Completed in 1881, it was built by the contractor David S. Strover and master carpenter Joe Stevens.

Prior to this, worship services were held occasionally in the Jasper County Courthouse and in Union Hall.

Some of the services were conducted by Iowa's first bishop, Henry Washington Lee, who encouraged the mission work in Newton.

[2] David S. Stover designed the church and Joseph Stevens was responsible for construction, which began in 1871.

The tower base, which serves as the narthex, was originally on the northeast corner of the main facade.

Other architectural elements include short buttresses and small brackets beneath the narrow eaves.

The altar, pews, choir stalls, and stained glass windows are from the early years of the church.