On the Road 2014

YODER, ROPP

Posted By: Mistina Christner (email)
Date: 7/24/2018 at 12:09:44

Source: Kalona News 10/23/2014

On the Road

The former parsonage of the Sharon Center United Methodist Church is moved to a new site Monday

The Sharon Center United Methodist Church parsonage has moved on down the road-or at lease several miles south on James Avenue SW and then west on 540th Street. Towed by one large John Deere tractor, it will become the home of Merlin Ropp.
The almost century old house did not meet Methodist Conference standards dealing with handicapped accessibility. A new parsonage is planned to be built close to the same site.
The church's website relates that in 1900 a parsonage and four acres was purchased. The church, itself, was formed in 1866 in 1917 the parsonage being moved was built by Yost Yoder at a cost of $3,876.68. It was dedicated a year later with no indebtedness.
Other memorial milestones listed on the church's website include the first church building being dedicated in 1869 at a cost of $1,400 and the controversial purchase of an organ in 1889 - "Many members felt that a musical instrument was out of place in a house of worship".