A number of families of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church that settlement near Patterson (Mt. Pelier) and St. Charles united, and the Clanton congregation of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church was organized February 19, 1855, with 17 members. Rev. James Greene organized the church and for several days services were held, including communion and baptismal services. Robert Gamble and J. M. Baird were elected ruling elders.

Within a short time the Mt. Pelier group transferred to Winterset because of distance and the Clanton Congregation became known as the St. Charles Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Rev. James Miller, who came early in 1856, was the first pastor. The United Presbyterian Church is the result of the union of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian and Associated Presbyterian churches in 1858.

The first house of worship was erected in 1868 in the present one in 1916.Sixteen pastors and stated supplies have served this congregation. They are: Rev. James Miller, Rev. A. J. Graham, Rev. R. S. Raitt, Rev. W. R. Baldrige, Rev. M. R. Cochran, Rev. Leonard Proudfit, Rev. W. F. Graham, Rev. M. M. Milford, Rev. H. J. Bell, Rev. Robert McElroy, Rev. Robert Hood, Rev. Lee F. Park, Rev. W. L. Torrence, Rev. G. P. Carnahan, Rev. John Baird, and Rev. F. R. McLean. Rev. G. P. Carnahan was pastor for 12 years, Rev. R. S. Raitt for 10 years.

Original St. Charles Presbyterian Church (1868)

Photo courtesy of 1915 Madison County History

St. Charles Presbyterian Church (1916)

Photo courtesy of Google Maps

There have been 15 ruling elders, J. M. Baird being the first one.

Present (1955) members with longest memberships are Mrs. Hannah Clarke, Mrs. Margaret Clarke, Mrs. Leila (Weede) McCullough, and Mrs. Mattie (Nicholl) Sheets. Mrs. Eva (Weede) Dyer of Indianola is the oldest form a member, having joined the church in 1885. Rev. Robert M. Jones is supply pastor at present.

Per the Winterset Madisonian of August 4, 1999, the city of St. Charles took possession of the 1916 Main Street Presbyterian Church June 1, 1999. It had been vacant for 20 years.

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