Gateway History Club offers to acquire, restore historic Bethel church property

John Roland of the Gateway History Club told the Clinton City Council Committee of the Whole that the club is negotiating with a bank to acquire the former Bethel Church property on Third Street and hopes to restore it as a historical park or memorial garden. “We may acquire the property as a 501(c)(3),” Roland said, and the club would seek the council’s input and cooperation as the project develops. Roland said the building is one of the first Black churches in eastern Iowa and has deteriorated to the point that, based on information he received, it “probably has to come down.” Roland asked the council to acknowledge the group’s intent while the club continues talks with the bank. Council members and Roland said the project would be slow-moving. Roland said the club’s preliminary plan envisions the city taking on long-term maintenance—“almost like a park”—after restoration, and that the club would return to the council with specific proposals when they are ready. No formal motion or council vote was made; councilors indicated they prefer to wait for further details and suggested the item could be moved to a future business meeting or referred to the finance committee if and when a request for city funding or maintenance arises. The presentation was an informational update only. The Gateway History Club provided historical context about the Bethel congregation and its place in the city’s Black heritage. Roland asked the council to save the club’s letter and said the group would continue to “work with the bank on it.”