First 100 Years Dallas Center, IA

The church, historically a peach church, continues to be mission minded in its outreach. A local couple, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Royer, have just recently retired, having served since 1930 as missionary teachers on the Africa Mission field. Their son Ralph and his wife are presently serving in the same capacity.

Some of the early pastors who served the church in the free ministry include Michael Sisler, Henry Goughnour, John W. Diehl, John Weber, B. F. Miller, F. McCune, D. W. Wise, C. B. Rowe and M. W. Eikenberry. Pastors have been salaried since 1928. Present membership is 175. Present pastor is Paul Basehore.

The Old Order River Brethren Church, formerly known as the Yorker Brethren, was organized near Dallas Center in 1877. Martin Nissly was the first minister. This group believes in simplicity of the gospel, righteous living and uniform apparel for their members. They have no church building, but hold meetings in their homes. When larger groups are expected, such as their annual Love Feast, the meeting is held in a larger farm building. Present membership is 30. Present ministers are C. M. Bricker and Rueben Meyers.

The First Sacred Heart Catholic church was dedicated in Dallas Center in 1880. It was a brick structure built on 10th street between Cherry and Sycamore. It was the largest Catholic Church in the area at that time. Father P. J. Harney was the first pastor. The building was condemned in 1900 due to faulty brick and mortar used in its construction. In 1914, the church and parochial house were sold at auction. The brick church was dismantled and the frame house was moved to the country. The parish purchased the former Progressive Brethren church building in 1914, and it was moved to the same location in Dallas Center. This building was used about 35 years. It was dismantled in 1959.

The Progressive Brethren Church presently First Brethren, was organized in Dallas Center in 1886, four years after their separation from the former German Baptist Brethren Church. There were 10 charter members and Rev. Noah Flora was the pastor at the time. For five months they met in homes while a frame church was being built. It was dedicated in the fall of 1886. This building served the membership until 1914. It has since been remodeled and a new front entrance added. It is located at 305 Hatton. Present membership is 120. Present is James Marshall.

The Brethren in Christ Church, formerly River Brethren, was first organized in Dallas Center in 1889. a frame church was built at 1500 Ash, one block north of the main business block. It was dedicated free of debt. Before the church was built, members met in the homes and in rural schoolhouses. William C. Deemy and Harrison Garwick were the ministers at the time the church was built. In 1947, the former Methodist church and parsonage at 506 Hatton, were purchased and dedicated. Present membership is 41. Present pastor is H. M. Boose.