As with many churches in Madison County, the Truro United Church of Christ has its roots with the early settlers. It started as the "Christian Church", then merged to become the "Christian Congregational" church and merged once more to become the "Truro United Church of Christ". In 1950, it also started sharing the pastor with the Truro Methodist church. It all started in the winter of 1856 when a small group of Christian-minded men and women gathered at the home of Ephraim DeLong two miles south of the present town of Truro.  Under the leadership of Rev. A.D. Kellison, the Christian Church was organized with charter members Ephraim & Hannah DeLong, Jesse & Betsy DeLong, Reuben & Mary Creger, Jane (DeLong) McNeely, V., John & Mahala Creger and their daughter Risby. For about 15 years the services were held in members homes, finally moving to school houses as they were built in the early 1870s.

In 1893 the church was remodeled and the belfry with a glistening aluminum spire was added which may not have been the best idea since just 5 years later, in June 1898, the church was struck by lightning and everything was lost except the organ and 8 pews. Six days after the fire, the pastor, Rev. Calvin Lamb, passed away at a Waterloo hospital where he had gone for treatment of unrelated medical problems. One thousand dollars was received as an insurance settlement and was immediately applied towards a new building.

The new building (as seen at the top of the page) was dedicated March 12, 1899 with a program of song, prayer and scripture reading led by Rev. J. H. Creger.  He was assisted by Reverends Farley and Storrs and Rev. Follensbee gave the sermon.  A history of the church was given by Isaac Holmes, a deacon at the time.  Frank Roby conducted the singing.

Ohio Township Christian Church

Built In 1875/76

In 1915-1916 the church parsonage was built.  It was a modern 8-room home located 2 blocks north and 2 blocks west of the church. Rev. S. L. Bougher and his family were the first occupants. In 1920, there were 249 members. January 1921 was the passing away of Rhoda Fields Delong, the last remaining charter member.  Her funeral sermon was preached by Rev. Raybourn. 1930 brought about a meeting with the St. Charles Church of Christ and an offer to Rev. Randall to serve as the pastor to both churches.  And in 1931, the church became a member of the Congregational Christian merger.

Several elderly people of the church remember baptisms from the 1920’s and 1930’s.  Some people were baptized in ponds, some at other church’s “tanks”, and other records state that some occurred in South River. 

Late 1939 brought “fame” to the church as the Des Moines Register reported on Rev. and Mrs. Clayton Shepard’s "God’s Acre" plan for raising funds. Farmers were contacted earlier in the year to “set aside” one acre of corn for the church. The scheme was successful, netting over $500, enabling the church to pay off the mortgage and other bills. Fund raising in the 1940s under pastor Verne Wiley took the form of auction of donated items which has since prevailed.

The final merger leading to it becoming the Truro United Church of Christ took place in 1948. A year later the 50th anniversary of the building took place, attended by 20 members who were present when the building went into service 50 years before including, Will & Etta Archer, George Cooley, Ora & Daisy Creger, Linn & Addie Creger, Reuben Creger, Frank Burt, Ed & Ida Garst, Betty Hogue, Bert & Ann Patterson, Beryl Patterson, Frank & Susie Gracey, Nellie Fulton, and Ella & Florence Roby.

Listed below are the ministers in order of service with year(s) if known.

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