Churches

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Christian Union Church
942-7712 (office)

    Our church was built in 1913 as the result of the vision of Pastor A.C. Thomas. As Milo was a growing community, the members of three outlaying churches, Hammondsburg, Goodes Chapel, and Belmont Zion met and decided to merge and build a central church on two lots donated by Cora Slone for that purpose. This church is affectionately known as the "Mother Church". They accepted the plans submitted by A.C.Thomas and the building was completed in six months at the cost of $12,500. The construction was completed on Dec. 19, 1913 and the first worship was conducted in Jan. 1914 by Rev. Thomas before 300 people. The dedication was held June 21, 1914 to the worship and service of God and that purpose remains first and foremost to this day. The seven principles of Christian Union were formulated by founders of Christian Union in Civil War days who believed that only the word of God be preached from the pulpit.

   These principles have with stood the test of time. There were 78 charter members and one, Irene Hale Heavilen, lived until 1997. There have been 25 pastors in our 93 years, the present being Pastor Stan Hughes and wife, Jan, now completing their first year with us. The structure of the church remains the same, well maintained by caring people over the years. The Sunday School addition was added in 1962 at the cost of $16,000 to accommodate the growing membership. It includes 10 Sunday School rooms, an assembly hall, the Library, Pastor's study and Secretary's office.
    The unique features are the stained glass windows purchased over-seas and donated by members of the congregation and are now memorials to these families. Each depicts a Bible truth. Then there is the silver dome with its spire pointing toward Heaven. The circle of lights inside adds to the beauty of the Sanctuary. The ornate pews were chosen to compliment the architecture of the building. Pads were added in later years for comfort.
    As time passed, other needs arose and the Lord provided. When natural gas came to Milo the necessary new furnaces were installed and the huge wood and coal furnace removed. The furnace room became the nursery and the kitchen was remodel then there was a need for a sound system installed in the balcony to accommodate the main floor and the basement. Video equipment was purchased, also copiers and computer. Handicap accessibility became an important issue, as there are many steps at both entryways. A lift was installed with entry at ground level outside the church to go up to the sanctuary or down to the fellowship hall and Sunday School rooms. This also called for a handicapped accessible rest room.
   Christian Union is much more than mortar and bricks, lumber and windows. It is the "House of God" where one can come and find salvation and peace of mind. A place to learn the word of God and direction in our lives. Countless revivals have been held and hundreds of souls saved in our 93 years of existence in Milo. At least three generations have passed through our doors and if the Lord tarries many more will come.
    Our doors are open every Sunday at 9:30 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. and Weds. at 6:00 P.M. for a fellowship meal and Bible study with classes for all ages. In our church activities we are endeavoring to exalt Christ in a way that others may come to know and love Him as we try to do. Also we want you to know there is a place here for you at Christian Union.

 

 

Milo United Methodist Church
Chris Waddle, Pastor
308 Spruce Street
Milo, IA 50166
Pastor's office phone: 641-942-7739
threeumc@iowatelecom.net

      Methodism began in Milo when a church was organized as one of a circuit of 14 churches on the Pleasantville circuit. The first worship services and class meetings were in the old Milo mill and in the upstairs of the old VanSyoc grocery store. A parsonage was built in town in 1880, establishing a building presence in town. This is currently the home of the Jeff Penick family on Chestnut Street.
       A church building was first erected in 1885 under the pastorate of J.L. Johnson where the Christian Union church building now stands. A brick structure was erected in 1910 on the current site on the S.W. corner of the city park. It was destroyed by fire in January of 1921 and replaced by the current structure which was completed later that year.
      In 1910, a frame house adjoining the church building served as the parsonage until September 1958 when the current parsonage was completed. Rev. Everett and Ruth Laning were the first parsonage family.
      The church membership currently stands at 196.  The church has Sunday school for all ages and a nursery available during worship.  The current pastor is Jodi Rushing who has served the congregation since 2002. The church is known in the community as the church of "Open Doors" as it has and continues to host worthy, local, and youth organizations for their regular meetings. Several members are active in community organizations like the Lions and Community Center committee. The town's current mayor and one city council person are members.
      The church has several small groups that serve the people's spiritual needs. The United Methodist Women's current president is Carol Anderson.  We have a parish Men's group, a Young at Heart women's group, Scrapbooking ministry, a softball team, Adults Dining Out Group and a youth group.
      Other regular events include the Annual Fall Supper held the first Saturday of October. The "Country Store", a part of Milo's "Small Town Country Christmas" on the first Saturday of December. The Live Nativity scene, also a part of the Country Christmas celebration, comes complete with sheep, camels, and angels on high! We host a Cabin Fever Party at the Milo Community Center in February every year.
      The Milo United Methodist Church shares program, mission, and a pastor with the Green Plain United Methodist Church, rural Milo, and Liberty Center congregation. Currently, Milo worships at 10:30 a.m. with Sunday School beginning at 9:30 a.m.

 

 

Motor Friends Church
Keith Smith, Pastor
14350 240th Avenue
641-942-7798
KeithSmith5@crosspaths.net

      Motor Friends Church, a rural Friends (Quaker) church, was established in 1869. It has been at the same location since it was started over 130 years ago, but there have been three different buildings that have been used as the sanctuary. The first was built in 1870 with the present building being completed in 1986. A new parsonage was built in 1975 and then remodeled and added on to in 1994. The present church buildings were started in 1979 with the building of a fellowship hall with the first indoor restrooms, and then the sanctuary was added in 1986.
      Meeting for worship begins at 9:30 a.m. with a time of fellowship, following Sunday School at 10:45 a.m. The Ladies Aid meets in member's homes on the second Wednesday of the month at 1:30 p.m. and the Missionary Society (U.S.F.W.) meets at the church on the third Wednesday of the month for an all day meeting with quilting taking up most of their time. A youth group meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m.
      The present pastor is Keith Smith and his wife, Nancy. Motor Friends is constantly striving to be the salt and light of Jesus Christ here where we are planted and sowing seed of salvation wherever our lives will take us.

 

 

St. Augustine Catholic Church
Father Flex Onuora, C.S.SP.
111 E. Belmont Street
641-942-6395
Contact: Ruth Konrad
641-942-6249

St. Augustine's Catholic Church was built in 1979, replacing a church built in 1915 that was destroyed by fire.  Sunday Mass rotates each month with the other worship center of Lacona  which, along with Milo, comprise the Holy Trinity of Southeast Warren County. Mass times are 5:30 p.m. Saturdays and 9:00 a.m. on Sundays. Religious classes are held in Lacona on Wednesday evenings.
        St. Augustine's has a quilting club which meets after Sunday 8:00 a.m. Mass There is also a social hour which includes coffee, donuts, and rolls.

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 Welcome to Milo.  Where different faiths bring people together, not for exact beliefs but for the understanding and belief that giving and caring can carry a community and family through the toughest of times.