Presbyterian Church, Postville, Iowa c1940

The Community Presbyterian Church of Postville had its inception January 7, 1923, as a result of a union of two congregations, the Congregational and Methodist churches.

The idea of a merger began to germinate in 1917 when some members from each church felt it would be a good plan to unite. When it appeared the majority seemed to favor a union, committees were appointed to make recommendations. Appointed from the Congregational church were G.W. Hunt, Mrs. Irvin Allen, Mrs. Ed Cornell and S.A. Harris. From the Methodist church were J.H. Dannenbrink, Mrs. Flora Franklin, A.L. Meier and F.H. Luhman.

An organizational meeting was held September 20, 1920 and articles of incorporaton were drawn up. It was to be a Federation, called the Postville Community Church and both church facilities were to be used. The Methodist Church was the building now known as the Odd Fellows Hall. The Congregational Church stood on the present site of the Presbyterian Church.

Rev. J.A. Saathoff of Lennox, S. Dak., accepted the first pastorate at a salary of $2,100.

Realizing an independent federation lacked higher authority and counsel, Rev. Saathoff recommended that the church ally itself with a denominaton. At the annual meeting, January 7, 1923, the congregaton voted to become a Presbyterian Church and to turn over all church property to the Presbyterian Board.

The Methodist Church property, however, belonged to the Central Board while the Congregatonal Church owned its own property. Therefore, plans were made to use the Congregational Church for the permanent home.

Extensive remodeling followed. The sanctuary remained the same with the pulpit on the south side but a large addition on the north opened into the sanctuary for extra seating capacity.

Sunday, November 4, 1925, the congregation had just gone home, rejoicing over the announcement in church that the last indebtedness for remodeling had been paid, when the fire siren sounded, the church was ablaze and burned out of control.

Immediately a financial drive was started and 18 days after the fire, $12,365 had been pledged for a new building.

It took a little over a year to complete the new building, the pulpit was changed from the south to the west side of the sanctuary and other facilities were added. The first service in the new building was December 27, 1926 and the dedication was held February 20, 1927. The total indebtedness of $37,566 was paid in full November 8, 1937.

Under its several ministries, the church continued to grow and new programs were initiated. Women were elected elders; a vacation Bible school was started; a Family Church Night was inaugurated; the church nursery was started; a new manse was built; chancel, youth and carol choirs were formed and the diamond Dinner became an annual event. An active Mariners Club contributed much to the church and manse and the Presbyterian Men were organized.

In November, 1950, the church purchased from the Board of Foreign Missions, the other half of a farm left the church by H.E. Roberts. In 1952, a pipe organ was purchased for $7,235.

With a Sunday School enrollment of 236 in 1956, a need devoloped for more room and an expansion program was discussed. October 5, 1957 the property west of the church was purchased for $12,000 and $30,000 was borrowed for an educational unit which was built and dedicated May 24, 1959.

One of the good deeds performed by the men was the installation of a new ceiling in the basement last year. The women's organization has consistently increased its field of action, combining the original Ladies Aid and the Missionary Society into a Women's Association.

The ladies served countless dinners to raise $4,500 towards a new floor for the basement with H.E. Roberts fulfilling his pledge to match the funds raised.

An active social service program holds rummage sales each year and the funds are used for needy individuals in the community.

It is impossible to measure the contributions in time and labor individual men and women have given throughout the years, that "something more" that is not done for reward but for love of doing.

Memorials and personal gifts have resulted in continuous improvements in the church and te service it renders. With the current program of remodeling the entrances to the church, the church looks back with pride on its past 50 years and to the future with optimism.

Ministers serving 1921-1966

-source: 50th Anniversary program, Sunday, January 7, 1973; Community Presbyterian Church, Postville, Iowa
-submitted by Sharyl Ferrall

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