Dixie Emerson, left, and Bonnie Keller are joined by Wayne Denny for a touching moment toward the end of the last service at the Deep River Christian Church Disciples of Christ on Sunday, Dec. 29. The church was founded in 1890 and moved into the current building in 1894. It has been home to numerous Deep River and area families for 134 years. By J.O. Parker There where hugs, laughs, memories shared and maybe a few tears as members, past and present, gathered at the Deep River Christian Church Disciples of Christ for the last time. The once flourishing Deep River church that was founded on Oct. 5, 1890 as the Christian Denomination and organized with 13 charter members, has closed its doors. The last service was held on Sunday, Dec. 29 with just under 20 people present. The church gathered in the Deep River Opera House in the early days with the new and current church building opening its doors in 1894. The building has undergone several updates and additions and has been home to many area families and numerous ministers for 130 years. The church building has been sold to Mark and Melissa Doll of Honeybee Ministries of Lynnville. Plans for the building were not available at press time. Church members cited declining membership, long-time members passing away and no new families coming into the church as the reasons for its closing. Those attending the last service enjoyed hearing the Word of God from Pastor Larry Naylor via cell phone. Naylor was unable to be at the church for the final service. Naylor, who started ministering at the church in 2008, said the congregation was looking for a new minister and he was filling in for a time. “They couldn‘t find anyone, so I just stayed,” he said. Naylor said his parents lived in Deep River before the war and he attended the church as a youngster. And he currently serves as chaplain with the Deep River American Legion Post 296. “I have been a minister for over 30 years,” said Naylor, who calls Pella home. “I enjoyed the people in the church and the community. They are some of the nicest people I have known.” Long-time church member, Dixie Cable, 81, who some called the church matron, played several Christmas songs on the piano during the last service. Communion, a weekly occurrence, was served to all in attendance and an offering was taken. Cable has attended the church her entire life, all but 27 years when she lived and taught school in Minnesota. She recalled a photo of her dad holding her in front of the church. She wore a hat as her mom was known as the hat lady. “I couldn’t have been three,” she said. She recalled the large posters of Jesus on the walls of the sanctuary. She said they were enlarged from picture lesson books she and the other children used many years ago. Recalling the popular children’s Christmas program that drew families from all around the area, Cable said she was an angel in the program one year when she was a child and enjoyed that role. “I remember singing, “Oh Tressmas Tree, Oh Tressmas Tree, how lovely are your branches,” she said. “I had a hard time getting the word Christmas right.” John McWilliams and his wife, Shari, were present at the last service. “I grew up in this church,” said McWilliams, who said he hasn’t attended the church in a number of years. “I attended with Dad and Mom and my two sisters. I was baptized here. A lot of good memories along with a few not so good, with funerals of family members.” Even though he hasn’t been a regular attendee, McWilliams said he’s going to miss the church and the fellowship of the people there. Kris (Hopwood) Hollopeter and her husband, Allen, were in attendance at the last service. “I grew up here,” said Hollopeter as she looked around the sanctuary. “I attended Bible school here and I probably have some photos of the many Christmas programs.” “It is sad to see it close,” she said. Mike and Patti Mahaffey of Montezuma and their daughter, Mary Lindberg, were among those present. Patti said she and Mike started attending the church when they moved to Montezuma in 1975. “Dean McWilliams invited us to church,” she recalled. “Two of our three children were baptized here.” “I remember ringing the church bell and singing “Silent Night” on Christmas,” said Lindberg. “The whole congregation stood in a circle with candles singing the song.” Bonnie Keller said the Deep River church was family to her and her late husband, Kenny. It was Kenny’s long-time family church. She recalled the yearly Christmas programs and all the time the kids put in to get ready. “These were special times,” said Keller of the Christmas programs. “It’s one of those traditions that people came back to every year.” Another attendee talked about all the people that attended the church, recalling one member who lived in Millersburg and would sometimes drive his John Deere tractor to the service and park right outside the front door. Neva Gregory, who for years has prepared the sanctuary for service, turned on the heat and lights and got communion ready for the service, stayed busy until the last parishioner left. She also handled the church bookwork through the years. “I’m the behind the scenes person,” said Neva. She then chuckled