OUR HISTORY
The Building The Presbyterian church first came to Mt. Pleasant, Iowa back in April 15, 1840, when Reverend Lancelot Bell and a small group of Presbyterians organized what became the First Presbyterian Church. At first, the church met in homes and the Henry County Courthouse in the central square. Membership was small, and the church struggled to exist. In 1848, Rev. Bell returned to Mt. Pleasant and helped the congregation construct their first church building. The wood frame building sat at the corner of Main and Madison streets, now the site of Iowa State University Extension.
As church membership increased, the First Presbyterian Church found need for a larger building to serve as their church. In 1857, the wood frame was replaced by a brick construction that cost $12,000. During the 1880’s, the First Presbyterian Church moved locations again to the East Highland School. However, when a tornado struck the town on June 17, 1882, the church was left with severe damage and eventually deemed unsafe to use. The last service in the old church was held in 1887, and the new church, which was constructed for $15,000 on the same site, was dedicated in 1898. At that time, the German Presbyterian Church located on South Jefferson Street had closed and joined the First Presbyterian Church. |
The new building served the congregation for over 65 years until a fire broke out and severely damaged the structure on December 31, 1965. The First Presbyterian Church then built a new building at 902 South Walnut Street, which was dedicated on February 11, 1968.
In 1990, the church celebrated its 150th anniversary. In 1999, the church began its remodeling project of replacing the tower and the roof as well as repairing the parking lot. In 2015, First Presbyterian celebrated its 175th year, and the next year did a major interior remodel including a gathering space inside the front entryway.
In 1990, the church celebrated its 150th anniversary. In 1999, the church began its remodeling project of replacing the tower and the roof as well as repairing the parking lot. In 2015, First Presbyterian celebrated its 175th year, and the next year did a major interior remodel including a gathering space inside the front entryway.
Our Missions and Outreach
Throughout the years, the First Presbyterian Church has walked through the light of God in supporting international and local mission work. A Woman’s Missionary Society was formed in 1873, followed by the formation of the Woman’s Aid Society in 1874. The First Presbyterian Church has financially supported the resettlement of Tai Dam and Laotian families, as well as sponsored ESL classed in the church’s Fellowship Hall.
In 2015, as a response to the Syrian refugee crisis, IowaWINs (Iowa Welcomes Immigrant Neighbors), was born as a commission of First Presbyterian Church. As a Community Commission, Iowa WINs welcomed any community members interested in the mission regardless of religious affiliation. After finding that the resettlement process had changed and small communities were no longer allowed to sponsor refugees, IowaWINs adapted to goals of educating the public about immigrants and refugees, helping immigrants make the transition, and sharing international potlucks. The overall vision was for our community to be inclusive and hospitable, welcoming people from across the world who chose to live, work, study and seek happiness here. Communications with local immigrant leaders and immigrant support services around the state were established.
In 2015, as a response to the Syrian refugee crisis, IowaWINs (Iowa Welcomes Immigrant Neighbors), was born as a commission of First Presbyterian Church. As a Community Commission, Iowa WINs welcomed any community members interested in the mission regardless of religious affiliation. After finding that the resettlement process had changed and small communities were no longer allowed to sponsor refugees, IowaWINs adapted to goals of educating the public about immigrants and refugees, helping immigrants make the transition, and sharing international potlucks. The overall vision was for our community to be inclusive and hospitable, welcoming people from across the world who chose to live, work, study and seek happiness here. Communications with local immigrant leaders and immigrant support services around the state were established.
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In 2018, the local cement plant experienced an I.C.E. raid which took approximately 40 men to jails across the region. These men were the prime source of income for their families. IowaWINs went into action. The contacts made helped provide immigration attorney access and bail bonds. Mental health counselors volunteered. Organizations such as Presbyterian Disaster Services, Diocese of Davenport, Catholic Charities, LULAC, and Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice helped with funds and process. A food pantry was established at the church for the families affected by the raid. Volunteers helped in the food pantry, driving families to Omaha for immigration proceedings, picking up detainees, and providing support in court hearings. Several individuals became legal guardians for minors. Approximately three men were deported after being detained and having hearings. They had all previously been deported. None of the other men had criminal charges against them.
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In 2019, through a grant from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, Nutrimos was founded as a sustaining ministry of IowaWINs. Nutrimos funds the work of IowaWINs by cooking and selling freezer meals. 90% of the profits support IowaWINs and its continuing mission to support immigrants while 10% goes to the church for its ongoing provision of facilities.
