United Methodist Church Moulton, Iowa		Church History Pastor Youth
Worship with us each Sunday: - Sunday School 9:30 -10:30, Church Services 10:30 to 11:30

Contact us- E-mail addresses are: Pastor Schweizer: aaaakids@jetnetinc.net

Carol Howard, Chairman of the Administrative Board: - howiegnc@netins.net

HISTORY

The history of the Moulton United Methodist Church dates from 1869 when T. M. Kirkpatrick was the first circuit preacher. In 1869 the Bloomfield Circuit was divided and the Moulton Circuit was organized with the first Quarterly conference held at Wesley Chapel on Saturday, Nov. 6, 1869. There are no records of the society prior to the Moulton Circuit, other than from local histories that classes met in the log-hewn homes and schoolhouses. At the Quarterly Conference held at Bethel Chapel Jan. 15, 1870, preliminary steps were taken toward building a church in Moulton.

At the July 16, 1870 Quarterly Conference it was reported that two lots had been secured at Moulton to erect a frame church 36 x 50 ft. The sum of $350 was paid for lots 7 and 8 in Block 26 in Moulton "as a place of divine worship". By fall the frame church with steeple and bell was built and a cost of $2400. The pastor's salary was $500. In 1893 a parsonage was built at a cost of $1200.

The 1901 journal records "Moulton is one of the most important points in the district-a growing town and railroad center. The brethren appreciate their opportunity and are building a church with $12,000."

(The stained glass for the windows was imported from Italy)

The old frame church building was sold and moved across the street and one-half block west where it served as a "den for the Moulton Tribune". According to the 1901 Journal, a church of substantial brick was decidated by Dr. Ives of New York. Enough money in good subscriptions was received to meet all remaining indebtedness and to purchase a $1500 pipe organ. Dedication service was held March 16, 1902.

It was said the foundation of the church was not to be excelled in this area. The basement was excavated for a furnace to be installed later and partitions so that rooms could easly be completed. All work was manual. Many brought teams of horses and scoops were used for dirt removal. The women brought baskets of food.

The Barchoff three-manual pipe organ weighing 5000 lbs. was installed the week of June 7, 1902. The organ was hand pumped until electricity was available.

PASTOR

James Schweizer has been with the Moulton United Methodist Church since 1990. Although he does not live in the community, he has become a part of its activities and a guiding force in the affairs of the congregation--youth groups, Bible study classes, administrative board, confirmation classes, and the planning for the future of the church.

His wife, Elaine, and their children Amy, Aaron, Andrew and Alec have become active, working members. Elaine shares her skills in Sunday School, Bible school and church news letter. The children, along with all the children of the Sunday School, are the future of the church.

YOUTH

Kids' Klub Highlights

Leaders Julie Jay and Sharon Lowenberg reported celebrating another successful year in Kids' Klub which averaged 20+ preschool through 6th grade children in attendance weekly. This children's ministry meets on Wednesday evenings from mid-September through March.

The first half found them "in production" for the musical, "The Grumpy Shepherd". This was performed before a full house during the worship servic on a Sunday before Christmas.

The Family Fun Night and Soup Supper in February was a huge success. Families enjoyed trying to guess the "famous couples" clues which were written on hearts and scattered around the room before the meal. The also created "You're Beary Special" teddy bears with heart magnets together.

Kids Klub concluded with a "Final, Fantastic, Froggy Family Night" fearuting a mystery meal of mossy logs (hot dogs with green ketchup and relish), lilly pads (deviled eggs), cattails (baby carrots attached to stalks of celery), wavy waters (wavy chips), pond water (green Kool-aid), with buckets of bait for dessert ("dirt" cups of chocolate pudding, crushed oreos and gummy worms). Our guest was Peggy Egbert, director of MUMMS (Mobile United Methodist Missionaries) and her froggy puppet pal who told the kids the FROG message--Fully Rely On God. Hanging frog notepad holders were made to help remind the families of that message.