4502 Summer Street - Burlington, IA 52601 - Phone (319) 754-5044 Email us at - info@springgrovechurch.com Spring Grove United Methodist Church History **Note -- The following history was taken from the program for the 125th Anniversary of Spring Grove Church. A more complete history of our church is in the process of being developed. 1868-1869 History of Spring Grove Church Rev. H.W. Thomas in his historical record has written: "The old log schoolhouse below Mr. Chandler's was once a regular appointment on the Augusta Circuit, but it was abandoned about the time of the opening of the Rebellion. After that there were no meetings of any kind in the settlement, and the church organization was given up. There, however, remained three persons; Brother and Sister Anderson and Sister Chandler of the former class. Early in November, 1868, Rev. H. W. Thomas, pastor of the Division Street Methodist Church visited the settlement and held a meeting in the old schoolhouse. Another appointment was made at which the project of building a church was considered. There was a general feeling in favor of a church, but some were opposed to its being in any sense denominational. Out of this grew up the opposition which resulted in the erection of Sandridge Church, some miles below. Mr. John Patterson and Mr. Thomas assisted by Mr. Anderson canvassed the community and a sufficient amount was secured to warrant the undertaking, and at a meeting held at the Stone School House on the 12th of November, it was voted to locate the church where it now stands. Mr. Patterson gave the ground. Mr. Patterson, Mr. Anderson, Mr. Chandler and Mr. Sourwine were chosen as a Building Committee. Mr. Dunham, Architect of Burlington; had furnished drawings of the church which were also adopted. The interest taken in the matter was deep and the very next day a large force was at work excavating for the foundation, others were employed and contracts at once let to Mr. Jay of Burlington for such work as could be done by machinery. Not withstanding much very rough weather, the work was pushed forward with such rapidity that the church was completed and ready for dedication o the 10th of January - only two months from the time the Building Committee was appointed. Every part of the building is of excellent material and the work throughout of the most substantial character. As the work went forward, Mr. Patterson generously advanced the money and paid for the material and settled with the laborers every Saturday night. Before putting in the seats, an Old Settlers Supper was held in the church, for which there was an almost incredible amount of provisions prepared - there being some 120 pounds of chicken, turkey and other meats, and everything else in proportion. The weather was severely cold but a large number attended and the best of feeling prevailed. Mr. Patterson planned and went forward with the Sunday School. Chapel which was completed about the same time. The wisdom of this as a place for Sunday School and social meetings is most apparent. In the entire work the neighbors manifested commendable zeal and liberality, giving time and money as they could. It is but just to make particular mention of Brothers Patterson and Anderson. Mr. Anderson gave to the full extent of his means, besides giving almost his entire time and tears with the work from foundation to steeple. Mr. Patterson from his greater amount of means and the force of men and teams (horses) under his control was enabled to do more than his neighbors, and besides giving his time and wonderful energy to the cause, gave in cash about $4,000 - the entire cost of the whole property being $4,900. The future will bless his name. A meeting was held by the writer for several weeks after the dedication at which about 30 professed religion and joined the church. A Sunday School was organized and a library secured. (Several books from this early library have been preserved by the church). When the next conference convened (1869) the church became a part of the Burlington Circuit under the care of Rev. A. Robinson and Charles Stafford. In closing, this brief history of this work so far it is but just to my feelings to say that I never took part in any church work where everything went forward with such energy and rapidity and so satisfactorily, or where I had so much to please and nothing to annoy as in the little part I was permitted as a side work from my regular charge to share in this. The only event casting any shadow upon my part of the enterprise was the sad accident by which Mr. Close, a stranger and laboring man in the employ of Mr. Patterson and who was gladly giving his time and work in the good cause, was suddenly killed by falling from the building. Let this be his only earthly record". H. W. Thomas Transcribed by Robert Findlay Recording Steward     1893 Ground on which the church was built was deeded to the Methodist Church by Mr. John Patterson. 1934 The Sunday School room, a separate building at the rear of the church, was torn down. The rock from the foundation of this building was used in the new foundation of the church. Kitchen space was provided in that area of the basement below the vestibule. The interior of the church was decorated at a cost of $200.00. The building committee for this project was composed of Frank Bryant (chairman), Henry Gerdner (secretary), Nels Peterson (treasurer), Withrow Roscum and Arthur Meyer. 1938 A new oak floor was laid in the church and the chancel was enlarged. 1958 A Sunday School room was erected at the right of the sanctuary. A basement underneath this room was also included in the new construction. This portion of the basement was set up with a modern kitchen and serving window. Mr. John Rynerd, at that time the oldest living member of Spring Grove Church, broke the ground for a new addition to the church. The Building Committee was composed of Nels Petersen, Chairman; Nellie Jackson, treasurer, and Paul Wolkenhauer. Mr. Petersen, in spite of his poor health, maintained a keen interest in this undertaking and was an inspiring leader. 1960 Connection with Asbury as two point charge. 1961 -New lighting was installed in the Sanctuary and Sunday School Room. -The W.S.C.S. purchased carpeting for the sanctuary. -New altar furniture, kneeling rail, and pews were installed. -New well dug. 1966 -The wainscoting was replaced by mahogany paneling. 1967 -Art glass windows were placed in the Sanctuary and Sunday School Room. -The old organ was replaced with a new Lowry organ. 1986 -Installed air conditioning. 1989 -Revitalization of church school -Purchased new humnals. 1990 -Establishment of a Youth Group -Installation of sound system. -Purchase of a new lawn mower tractor. 1991 -Dedication of new church sign -Installed outside security lights 1992 -Removed dead trees and planted maple, walnut, and flowering crabs and moved in outdoor storage building. 1993 Redecorated the sanctuary. Ladies Organization The ladies of this church have been active since the organization in 1900. Although now not a part of United Methodist Women, they still serve a vital function in the ongoing ministry of Spring Grove Church. Church Membership The present church membership is 46,with an average attendance of 38.