In the fall of 2023 and in 2024, new opportunities to support refugees were undertaken when immigration rules changed and individuals in the church became sponsors for Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war in their country. The Bayev family arrived in October, 2023, and the Zimroz family arrived in February, 2024. Church members enthusiastically helped provide a new home and church family for these families. IowaWINs partnered with these families and their sponsors in Henry County.
The church has also sponsored various missionaries, including Dr. Lyn and Dr. Sharon Fogleman in Kenya; Sharon’s parents, Dick and Marty Goodwin, were active members of the church. Both the church’s youth and several adults in the congregation have walked through the light of God and supported various mission projects and trips. Youth trips included trips to Phoenix/Temple (1970); Chama, New Mexico (1972); Menaul (1986); Project Reach in Des Moines, IA (2003); Hope for the Heartland, Williamsburg, IA (2004); Amen House, St. Louis, MS, 2023. Adults went to Kenya, Africa in 1997 and to the Amen House in St. Louis, Missouri, in 2018. There have been other regional mission trips and Presbytery mission trips in which the church has participated.
In the fall of 2023 and in 2024, new opportunities to support refugees were undertaken when immigration rules changed and individuals in the church became sponsors for Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war in their country. The Bayev family arrived in October, 2023, and the Zimroz family arrived in February, 2024. Church members enthusiastically helped provide a new home and church family for these families. IowaWINs partnered with these families and their sponsors in Henry County.
The church has also sponsored various missionaries, including Dr. Lyn and Dr. Sharon Fogleman in Kenya; Sharon’s parents, Dick and Marty Goodwin, were active members of the church. Both the church’s youth and several adults in the congregation have walked through the light of God and supported various mission projects and trips. Youth trips included trips to Phoenix/Temple (1970); Chama, New Mexico (1972); Menaul (1986); Project Reach in Des Moines, IA (2003); Hope for the Heartland, Williamsburg, IA (2004); Amen House, St. Louis, MS, 2023. Adults went to Kenya, Africa in 1997 and to the Amen House in St. Louis, Missouri, in 2018. There have been other regional mission trips and Presbytery mission trips in which the church has participated.
Our Ministries The First Presbyterian Church continues to walk through the light of God through the following active groups: Elders, Deacons, Westminster Choir, Sound Appeal, Soul Notes, Presbyterian Women, Prayer Chain, Book Group, Bible Study Group, Re-Creation (K-5th Grade), Press On (6th-12th Grade), All God’s Creatures, IowaWINs, and Meals by Nutrimos. The church also provides facilities for Cub Scouts, WIC, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and Scribblers.
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Musicals & Pastoral Leadership
Musicals produced in the light of God over the years included: “Christ in the Concrete City” (1970), “It’s Cool in the Furnace” (1982), Madrigal Dinner (1984), “Moses and the Freedom Fanatics “ (1985), “Joseph & the Technicolor Dreamcoat” (1986) and “Daniel & the Lion’s Den” (1986), and also Westminster Choir musical cantatas and Christmas Church School Programs.
Pastoral leadership includes: Rev. Edward Jeambey (1932-1940), Rev. Owen Wilson (1945-1966),
Rev. Gerald Roseberry (1966-1974), Rev. Ronald McMenamin (1975-1983), Rev. Larry Mitchell (1984-1999), Rev. Dr. Jerry Kelly (2001-2007), Rev. Jesse Perry (2009-10), and Rev. Doug Darnold (2011-2013). The current pastor is Rev. Trey Hegar the Third (2015-).
In 1982, Lorette Ross-Gotta, who grew up in the First Presbyterian congregation, was the first woman ordained as a pastor by the East Iowa Presbytery.
Pastoral leadership includes: Rev. Edward Jeambey (1932-1940), Rev. Owen Wilson (1945-1966),
Rev. Gerald Roseberry (1966-1974), Rev. Ronald McMenamin (1975-1983), Rev. Larry Mitchell (1984-1999), Rev. Dr. Jerry Kelly (2001-2007), Rev. Jesse Perry (2009-10), and Rev. Doug Darnold (2011-2013). The current pastor is Rev. Trey Hegar the Third (2015-).
In 1982, Lorette Ross-Gotta, who grew up in the First Presbyterian congregation, was the first woman ordained as a pastor by the East Iowa Presbytery.
Anti-racism Vision Statement for First Presbyterian Church of Mt Pleasant, Iowa
In 2016, the church adopted the following statement on Anti-Racism: The Bible insistently reveals that God loves diversity and justice. This is seen in the wide variety of creation in which God delights. It is heard in the words of the prophets, who reject oppression and commend justice as true worship. It is embodied in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, who resists the power of empire and values all persons, regardless of status, as children of God. Jesus gathered a community of people around him that crossed over every social and cultural boundary. Those who had been set apart were brought together: poor and rich, male and female, gentile and Jew, centurion and tax collector, Canaanite, Galilean, and Syrophoenician. Jesus called this community together in anticipation of, and participation in, the coming of the new creation.
