Lisbon United Methodist Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Lisbon Methodist Church
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 Location in Iowa
Location in the United States
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| Location | 200 E. Market St. Lisbon, Iowa |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1898-1899 |
| Built by | Daniel C. Hartung |
| Architect | Josselyn & Taylor |
| Architectural style | Queen Anne Shingle Style |
| NRHP reference No. | 15000952 |
| Added to NRHP | January 5, 2016 |
Living Hope Global Methodist Church, once known as Lisbon United Methodist Church, is a special building in Lisbon, Iowa, USA. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2016. This means it is recognized as an important historical site.
Contents
A Look Back: The Church's Story
Early Days of Methodism in Lisbon
The story of Methodism in Lisbon began in 1840. A preacher and doctor named Dr. Nelson Rathbun gave a sermon in the spring. He traveled around, serving different communities. For many years, circuit preachers helped the small group of Methodists.
In 1858, Lisbon got its own resident preacher. The next year, the Methodists worked with the Lutherans. They helped build a new church for the Lutherans. Both groups shared this building until 1868.
Building Their Own Church
In 1868, the Methodists built their very own church. It was located in the same spot where the current church stands today. Later, in 1887, a house for the minister, called a parsonage, was built. It cost about $1,375.69.
The Current Church Building
The old church building was taken down in 1898. The church you see today was built between 1898 and 1899. It cost about $14,000 to build. A local carpenter named Daniel C. Hartung oversaw the construction. Many people from the community helped build it.
The new church was officially opened on April 9, 1899. Around 900 people came to the dedication. The church bought a Steinway piano for $450 at that time. This piano is still used in the church today! A pipe organ was added in 1915.
Changes Over the Years
In 1956, lightning struck the church's tall spire, which is the pointy top part of the tower. The spire was destroyed in a fire. For many years, the church shared a minister with another church. In 1979, Rev. Kalen Fristad became the first minister to serve only this church.
More changes happened in the 1980s and 1990s. In 1989, the front entrance area of the church was enclosed. The old parsonage was taken down in 1995. A new addition was built onto the church building. A parking lot was created across the street in 1996. Finally, in 1999, a new spire was placed on the church tower.
Church Design: Architecture and Purpose
Who Designed the Church?
The church building was designed by a well-known architectural company. This firm, Josselyn & Taylor, was from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. They designed the church using a mix of two styles: Queen Anne and Shingle Style.
The Social Gospel Movement's Influence
The church's design shows the ideas of the Social Gospel movement. This movement was popular when the church was built. It encouraged churches to play a bigger role in society. This included helping with education and community needs.
Because of these ideas, churches started to include more than just a main worship area. They began building libraries, large classrooms for Sunday school, and social halls. These spaces were used for community gatherings, charity work, and helping others.
The Akron Plan Design
Lisbon United Methodist Church was one of the first Methodist churches in Iowa to use the Akron Plan. This special design had a large classroom that could open up into the main worship area. The pews, where people sit, were arranged in a semi-circle. On the lower level of the church, there were social rooms and a kitchen. This design made the church a central place for both worship and community activities.
