Ewart Mission Bringing Hope To Rural Poweshiek County

The Ewart Mission has found new life since it's beginnings as a Presbyterian Church

Ewart, Iowa – On a day we were headed to a story out of town, we had an extra couple of hours to burn up. We stopped in the small town of Ewart, Iowa. For those of you about to Google it, or in some cases pull out your atlas, it’s located on a county road between Montezuma and Grinnell.

The story that lead us to make our stop in this town, of probably no more than 25, is a lengthy one. We can shorten that story by saying that one cold winter it served as home.

With only 1 road that passes through town, it was easy to spot the church that had marked the existence of the town for over 100 years. The grain elevator that had been the highest point for miles around was now gone, and there was even less there, than before, to remember the railroad that had brought life, and then death to the town.

But as we normally do, out came the cameras and we started to shoot pictures of the church, a small business that remains, homes, street signs, and all those other crazy things that look interesting at the moment.

We are nearly ready to pack up the car and head on to our next destination, in order to beat the rain, when we notice the gentleman locking up the church. I introduced myself and asked him about the church, as it seemed the name was now different.

This little slice of rural life had suffered the fate of many rural churches and the towns that host them, a slow death. The remaining congregation had decided to close the doors, and had offered local residents a chance to take part of what was inside of the church with them.

Jacob Lamb, seen here ringing the bell at the old church, helping to bring life back to the church, and with it the rural community of Poweshiek County

“Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest awhile.” That bible verse helped inspire the Westfield Community Church members of rural Grinnell to establish a mission in the little berg of Ewart. “You won’t find Ewart on the map, but several people have found their way to enjoy bible inspired “gatherings”, with presentations by people of many walks of faith.” Jacob Lamb said of the old church with a new mission.

The mission sprung to life on Easter weekend this year. The mission provides a food bank, a clothing closet, and monthly community meals on Saturday evenings. All these things at the old Ewart Presbyterian church.

They are hoping you find your way to Ewart to enjoy the blessings they are anxious to share in this warm and informal setting. Just come share your faith, build your faith, explore your faith, or even begin your faith. You don’t need to be a minister to be a speaker at the gatherings or to share your musical or spiritual gifts. All gifts can benefit the mission and expand God’s territory.

The purpose of the mission is not to take people out of the churches they attend, but to share what their faith has done for them. God’s use of the building is many fold. The food bank and clothes closet opens every Saturday at 6:30 P.M. The gatherings follow at 7:00. Community meals are always free and usually served at about 6:15 P.M. on the first Saturday of each month.

As the needs of less fortunate people, in these troubled times, increase the mission can always use the donations of food for the food pantry and clothing for the clothes closet.

For inquiries, contact Dale Lamb (641-236-3610) or Pastor Jann Braaksma (641-521-5202).