The Christian Church of Panora, Iowa

The Church of Christ of Panora was organized in 1854 under the evangelistic labors of Clayborn Wright, Benjamin Mitchell and Alexander Wasson chosen elders and William C. Jones, a deacon. Later, J. Culbertson was added to the eldership and William Miller to the deconate. During the early years, meetings were held in various homes in the Panora area. The original members were: Benjamin Mitchell, William Jones, Margaret Jones, William and Mrs. Miller, Samuel and Mrs. McClaran, Horatio Shaw, Ozias Shaw, and others.

After the Civil War, Henry Mobley determined that the work of the church must be resumed and a period of strong evangelism occurred in Panora. Meetings were held in school houses and the Court House for a number of years. In 1874 Joseph and Nancy Garlow gave a quit claim deed to lots 1 and 2 in Block N to the Church of Christ. With this land and $1,500, a wooden building was constructed on this site.

In 1899, a new church edifice was built just where the wooden one stood. The old building was given to the Disciples at Guthrie Center. It is said that the old building was sawed into several sections and transported on wagons to Guthrie Center. The road between Panora and Guthrie had to be planked with large boards to keep the heavy loads from sinking into the dirt roads.

The present structure was dedicated on December 17, 1899. The cost of this brick building and its stained glass windows was $6,500 which was a gift from Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Harvuot. The congregation raised another $1,500 for furnishings. The original pulpit, Communion table, and pews are still in use today. In 1906, the pipe organ was purchased. It has since has been restored and is used in Sunday worship.

Many changes have occurred over the years, but the most significant was a complete refurbishing of the sanctuary in 1998. This project involved bringing all electrical wiring up to code, removing paneling, removing a lowered ceiling and all of the original plaster and replacing it with drywall. During this restoration project, the congregation held Sunday service in the basement. Praise God as we rejoice in his guidence and everlasting love. ~