as she shared a story about getting married to her husband, Allen, at the church. “Myron Widmer was the best man,” she recalled. “He was standing in front of the church when the fire whistle blew.” “Well, I got to go,” he said. “I told him no and to get in the church,” said Neva. “It took all of five minutes for the ceremony.” Neva said the Rev. Bobby Dickerson was the minister of the church at the time and was who married her and Allen on Nov. 17, 1990. Neva said she’s going to miss the family atmosphere the most. “My best memories are teaching Sunday school where we made banners and helped the children learn God’s word,” said Brenda Peck, Neva’s sister, who was present with her husband, Don. “I’ve always enjoyed the worship and family fellowship,” said Brenda. “I think the thing to remember is this church served many people through the years,” added Mike Mahaffey. Some church attendees will continue to gather in member’s homes in the coming days, weeks and months. “It’s just a warm and loving group,” said Keller. “It’s a family.” Dixie Cable, 81, the longest serving member of the Deep River Christian Church Disciples of Christ, plays a song on the piano during the churches’ last service on Sunday, Dec. 29. Cable has attended the church all but 27 years of her life, when she was teaching school in Minnesota. The church was founded in 1890 and moved into the current building in 1894. It was home to many Deep River and area families for 134 years. The building has been sold to Mark and Melissa Doll with Honeybee Ministries in Lynnville. Bonnie Keller serves communion to Brenda Peck and her husband, Don, during the last church service at the Deep River Christian Church Disciples of Christ on Sunday, Dec. 29. Communion was held each week at the church, which first opened its doors in 1890. It has served Deep River and area families for 134 years. Dixie Emerson sings a song during the final service at the Deep River Christian Church Disciples of Christ on Sunday, Dec. 29. Dixie Cable, left, enjoys a moment with Sally Johnston while Lyle Roorda visits with Allen and Kris Hollopeter at the close of the last service at the Deep River Christian Church Disciples of Christ on Sunday, Dec. 29. The building has been sold to Mark and Melissa Doll with Honeybee Ministries of Lynnville. Mike Mahaffey, center, enjoys a laugh with Allen and Kris Hollopeter at the close of the Deep River Christian Church Disciples of Christ on Sunday, Dec. 29. Mahaffey and his family attended the church from 1975 for about eight years before moving to a church in Montezuma. Kris, whose maiden name is Hopwood, grew up in the church. She and her husband, Allen, returned to attend the final church service.
Montezuma Braves Coach Derrick Dengler makes a point during a home game against previously unbeaten Keota on Friday, Jan. 3. The Braves won the game, 72-63. As of Jan. 31, the Braves are 12-2 in conference play and 15-2 overall.
Montezuma's Sydnee Burgess defends a Keota player while Shiressa Wetering provides backup in a home game against Keota on Friday, Jan. 3, beating the Eagles, 63-35. As of Jan. 31, the Bravettes hold a 12-1 conference mark and or 13-4 overall.
Monte Journal is proud to host the Montezuma Area Business Expo and Craft Fair on Saturday, April 12 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. All vendors are welcome including businesses, crafts, artists, authors and others. We encourage vendors, even outside of the Montezuma area, to attend. The fair will be held in the Central Gym at the Montezuma Community School. Spaces are 10x8 and cost $25 per space. There are limited numbers of spaces with electricity available. You will need to bring your own tables. Chairs will be available. If you are interested in being a vendor, please click here for the application form. If you have any questions, please contact J.O. at 641-990-8026, Gavin at 641-990-7857 or email [email protected].
Becki Williams, left, customer service representative at First State Bank in Montezuma, is joined by Curtis Bolen, branch manager, after the two donated nearly 300 pounds of pet supplies and treats along with an assortment of cleaning supplies and cash donations to Poweshiek Animal League Shelter (PALS) near Grinnell on Dec. 28. The Montezuma location of First State Bank held the fundraiser in an effort to be more community-minded and give the animals in the shelter extra treats and goodies during the Christmas holiday. Submitted photo. By J.O. Parker
