Sixteen members and friends of Chapel Church participated in the groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 11. After their previous church was a total loss due to a fire that took place on October 12, 2020, True Builders LLC started digging immediately after the ceremony. Those pictured include (l-r) Sue Koster, Bill Backoff, Karen Handorf, Candace Bartel, Lynn Beichley, Rev. Cindy Morrison, Claire and Lynn Handorf, Lisa Koester, Kathryn Burt, Tammy Backoff, Stan Koster, Ruth Wescott, and Marcia and Bob Wiese. PHOTO COURTESY OF SUE KOSTER

GLADBROOK – On Oct. 12, 2020, Chapel Church – located at 1597 Abbott Avenue in rural Gladbrook roughly four miles west of Union Grove State Park – burned to the ground. It was a devastating loss for the congregation not to mention the rural community as a whole; however, an exciting groundbreaking service in celebration of a future new church building was held last Wednesday, September 11.

Looking back, Chapel Church had its beginning in 1867, meeting in a home where Stine Seed Company is today. Later, they moved to the Burt Schoolhouse, and in 1873-74, they built and moved into their first church building.

In 1946, the church’s name became Gladbrook Chapel Evangelical United Brethren (EUB) Church. Because of the merger in 1968 with the Methodists, it became Gladbrook Chapel United Methodist Church. Celebration Sunday for the 150th anniversary service was held on September 17, 2017.

In 2023, they joined the Global Methodist Church denomination, and their name is now simply Chapel Church.

Ever since the church was burned to the ground by a quick-burning fire back in October of 2020, the congregation has been meeting in the Green Mountain Community building. Ultimately, a decision was made to rebuild the church on the original church site.

Members and friends of rural Gladbrook’s Chapel Church break ground on their new church on Wednesday, Sept. 11. PHOTO COURTESY OF SUE KOSTER

Sixteen members and friends gathered last Wednesday for the groundbreaking ceremony. Rev. Cindy Morrison began the service in prayer, after which a time of sharing took place. Shortly thereafter, True Builders LLC started digging for the new church with attendees clapping and cheering!

The people of Chapel Church are thankful for all who have helped them and also donated gifts these last four years. They are thankful that their heritage will carry on, and they pray for God’s continued blessing and guidance. From the first church in 1867 to the present building site 157 years later, their spiritual growth and service to others continues to be present. This is reflected in their Vision Statement, “Growing in Faith, Sharing God’s Love.”

Those in attendance at Chapel Church’s groundbreaking service on Wednesday, Sept. 11, included (l-r) Rev. Jeff Kodis, Presiding Elder of Iowa North Central; Bill Backoff, Chapel’s Chair of Administrative Council; Rev. Cindy Morrison, former Chapel pastor who will continue to give some messages; and Lisa Koester who has a leadership role at Chapel Church. PHOTO COURTESY OF SUE KOSTER

Chapel Church in rural Gladbrook pictured prior to the Oct. 12, 2020 fire that destroyed the church. IMAGE COURTESY OF SUE KOSTER

Sixteen members and friends of Chapel Church participated in the groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 11, after their previous church was a total loss due to a fire that took place back on October 12, 2020. True Builders LLC started digging immediately after the Sept. 11 ceremony. Those pictured include Joe Roy, far left, with True Builders LLC. PHOTO COURTESY OF SUE KOSTER