When it comes to historic places, you’ll find something fascinating around every corner in the Hawkeye State. Below, read the story of one of the most historic (and creepiest!) church in the Midwest, located in the small town of Bloomfield.
Mars Hill Church was built south of Ottumwa, Iowa between 1850-1856.
Wikimedia Commons It is currently the largest log building in Iowa, and it’s the only log cabin church still in use in the United States. Every year, the annual meeting is held on the second Sunday in June, and Iowans gather here to celebrate the history of the Church along with their faith.
This historic church was once an active stop on the Underground Railroad, and dozens of runaway slaves hid in the woods here during their quest for freedom.
Wikimedia Commons
The small cemetery out back is the final resting spot of at least one veteran from every single American war, and the gravesites are well tended to this day.
Google Local / Jesse Plummer
The history of Mars Hill Church has a dark twist, though.
Facebook / I Grew Up In Iowa - Del Wilkins Mars Hill is one of the creepiest spots in Iowa. Occasionally, ritual masses are held here in the dark abandoned church, with pentagrams and other evidence left behind by those who choose to worship. The spirits of those in the Graveyard, and of slaves who never made it successfully to freedom, are said to haunt the walls of the church that they knew well. In an odd twist, Mars Hill itself is a favorite spot for UFO hunters, and multiple sightings have been reported in the area over the years.
In 2006, a fire was set by several arsonists and it nearly destroyed the entire church. Luckily, many of the original logs and structures were saved, and the arsonists were caught and sentenced.
Youtube / KTVO Watch the video below to see the community that helped rebuild the church after the fire, and how the annual meeting looks today:
Have you visited Mars Hill Church? It’s located at 1011 100th Ave, Bloomfield, IA 52537. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places and is certainly worth a visit when they host the annual meeting in June!
Wikimedia Commons
It is currently the largest log building in Iowa, and it’s the only log cabin church still in use in the United States. Every year, the annual meeting is held on the second Sunday in June, and Iowans gather here to celebrate the history of the Church along with their faith.
Google Local / Jesse Plummer
Facebook / I Grew Up In Iowa - Del Wilkins
Mars Hill is one of the creepiest spots in Iowa. Occasionally, ritual masses are held here in the dark abandoned church, with pentagrams and other evidence left behind by those who choose to worship. The spirits of those in the Graveyard, and of slaves who never made it successfully to freedom, are said to haunt the walls of the church that they knew well. In an odd twist, Mars Hill itself is a favorite spot for UFO hunters, and multiple sightings have been reported in the area over the years.
Youtube / KTVO
Watch the video below to see the community that helped rebuild the church after the fire, and how the annual meeting looks today:
For more of Iowa’s best historic sites, read Here Are Iowa’s 11 Most Historic Houses That Offer Fascinating Tours and get in touch with your roots!
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