United Methodist Church of Oran

1910 Oran Methodist Ladies Aid Society

Millie Napoli loaned this photo to be scanned. The same photo was also published in the December 31, 1955 Memorial edition of the Oelwein Register with identifications included. Standing left to right are Mrs. Ray Saunders, Jesup; Mrs. Gus Peck, deceased; Maude Peck, Council Bluffs; Mrs. Johnie Clark, deceased; Glenroy Rundle, Oelwein; Mrs. Sam Ramsey, deceased; Mrs. Gus Bahe, deceased: Marlon Clark; Mrs. Ira Clark, deceased; Ella Rundle, Oelwein; Mrs. Lyman Judd, deceased; Mrs. Jack White, deceased; unknown; Mrs. Edith Rundle, Oran; Mrs. Ethel Cosselman, deceased. Seated left to right: Leona Bahe, Washington; Mrs. Fred Shelton, Maynard; Edward Shelton; Olive Bahe, Waterloo; Mytle Clark; Mrs. Elmer Shippy, deceased; Leslie Getz, Sumner; Mrs. J. N. Getz, Oran.

The Oran congregations' first worship service was held in 1911 on the Main Street, with the congregation seated on the sidewalk. Then they met in the waiting room of the train depot. In 1912 services were moved to the Dewey Schoolhouse located 1/2 mile north and 1 mile east of Oran. A building committee was appointed and the present church was built in 1913 with most of the work done by the congregation. Ladies Aid started in 1910, before any services began. By 1913 it was a well organized group. The church was dedicated on May 24, 1914. The church closed it's doors in 2017.

1963.11.11 Oelwein Register - Oran Briefs - The Junior High class of First Methodist Sunday school collected $14.72 when they canvassed Oran for UNICEF recently. The class, Bob Bailey, Jeanie, Phillis and Timmy Bathke, Vicki and Steven Cummings and Debra Weaver enjoyed a Halloween part at the home of their teacher, Mrs. Clarence Cummings following the drive.