Chronology

The first Presbyterian Church in Cedar County (the 12th in Iowa Territory) was organized by the Rev. Michael Hummer of Davenport. It was called the Presbyterian Church of Red Oak Grove. The 10 founding members were John Chappell, Robert Dallas, Miss Sarah Dallas (later Mrs. Elza Carl), Elizabeth (Mrs. Charles) Dallas, John and Isabella Starack Ferguson, Robert and Elizabeth Pirie, John Safley, and Samuel Yule. Mr. Safley and Mr. Ferguson were ordained as elders, and Elizabeth Davis Safley (John’s wife) was received into membership.

Robert Dallas donated an acre of land in Section 11 of Red Oak Township to the Cedar County commissioners (now called supervisors). The grave of Robert Pirie, who had died Oct. 31, 1846, was moved from across the road as the first burial in the new cemetery.

Cedar County Presbytery approved the request of Red Oak Grove Church to move to Tipton and to use the name First Presbyterian Church of Tipton.

Construction began on a Red Oak Grove church building, north of the present church site. Built by John Chappell and Jacob Snyder, the frame structure cost $1,000.

The first regular worship service in the new church building was conducted by the Rev. George D. Porter.

The first Red Oak Grove Old Settlers’ meeting was hosted by John Ferguson.

A manse (minister’s home) was built across the road and north of the church on land donated by Henry Britcher. The first minister to move in (1901) was the Rev. C. J. Fawcett. Earlier, the Red Oak Grove manse had been in the hamlet of Shiloh, 1/4 mile to the north.

Mrs. Sarah Dallas Carl, 97, the last surviving founding member of the first Red Oak Grove Presbyterian Church, died at her home in Stanwood, Iowa.

New Church Building Dedication

The new church building was dedicated, with services at 10:45 a.m., 3:00 p.m., and the formal dedication at 7:30 p.m. This occasion was postponed twice because of bad weather. When the original March 13 date was stormed out, April 17 was chosen, but a freak April blizzard occurred. The Rev. C. E. Thomas was minister at the time.

To mark the church’s 125th year, a morning worship service, a communal dinner, and an afternoon anniversary service were held. The Rev. Ralph Schenk was the minister.

The final regular Sunday service was held at the church. The last minister was the Rev. Carol Lamp. There were 16 members, some inactive.

Articles of Incorporation were filed by Iowa’s Secretary of State for Red Oak Grove Cemetery Association, Inc.

Red Oak Grove Church and Cemetery acquired a website, www.redoakgrovecc.org.

Two informational kiosks were completed at the northeast corner of the church and near the South Cemetery entrance gate. Designed by Zach Thumma and built by Esbeck Construction, the kiosks display maps with locations of graves and available plots. Funding came from private donations and a $4,000 Community Foundation of Cedar County grant.

Restoration of all 37 church windows was completed by Glass Heritage L.L.C. of Davenport, Iowa; cost: $27,716.(The project was launched May 19, 2011.)

Repair and painting of church basement by E & B Professional Painting.

Public event, “Red Oak Grove Remembers Its Heroes,” honoring church founders, pioneers, and military veterans interred in Red Oak Grove Cemetery.

Repair and painting of the church sanctuary by E & B Professional Painting and Mark Thumma.

Replacement of north church steps and sidewalk by Superior Steel and Concrete Construction.

Replacement of church gutters and downspouts by Tomlinson Cannon of Iowa City.

Completion of Valley Drive by Soper Construction of Olin; finish grading and seeding by Greg Storjohann.