Biggest church in West Chester, Iowa!

Before the town of West Chester came into being, a Methodist Circuit rider visited homes in the area, and preached sermons of salvation. Later on, school houses were used for this also. In 1858 a group organized a Methodist Episcopal church and held their meetings in an old chapel, known as Robert’s Chapel, which stood near the Howard McCall farm. (a small cemetery marks the spot.) Another group held services at Antioch school, near the Joe Bauer farm. Still, a third group organized a Sunday School at the home of a Mr. Crail, which is now the Melvin Booth farm.

The coming of the railroad unified these and brought about the erection of the Methodist Church in West Chester. Dr. Druse, the Rock Island railroad superintendent donated a lot for this, and the church was built in 1874 where our present church still stands, at a cost of $1800. The first minister was Rev. John Elrod, and he was brother- in-law of James Daniels (a charter member.) Other charter members included Mr. Crail and Perry Hopkinson and wife. (Grandparents of Lloyd and Walter Bauer.)

In 1904 the first church building was remodeled, refurnished, and dedicated on February 14. Sunday School and Epworth League rooms were added. This project cost $1,274.56. Rev. W. H. Dillon was pastor at this time.

In 1915 a still larger church was needed. Howard White, a blacksmith, bought the old building for $500, and moved it across the street south (where Everett Coon’s Garage stands.) Mr. White used it as his shop and garage until the structure burned down around 1920.

Rev. F. S. Seeds was serving as pastor when our present church was constructed in 1915, and records tell us that the Ladies Aid gave $1,000 and members pledged $6,200 on the new building. The building committee included: J. C. Bauer, Pres.; I. E. Coffey, Sec.; R. C. Ferguson, Treas.; Ed Duvall; Oscar Laubach; F. H. Ross; and W. S. Boyer.

The men of the congregation brought teams and scoops and dug the basement. Mr. Minick and Sons from Washington were hired to build the foundation, and a Mr. Shrader constructed the building. (He built the U.P. Church in 1912 or 1913.) Gene Smith, an older brother of the late Lewis (Kelly) Smith, did all the mill work. He owned a shop in Winfield. The window frames were sent to Minneapolis, Minn. where the stained glass was put in, then shipped back to West Chester. The seats were ordered from Siedler in Muscatine. A type of gas was used for lights and wood and coal furnaces for heat. The dishes and silverware were given by Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Ferguson, who ran the Kamp Kozy Motel for many years. Prior to that he operated a general store in West Chester. The church was dedicated Oct. 3, 1915 clear of debt.

Our church was incorporated in 1947 with the trustees of the incorporation being: Robert Stephens, Walter Duvall, Harry Kleese, Fred Bauer, Lafe Stout, Sr., Lou Bauer, Arthur Rigenhagen. Notary was R. C. Ferguson. Special events included Homecoming in August 1947, when Rev. Vernon Pike was serving here, and a 50th Anniversary observance in October, 1965 when Rev. Wallace Kinzler was our pastor. (It had been 50 years since our present church was built.) In 1974 we held our Centennial Celebration for the beginning of Methodism in West Chester. Rev. Dave Higdon was minister.

Throughout the years we’ve progressed and accomplished many things. Our small-town church serves the whole community since the closing of the local Baptist and Presbyterian congregations. It truly fills a need, and stands out as a beacon light. Our building is in good repair and up to date in every way.

Rev. Joan Erbe was our pastor from 1982-1993. A woman minister was a new experience for us, and a new experience for her as well! We were her very first pastorate. The Lord is blessed her and the congregation as we worked and shared together. She was a talented person and gifted musically. Among other things she has organized a children’s choir, The Rainbow Singers, and a prayer group.

Our church continues to reach out to the entire West Chester community.  In September our Harvest Blessing service is outdoors following a community wide invitation to all through the monthly community newsletter which was started by Pastor Rick Dunn in 2001.

In 2012 Johnny Schwartz of Wellman attached a much-needed addition to our church building.  He enlarged the vestibule adding a hospitality area, an elevator, two offices, a meeting room, two bathrooms and two entrances.

Early on the church had an organ which was replaced first by two pianos and later in August 2016, by a baby grand piano in memory of Bob and Doris Stout.

Our church designates the last Sunday monthly as “Noisy Sunday” when our youngsters use the tin buckets moving throughout the congregation to collect coins and other donations to support various charitable causes.

Our present pastor, Don Patterson started the Men’s Bible Study during his first year and Anita Miller started the Women’s Bible Study.

Starting in August 2021 we have live church service broadcasts to provide the worship experience for those unable to attend on Sunday Morning.  Thanks to our “Tech Man” Alex Zimmerman, we also have a program called TMAD (Thursday Morning Alex and Don) for those enjoy a high-quality discussion of theological questions and answers.

In January 2023 our church faced a big decision time.  After much thought and consideration, the congregation voted to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church.  Our new name is West Chester Community Church.

Our church is blessed by many long-time members including Larry Cuddeback who was raised in the church from baptism and still faithfully attends as a father and grandfather.