Bethel A. M. E. Church

Bethel A. M. E. Church, 303 South 3rd Street; 1884The building was erected on land deeded by the Iowa Land Company. The building is a one-story brick church with basement. In the early 1900's, the church superstructure was jacked up and a "new" foundation constructed of concrete block with simulated stone facing. The church building is handsome with a simple grace and dignity of design. Although simplicity of construction suggests a label of "vernacular", the round-arched windows may have been inspired by the Romanesque Style. The African M. E. Church was organized in 1868 with the assistance of J. H. Young and other members of the First Methodist Church.