Warren County Iowa Genealogical Society

 

 

  •  


    Martensdale Church of Christ

    Martensdale Church of Christ, 437 Iowa 92, Martensdale, IA. 50160, phone (641) 764-2765

      

    A history of the Martensdale Church of Christ by Arlis BOWN is copied from The History of Warren County, Iowa, compiled by the Warren County Genealogical Society, Curtis Media Corp., Dallas, Texas, 1987

    On November 13, 1947 an advertisement in the Winterset Madisonian newspaper was read by Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd BOWN with the heading of “The Church of Christ.” Having a desire to start a church of Christ congregation in the community, they investigated. They found a small group assembled together in the home of Mr. and Mrs. William BENTLER of Winterset. On the next Lord’s day, more people assembled: Mr. and Mrs. Cleo McGINNIS and family, Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd BOWN and family, and W. J. CAMPBELL. They grew spiritually and were strengthened with the help of Mr. and Mrs. LeRoy MUNGER and family of Des Moines, also Mr. and Mrs. Bert FRITZ of Waukee, all from faithful churches of Christ.

    On Sunday, January 15, 1948 the meeting place was changed to three miles north of Bevington at which time two more took their stand with the Lord, Mr. and Mrs. Loren PROUDFIT of Prole. A few meetings were attended at this location until a school house in Bevington could be purchased in February 1948.

    A tent meeting was held on this Wick picnic grounds east of Martensdale in the fall of 1949 with the assistance of Richard KERR of Bloomington, Indiana as evangelist. The meeting was well attended by people of the community.

    The present location of the congregation, one-quarter of a mile east of Martensdale on Highway 92 was purchased in the year 1949. On December 19, 1950 they met in the new basement. With thankful hearts unto the Lord, a small group carried on the Lord’s work in the community. In the spring of 1953 the building was completed by local carpenters and the help of some of the members. There was much rejoicing in the Lord to have a meeting place of His followers trying to do His will here on earth.

    The congregation meets on the first day of the week for: Lord’s Supper, Acts 20:7; Collection, I Corinthians 16:2; Singing, Ephesians 5:19; Worship, Acts 2:42, Ephesians 5:19. Besides the regular assembly on Sunday mornings, the congregation meets on Sunday and Wednesday evenings.