Racism is the opposite of what God intends for humanity. It is the rejection of the other, which is entirely contrary to the Word of God incarnate in Jesus Christ. It is a form of idolatry that elevates human-made hierarchies of value over divinely-given free grace. Racism is a lie about our fellow human beings, for it says that some are less than others. It is also a lie about God, for it falsely claims that God favors parts of creation over the entirety of creation.
Because of our biblical understanding of who God is and what God intends for humanity, the PC(USA) must stand against, speak against, and work against racism. Antiracist effort is not optional for Christians. It is an essential aspect of Christian discipleship, without which we fail to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ.
While recognizing that racism victimizes many different racial ethnic groups, we acknowledge its unique impact on the African American community. Anti-black racism has been a structural component of the United States from the beginning. The Constitution defined an African American as three-fifths of a person, denying their full humanity. The economic foundations of the United States were built on slave labor. The legal system of the United States has consistently perpetuated the subjugation of African Americans throughout the history of the nation.
Given the particular forms that anti-black racism has taken in the United States of America both historically (including slavery and Jim Crow) and today (including mass incarceration, disproportionate policing, economic inequality, and continuing acts of racially oriented violence and hate), we state clearly: GOD LOVES BLACK and BROWN LIVES who were created equally in the image of God. Too many have denied this basic truth for too long. As followers of Jesus Christ, we must stand against racism in all its forms.
Finally, as Presbyterians we know something about work. While aspects of the Protestant work ethic may be problematic, to the degree that it signifies our determination, persistence, and stubborn strength, we embrace it in this regard: we commit ourselves to DO THE WORK of countering racism in our witness to the Gospel. In our affirmation that God loves difference, we will honor diversity as a good in which God delights. In our conviction that God desires justice, we will learn from others to broaden our understanding of equality. In our humility as sinful people, we will listen openly to diverse voices regarding how racism functions in our society. In our gratitude for God’s grace, we will turn again and again towards the vision of whole community found in the Word of God. In our joyous response to God’s love, we will love one another.
Adapted by the First Presbyterian Church of Mount Pleasant from the PC(USA) Church wide Anti-Racism Policy Vision Statement
Racism is the opposite of what God intends for humanity. It is the rejection of the other, which is entirely contrary to the Word of God incarnate in Jesus Christ. It is a form of idolatry that elevates human-made hierarchies of value over divinely-given free grace. Racism is a lie about our fellow human beings, for it says that some are less than others. It is also a lie about God, for it falsely claims that God favors parts of creation over the entirety of creation.
Because of our biblical understanding of who God is and what God intends for humanity, the PC(USA) must stand against, speak against, and work against racism. Antiracist effort is not optional for Christians. It is an essential aspect of Christian discipleship, without which we fail to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ.
While recognizing that racism victimizes many different racial ethnic groups, we acknowledge its unique impact on the African American community. Anti-black racism has been a structural component of the United States from the beginning. The Constitution defined an African American as three-fifths of a person, denying their full humanity. The economic foundations of the United States were built on slave labor. The legal system of the United States has consistently perpetuated the subjugation of African Americans throughout the history of the nation.
Given the particular forms that anti-black racism has taken in the United States of America both historically (including slavery and Jim Crow) and today (including mass incarceration, disproportionate policing, economic inequality, and continuing acts of racially oriented violence and hate), we state clearly: GOD LOVES BLACK and BROWN LIVES who were created equally in the image of God. Too many have denied this basic truth for too long. As followers of Jesus Christ, we must stand against racism in all its forms.
Finally, as Presbyterians we know something about work. While aspects of the Protestant work ethic may be problematic, to the degree that it signifies our determination, persistence, and stubborn strength, we embrace it in this regard: we commit ourselves to DO THE WORK of countering racism in our witness to the Gospel. In our affirmation that God loves difference, we will honor diversity as a good in which God delights. In our conviction that God desires justice, we will learn from others to broaden our understanding of equality. In our humility as sinful people, we will listen openly to diverse voices regarding how racism functions in our society. In our gratitude for God’s grace, we will turn again and again towards the vision of whole community found in the Word of God. In our joyous response to God’s love, we will love one another.
Adapted by the First Presbyterian Church of Mount Pleasant from the PC(USA) Church wide Anti-Racism Policy Vision Statement