.          
The first service was held on Sunday October 30, 1999. After some final touches were made an Open House was held on June 11, 2000. The beautiful new brick building is fully handicap accessible, with seating for 100, large kitchen, fellowship room, and class rooms.
    
  At this time Rev Dennis Shepherd is our Pastor. We have a Choir, Sunday School for ages 3-HS, Women’s Society,host an AA group, and other activities for the Spiritual life in our Community.
    
  We are happy to report that the final payment on the mortgage was made in June 2007 and a dedication service was held September 21, 2008.
    
  The church was organized as the Pilot Mound Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1971 the United Brethren and Methodist Churches were joined to form the United Methodist Church.
    
     Worship service at 8:30 AM ----- Sunday School at 9:30AM Click here to return to the Church page.