Churches
Wesley United Methodist Church
Opened in 1869
305 Grove St.
Calamus, IA 52729
(563) 246-2314
The first church built in Calamus was the Methodist Church built in 1869. Two-by-twelve planks were used for seating, supplemented by a few chairs. In 1870, a choir loft was added to the south of the building, also a belfry and bell, and the planks were replaced by 175 chairs. The church was painted inside and out. In 1906, this building was torn down and a new one erected of white brick with Gothic windows and frosted panes at a cost of approximately $3,000. Later, a basement was put under the Church for social activities and electricity was installed in 1917. Prior to that, lighting was done with carbide lights. This building burned November 4, 1927. Dedication of the new and present structure was held September 8, 1929. It is in use today under the name of Wesley United Methodist Church.
Calamus Lutheran Parish
The Calamus Lutheran Parish consists of two congregations, Our Saviour's Kvindherred Lutheran Church and Faith Lutheran Church. While they are two individual congregations with individual histories, Our Savior's and Faith have some history in common. This began in 1853 when the eighth Norwegian settlement in Iowa was started in Olive Township of Clinton County. Those wishing to form a worshipping community selected a site southeast of Calamus to build their church. The first congregational records were dated December 27, 1861. However, congregational activities had begun before that date. In 1865 a school was built. The name Kvindherred was the region in Norway from which the settlers had come. By 1877, the Kvindherred Lutheran Church was erected. In 1946, the name was changed to Our Savior's.
In 1947, discussion was started as to building a new church or remodeling the existing church. Decisions were difficult to make. One group remained in the country and remodeled the existing church. Another group, together with the pastor, left to form a congregation in the town of Calamus. Faith Lutheran Church was officially organized on July 7, 1950. A parsonage was donated as well as adjoining lots to construct a new building.
Faith Lutheran Church was officially accepted into the Evangelical Lutheran Church Synod on June 6, 1951.
In 1972, a cooperative ministry was established between Faith and Our Savior's. One pastor serves both churches.
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church
Opened 1861
2589 190th Ave.
Calamus, IA 52729
(563) 246-2620
Faith Lutheran Church
Opened in 1951
505 2nd St.
Calamus, IA 52729
(563) 246-2622