The Ottumwa Church of the Brethren began with a week of meetings in private homes in January

The Ottumwa Church of the Brethren began with a week of meetings in private homes in January, 1900, with Elder Abram Wolf and C. E. Wolf conducting the meetings. The C. E. Wolf family was housed at 316 South Moore Street where one room was set aside for Sunday School and preaching services.

The South Ottumwa mission was officially organized on November 22, 1900, with Elders Hiram Berman and J. M. Follis of the Monroe County Church, Elder Abram Wolf of the Libertyville Church, and Elders S. F. Brower, J. D. Brower, and J. D. Coffman of the Mission Board participating in the service. J. M. Hollis was the chosen elder, and C. E. Wolf was placed in charge.

In 1901, with the backing of the District, a church building was constructed on the corner of Moore and Wabash Streets. The first service was held in the new building on April 17, a love feast took place on May 11. Dedication of the building was held on May 12 with Elder L. H. Eby of Mound City, Missouri, preaching the sermon. The cost of the 34' x 36' building and two lots was $1800. The church, at 316 South Moore, is no longer standing.

Charles A. Albin served as pastor of the Ottumwa church from 1933 to 1952, guiding the church from mission status to that of a full-fledged congregation. When Brother Albin first came to Ottumwa, two or more offerings were taken at each service. Through his guidance, a United Budget was adopted and systematic giving and tithing were emphasized. The congregation was active in support of mission work and Brethren service activities. Two young men from the congregation, Edward L. Murray and Harold (Corky) Stevens, served as "sea-going cowboys" accompanying heifers to Poland. Six young people from the congregation accepted the call to full-time Christian service: Edward L. and Mary (Cornell) Murray, Charles and Rozella (Welsh) Lunkley, and John and Mary (Moss) Wagner.

Under the leadership of of Russell Pepple in 1955, the congregation purchased four and a half acres from Mr. and Mrs. Marion "Pete" Moffit in the yet to be developed Pickwick neighborhood. On June 15, 1958, ground was broken for the construction of a new brick edifice, which encompassed a sanctuary, fellowship hall, offices and conference room, a basement recreational area and upstairs classrooms and nursery. A parsonage was also constructed on the property.

The first service in the new $145, 000 building, located at 1210 West Williams Street, was held June 7, 1959, with the dedication following on October 18, 1959.

With the assistance of the District and the Brotherhood, the congregation paid off the mortgage and celebrated with a two day mortgage-burning ceremony on September 26 and 27, 1981.

Rev. Russell Pepple was pastor during the move from Wabash and Moore Streets to 1210 W. Williams Street. Rev. Milton Early assisted the church in becoming better known in Ottumwa and securing financial assistance from the District and General board during some difficult years.

The 90th Anniversary Celebration of the Ottumwa Church took place September 15 and 16, 1990, with the outside speaker being Dr. H. Lamar Gibble. His theme was "This Is Our Story". It was indeed a great pleasure to welcome out of town guests, past members and pastors, and friends and members who live in this area who came to join us in this celebration.

In 1993, during the flood in Wapello County, Iowa, the Ottumwa church served as headquarters for the Disaster Response teams with Jiggs Miller of Lake Odessa, Michigan, as Disaster Coordinator. Violet Miller and other volunteers also came worked helping flood victims in and around Ottumwa. The women also cooked the meals in the church kitchen. Many volunteers from out of state also came and served. The surrounding Brethren churches were very good in providing additional volunteers. Many of the congregational members also have worked and others brought in extra food for the workers. Strong support was given our disaster response work here in Ottumwa both by the church and the Iowa District. This was one of our best projects and was well directed.

In October of 1994 when Interim Pastor, Charles W. Lunkley was here, seventeen persons were received into our congregation within a six month period. Five were new members and some were people who had worshipped and participated in our church activities for some time.

On November 6, 1994, six people were selected to serve as Deacons at a special Council Meeting. These included Ernest Dicks, Mary Ellen Lunkley, Leon Cartwright, Joe Davis, June Ware, and Judy Madden. A consecration service was held on November 27, 1994.

On December 3, 1994, Ms. Cynthia Taylor became our pastor. The Ottumwa Church and the Northern Plains District of the Church of the Brethren held an Ordination to the Ministry of Cynthia Builta Taylor on Sunday, January 21, 1996, at the morning service. A lunch followed in the Church Fellowship Hall. Participants included Tim Button-Harrison; District Moderator, Charles Grove; District Ministry Commission, Chris Whitacre; Naomi Heckart, Betty Davis, Bob Faus and Nancy Faus.

Due to Rev. Pepple's illness, Richard Livingston, having completed his first year at Bethany Theological Seminary, served as assistant pastor during Summer, 1960.