Thanks to the generosity of Montezuma and area residents, the furry friends at Poweshiek Animal League Shelter (PALS) near Grinnell enjoyed extra treats and goodies during the Christmas holiday. Curtis Bolen, branch manager and Becki Williams, customer service representative at First State Bank in Montezuma, delivered nearly 300 pounds of donated pet supplies and cleaning products to PALS on Dec. 28. Supplies included dog and cat food and treats, cat litter, cat and dog toys, cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, dish soap, bleach and paper towels. “We even got a couple cat houses donated,” said Williams. The pet supply drive was held from Dec. 1 – Dec. 20. Two Montezuma business partnered with the bank on the outreach. Monte Nutrition held a fundraiser drive in connection with the pet supply drive, raising $120, which was given to PALS along with the pet supplies. Vivarium also had a donation box and paw prints on the business Christmas tree for people to take and donate to a certain animal at the shelter. “Your generosity makes a real difference for pets in need, and we’re so proud to support our community together,” said Williams. Williams said the bank held the pet supply drive in an effort to be more involved with the communities the bank serves. First State Bank has locations in Montezuma, Brooklyn, Grinnell, New Sharon, Lynnville, Sully and Agency. “This is something we are going to want to do yearly,” said Williams. “I have a dog and a lot of my co-workers have pets and to be able to give an extra treat to a dog or cat in a shelter was a great blessing.” Montezuma dancers competed in Class 1 Pom and Hip Hop at the 49th Annual Iowa State Dance Team (ISDTA) State Championships, Dec. 4 – 6, in Des Moines. Pictured are, from left, front row: Ellen Cook, Kylee Larmore, Tayler Wickham, Taya Sincox, Elizabeth DeJong, Addyson Probasco, Emily Jo James, Hayley Burnett ; Middle row: Analeece Kercheval, Lauryn Larmore, Vivian Cook, Kamryn Schmidt, Lily Ferry, Marley Stowell, Kelsie Mostek, Hayden Sutherland; Back row: Sydney Nicholson, Olivia Latcham, Krista Cheney, Lindsey Henry, Claire Erselius, Abbi Henkle and Sophia Semprini. Not pictured: Letisia Wilson, Karsen Ahrens, Haileah Eichenberger, Ryanne Williams and Kami Mathes. By J.O. Parker
The Montezuma Dance program earned top honors in Division 1 at the 49th Annual Iowa State Dance Team (ISDTA) State Championships. Montezuma competed in the Class II Pom routine and Class 1 Hip Hop routine. The team placed sixth in the Pom category and finished third in the Hip Hop category. The Iowa State Dance & Drill Team Association’s Iowa High School and College State Dance Team Championship was held Dec. 4 - 6 at the Wells Fargo Arena and Hy-Vee Hall in Des Moines. Montezuma competed on Thursday, Dec. 5. “This year was our biggest team yet with 28 dancers on the team,” said dance coach Macy Taylor Richards. “We had an awesome year, but also a learning year as well. Coaching that many dancers in one setting was challenging, but ultimately I think we had an amazing season. I couldn't ask for a better group of kids to be surrounded with that work hard and share that same passion of dance that I do.” Teams are divided into classes based on school enrollment. They are evaluated and judged by industry professionals from all corners of the United States. The Beast (Owen Desrochers) and Belle (Addyson Probasco) find love after the curse is lifted from the Beast, who was a former prince, and his castle of characters in the Montezuma Drama Department performance of "Beauty and the Beast in early November. The Montezuma Drama Department presented the musical, “Beauty and the Beast” in early November.
The musical was under the direction of Kelly Kaup and Liesl Roorda was the musical producer. Show Synopsis The beloved fairytale of “Beauty and the Beast” recounts the story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out. If those lessons aren’t learned soon, the Beast and his household will be doomed for all eternity. Cast Talen Holland - Narrator/Bookseller; Hayley Burnett - Enchantress/Maurice; Easton Hudnut - Young Prince/Villager; Owen Desrochers – Beast; Addyson Probasco – Belle; Abbi Henkle - Villager/Wolf/Napkin; Alanna Hutchinson - Villager/Fork; Brielle Haughey - Marie/Fork; Cael Cheney - Tavern Master/Gargoyle; Carrie-Ann Maxwell - Flower Seller/Gargoyle; Dayton Reif - Baker/Monsieur D’Arque; Ella McGrane -Shepherdess/Plate; Ella Pierce - Laundry Lady/Fork; Grace Burnett - Sausage Curl Lady/Fork; Jacob Meyer - Candlemaker/Candlestick; Lexi Coder - Villager/Plate; Lydia Kramer - Villager/Fork; Nolan Hudnut -Villager/Candlestick; Tinsley Stowell - Villager/Napkin; Addi Ver Meer - Silly Girl; Letisia Wilson - Silly Girl; Lola Miller - Silly Girl; Ryanne Williams - Silly Girl; Marley Stowell - Silly Girl; Bryn Fantazia – Lefou; Ethan Desrochers – Gaston; Jayden Doll – Lumiere; Mya Smothers – Cogsworth; Isaiah Wilson – Chip; Gracie Wilson - Mrs. Potts; Taylor Wilcox – Babette; Tayler Wickham - Madame De La Grande Buche; Addilynn Ross – Wolf; Brea Cheney - Wolf/Napkin; Karley Eichenberger – Wolf; Lily Bushong - Wolf/Napkin; Adalyn Hoskins - Fork/Grand Piano; Alyssa Bos - Napkin/Broom; Amber Hindman – Plate; Annie Mathes -Fork/Footstool; Ava DeWeese - Fork/Vase of Flowers; Eli Ahrens – Candlestick; Hope Tish – Plate; Karlie Mostek – Plate; Makena Stewart – Plate; and Will Rempp – Candlestick. Sound - Carson VanDerHart and Madilyn Icenbice; Stage Crew - Airé Diaz, Aubree DeJoode, Bo Plants, Bryley Garber, Gertie Lally, Jordan O’Hallaran, Madelyn Longfellow and Storie Pitts; Set Construction - Pat Montag, Taylor Wilcox, Addyson Probasco, Chevelle Reilly, Shiressa Wetering, Ava Pargeon, Emily Jo James, Sydney Nicholson, Lacie Longfellow, Solaris Kasper and Kaylin Lang; Lighting Design - Olivia Burnett; Lighting - Elise Mathes, Larry Daniels and Olivia Burnett. |