Methodism in Miller County, Missouri began with the Smyrna church, a log building in the big Richwoods area near the Henderson settlement It was erected in 1834. This building was used by Baptists and Methodists until the 1950's, when ill feelings arose between them. The Baptist built their own church where the Iberia Cemetery is now located.

In 1867, Methodists of Iberia bought a site from James C. Darmson for $1000 located where the Nazarene church now stands. This was used for 33 years. The church was called "The People's church". In 1903, the building was sold to George W. Mace, who used the building as a physician's office. It was finally sold to the Nazarenes on March 10, 1926.

The first pastors during those 33 years were:

Reverends R. R. Whiten, Thuelfall, Dadd, Cowen, Darley, Henson, Clark, Boyce, Graves, Ramsey, and Stickney.

A new location was obtained by the Methodist folks. A new brick building was erected in 1904. This building was erected by J. C. Tharpson, J. Ferguson, J. W. Whelen, and J. L. Hopkins. The bricks were made in the Iberia area, probably on Highway 42, West of town, near the property of Spurgeon Atweli or the Audrey Ferguson place. The bricks were hauled from this location to the church area by members of the church. It is thought that the site was donated by John Ferguson. This one room church house was used for many years with its wood stove and a long pipe leading to the wall on the pulpit and to the outside. The seats in the room were loose and could be moved around for quilting and special occasions.

The church was quite active during the years the Academy days here in Iberia. There have been Arbor meetings with shouting and singing songs of showing their true feelings of God' s presence and converts at these meetings of Brush praises, many and the and the concord church joined the Iberia Circuit in 1939 after the churches of the North and South were united and was called the Methodist Church. Curry Church was very active until the Methodist folks moved away and the church was only open for funerals and family gatherings and for services and Sunday School, if any one wanted it for these purposes. The church was redecorated and was used for services by different denominations for a while. The Ulman Church was abandoned in 1913. The Fred Keyes family was very active in the Ulman Church and the church served the people well. It was reported that the money from the sale of the church helped to purchase a parsonage for Iberia.

The Madden Church was going strong in 1890, but finally from lack of interest and folks moving away, the church house, after many years of standing, but no services, was sold to the Malmbergs and the money given to the Madden Cemetery.

The Hawkeye church was built about 1910 or 1911 and was disbanded about 1924, by several families moving away and not enough left to carry on. The Fred Ferguson family was quite faithful and active in the Hawkeye church. Effie and Fred came from the Madden church. They were married by a Methodist Minister in 1895. In 1901 they moved to Hawkeye. They had the Country Store, Post Office and Mill for grinding the farmer's corn and wheat. The Hay's, the two families of Russells' and the Miles' families were farmers of our community, and along with others made the Hawkeye church very much alive and active in the neighborhood. It was finally closed due to folks moving away and not enough to carry on. After the Hawkeye church was discontinued, the folks that were left moved their membership to Concord and were active there. The church, after many years was closed due to folks moving away. The church was later sold to the Christian folks. The old church house was torn down and a new church built on the same site in 1903-04, by the Christian folks.

The Pastors from Iberia served at Iberia the fourth Sunday, at Ulman the second Sunday, Madden the third Sunday, and the first Sunday at Concord at 11:00 AM and at Hawkeye church, at 3:00 PM.

The first record we have of the Ladies Aid Society, as it was called when organized, was in 1937. Mrs. Ed Barnett was President and Mrs. C.O. Shore, Secretary-Treasurer. In 1940, Mrs. Harry Ferguson was elected President. In 1941-42, Mrs. Charles Brison was elected Secretary-Treasurer; followed by Mrs. Sadie Condra, President; and Dordthy Hous followed as Secretary-Treasurer.

The WSCS (Women's Society of Christian Service) of the Iberia Methodist Church was organized in 1948 with 29 members Della Marns, Irene Adams, Eva Agee, Mae Allee, Dora Aleaandra, Lucy Atwell, Belle Arnold, Nettie Barnett, Jean Bays, Sadie Condra, Eff ie Ferguson, Ima Calden, Maude Hammack, Dorothy Haus, Lena Heltzell, Stella Keyes, Marguerite Humphrey, Laura Martin, Laura Pemberton, Lucy Shakleford, Oga Sipe, Clara Slawson, Virgie Ulman, Mataldia Woff, Stell Wall, Ellen Haus, Clyta Haus, Mrs. Pope, Dorothy Skaggs and Betty Williams.

In 1948, quilts were quilted for $1.80 to $5.00 each. $196.00 was raised at one Bazaar. Dinners were served at sales. The money was used to build racks for hymnals, choir chairs, church was papered several times, the belfrey fixed, and children's chairs bought.

In 1958, the WSCS was discontinued. The rug and chancel rail were two final things the WSCS provided.

In 1961, the Adult Class decided to meet and do quilting with Maude Wilson as their Sunday School teacher and leader. The name chosen was 'SILVER CIRCLE' Members of the original class were: Maude Wilson, Laura Martin, Eva Agee, Ellen Haus, Lena Miller, Mr. & Mrs. Harry Ferguson, Mr.& Mrs. Wess Slawson, Mr.& Mrs. Laur, May Allee and Nettie Barnett.

In 1983, Maude had to quit due to illness and Ruth Jones passed away, leaving only Lena Heltzell, Bernice Lefmann Verna Hayes, and Stella Keyes. The prices for quilts then were $25.00 for the first 250 yard spool of thread and .05 a yard after the first spool.

In 1994, the charges are $60 for Regular Size, $70 for Queen Size, and $80 for King Size, plus material. Current members are Bernice Lefmann, Verna Hayes, Kinni Nichols and Eva Jo Grady.

Over 1000 quilts have been quilted during the years. Thousands of dollars have been raised for church projects, families burned out, Festival of Sharing, etc.

Wayne Vaughan is the Lay Leader. His strong and deep faith is an inspiration to all of us.

The Second Wednesday Night of each month at 6:30 is the Fellowship Dinner. You will always find plenty of delicious food and it is enjoyed by all. Everyone is always welcome!

We are very, very proud to be a part of the IBERIA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH. We welcome everyone to come each Sunday and hear the "Word of God" and "Praise Him For All His Blessings".

Back to Home Page

Iberia United Methodist Church Pastors