Historic Marion Church Saved From Demolition

The skyline of uptown Marion simply wouldn't look the same without the large bell tower of the church that sits at 12th street and 8th Avenue. The building has stood for 125 years and withstood all the elements, including the 2020 derecho. Damaged, but not destroyed, the church will continue to stand tall.

KCRG reports that Conlon Construction purchased the building for $98,000 last week, after bidding from another buyer fell through. Officials with the company said that it was the passion shown by city officials including Mayor Nick AbouAssaly that convinced them to purchase the property. It is still unknown what the building will eventually be turned into. A committee of ten people will be formed to help generate ideas.

Preservation Iowa reports that the construction of the church was completed in 1896. It served as the home of First Methodist Episcopal Church. The structure was designed by Bell and Kent of Council Bluffs, Iowa. The glass windows came from the Kansas City Art Glass Company. The church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009.

The building served as the Methodist Church up until 2019 when it was sold to the First Pentecostal Church of Cedar Rapids. The 2020 derecho caused severe damage to the building and it has been unused ever since.

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