Dubuque in Dubuque County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Methodist Chapel
Photographed by Thomas Onions, September 29, 2009
1. Methodist Chapel Marker
As the first church in Iowa, it served not only as a place of worship but as a community center in an early spirit of civic concern, ecumenism and racial integration. At various times the 20 x 26 foot building was used as a pioneer schoolhouse. For a time it served as the first courthouse in Dubuque.
The meeting that adopted the resolution to incorporate the town of Dubuque was held here on March 25, 1837. The church was concerned to serve as a meeting place, as well as for worship, for people of all faiths and national origins. One of its charter members was a black woman.
The original building was replaced in 1839 when the Methodist congregation build a new church one block north of this site that was called Centenary Methodist Church. As the village grew in numbers other denominations built churches also, so that out of these modest and humble beginnings and spirit of vision, this mission church played a key role and helped set the course for the development of a robust city.
Erected 1978 by Dubuque Rotary Club.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers
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Location. 42° 29.934′ N, 90° 40.066′ W. Marker is in Dubuque, Iowa, in Dubuque County. It is at the intersection of Locust Street and Sixth Street, on the left when traveling north on Locust Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Dubuque IA 52001, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Iowa. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, and in the Great River Road Region. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Five Flags Theater (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Grand Opera House (approx. 0.2 miles away); "Fourth Street Elevator" (approx. 0.2 miles away); Old Dubuque County Jail (approx. Ό mile away); John Francis Rague (approx. Ό mile away); Site of Tim Fanning's Log Tavern (approx. 0.3 miles away); Iowa's First Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); Abraham Lincoln (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dubuque.
More about this marker. This marker is located on the southeast corner of the square. Parking is located nearby by meter.
Also see . . .
1. Washington Park. Wikipedia Entry on Washington Park. (Submitted on October 2, 2009, by Thomas Onions of Olathe, Kansas.)
2. Dubuque Chamber of Commerce. Link to Visitor Information for the
Photographed by Thomas Onions, September 29, 2009
2. Methodist Chapel Marker
Area photo of Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 4, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 2, 2009, by Thomas Onions of Olathe, Kansas. This page has been viewed 1,362 times since then and 11 times this year. Last updated on October 3, 2009, by Gordon Govier of Fitchburg, Wisconsin. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 2, 2009, by Thomas Onions of Olathe, Kansas. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
