The Little Brown Church is Real!
"No place is so dear to my childhood, as the little brown church in the vale."
I sang those lines many times as a child and never knew the story behind the song. Imagine my surprise during our recent travels when I found out the little brown church was actually real—and it was close enough for a quick detour.
We took a short 2-mile jaunt off the highway to see the church and found out a little history. Now I have a question for you. Which came first, the church or the song?
Read on for the answer. There’s a great story here.
View of the little brown church from the road.
Location:
2730 Cheyenne Avenue
Nashua, IA 50658
Hours:
Dawn to Dusk
Contact:
(614)-435-2027
Website:
LittleBrownChurch.org
Music book from my childhood has a brief story about the “Little Brown Church” mentioned in the lyrics. Don’t remember reading the story, but remember the song well.
First, the Song
In 1857, a young music teacher named William S. Pitts was traveling through Iowa to see his soon-to-be-bride. During the stagecoach stop to change horses, Dr. Pitts took a short walk through the town.
He came upon an empty lot surrounded by wildwoods and thought it would be a nice spot for church. Upon his return home, he penned a poem about the “Church in the Wildwood.” He later set it to music then forgot about the song.
After moving to the area in 1862, he once again visited the empty lot, only to find a little brown church standing in that spot. Finding his song penned several years earlier, Pitts taught it to his music students. They later sang it at the church dedication.
Imagine this—a song written about a building that wasn’t there, only later built as described by those with no knowledge of the song.
Pointed arch entrance door surrounded by signs welcoming guests that visit.
Then, the Church
By 1855, the growing town had established a church group. However, they were without a church building to hold meetings. On donated land and with donated materials, local residents began building their church in 1860.
When it came time to paint the exterior, brown paint was the least expensive. It took four years for this little community to finish the church with minimal cost and a large labor of love.
Did the church members know about the song? Not until after the building’s completion—and painted brown due only to paint cost. How’s that for a story!
Interior view looking toward the entrance shows the beautiful architectural details carefully constructed in the 1860’s.
150+ Years of Use
Still in use today after 150+ years, the little brown church is lovingly preserved and remains in active use. They note over 74,000 weddings performed there through the years.
The song, “Church in the Wildwood,” penned so long ago by Dr. Pitts and 1st sung in the little brown church, continues to be sung each Sunday.
Grounds around the Little Brown Church are lovingly cared for.
Finding Special Places
Oft times during travels we seek out places that hold special memories from our childhood. Other times we stumble upon them, or so we think. A very wise friend once told me, “There are no coincidences.”
Not sure of the exact purpose of our finding this little church. However, I do know it brought back a flood of pleasant childhood memories long forgotten. Perhaps that was the purpose of our visit to the church in the vale after all.
Visiting the Little Brown Church in the Vale
The building is a regularly visited tourist stop. Open dawn to dusk, you may visit on your own or call to schedule a tour. The pastor enjoys giving building tours and sharing the unique history of both the building and the song.
Tours last approximately one hour and are available for groups when scheduled in advance. Bus groups are also welcome with ample parking available.
Wanting more ideas on relaxing, playing or learning?
Check out our "Things to Do" page for other Worthy Detour stops.
