Mars Hill

Mars Hill is a log church in Ottumwa built with hand-hewn timber and dovetail notching in its walls, topped with a gable roof. The rectangular building demonstrates the straightforward construction techniques that settlers used when establishing communities in the frontier era.

The building was constructed between 1850 and 1857 on land donated by Barbara Clark to the Baptist Church. This period reflects the early development of religious institutions in the region during the expansion of frontier settlements.

The church serves as a gathering place where people from different faith backgrounds come together for worship and community events. This role reflects how such buildings have remained central to local life over the generations.

The building underwent major restoration work after a fire in 2006 and was rededicated in 2008. Access may vary depending on the season and whether special services or community events are taking place.

The structure is one of the largest surviving log buildings in Iowa and ranks among the oldest log churches still in active use in the state. Some of the timber beams still bear scorch marks from the 2006 fire, serving as a physical reminder of the building's recovery.

Location: Iowa

Architectural style: rustic architecture

GPS coordinates: 40.89944,-92.35722

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:21