Greek Orthodox Church of St. George (Des Moines, Iowa) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Greek Orthdodox Church of St. George
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
East facade of the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George in Des Moines, Iowa
Location in Iowa Show map of Iowa Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Location	1110 35th Street Des Moines, Iowa
Built	1906
Architectural style	Classical Revival
MPS	Architectural Legacy of Proudfoot & Bird in Iowa MPS
NRHP reference No.	97000101
Added to NRHP	1997-02-28

The Greek Orthodox Church of St. George is a special church in Des Moines, Iowa. It's part of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. This church is located in the Drake Neighborhood, close to Drake University. The building itself is quite old and important. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 28, 1997. This means it's recognized as a historic building. It's also a great example of the work by architects Proudfoot & Bird.

The Church's Story

Early Days as a Presbyterian Church

The church building was first built in 1906. It was originally called Elmwood United Presbyterian Church. Its design is in a style called Neoclassical. This style uses ideas from ancient Greek and Roman buildings.

A famous family, the Wallaces, belonged to this church. Henry Cantwell Wallace was a newspaper editor. He later became the United States Secretary of Agriculture. This job means he was in charge of farming and food for the country. His son, Henry A. Wallace, also got married here in 1914. Henry A. Wallace later became the Vice-President of the United States.

In 1926, the Elmwood church joined with another Presbyterian church. They sold their building to a Baptist church. However, the Baptists could not get enough people to join. So, in 1930, they gave the building back to the Presbyterian church.

Becoming a Greek Orthodox Church

In 1924, Greek people in Des Moines formed a group. They called it a kinotis, which means a Greek society. In 1928, these immigrants started a Greek Orthodox church. They named it after St. George the Great Martyr. At first, they held services in rented places. Priests would visit them from time to time.

In 1929, the church worked hard to bring a priest from Greece. His name was Father Meletios Kestekides. He became their first regular priest.

In late 1930, the Greek Orthodox church bought the building. It was the former Elmwood United Presbyterian Church. They quickly changed it to fit their needs. They added an iconostasis in front of the altar. An iconostasis is a special screen covered with religious pictures, called icons. It separates the altar area from the rest of the church.

The first service in their new church was on Christmas Day, 1930. Over time, more Orthodox icons were added inside. But the church still has many original parts from its Presbyterian days. For example, the beautiful stained glass windows are still there. These windows even show the names of the people who first donated them.

Recent History and Community Life

In 1981, a new hall was built next to the church. This hall is used for many church activities. On November 4, 1997, a very important leader visited the church. He was Bartholomew I, the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople. He is the spiritual leader of many Orthodox Christians around the world.

In 2005, the church welcomed its first priest born in Iowa. His name is Father Basil Hickman. He is from Mason City, Iowa.

Today, the church has about 190 families. These families come from different backgrounds. Some are from traditional Orthodox families. Others have joined the Orthodox faith more recently.

The church offers many activities for its members and the public. These include:

• Greek School for Children: Where kids learn the Greek language and culture.
• Youth Sunday School: For younger members to learn about their faith.
• Greek Orthodox Youth of America (GOYA) and Junior Orthodox Youth (JOY): Groups for young people.
• Adult Greek School: For adults who want to learn Greek.
• Adult Synaxis: A monthly program for adults to learn more about their faith.
• Women's Bible study program.
• An annual Greek Food Fair: This fun event happens every year in early June.

Most of these learning programs are open to everyone. Church services are also open to the public. The church also has a group called the Ladies' Philoptochos Society. This group does a lot of charity work to help others. Members of the church are also active in groups like the Order of AHEPA and the Daughters of Penelope. These groups help promote Greek culture and community.