The Gathering PlaceTwo words best describe the performing arts offerings- variety and quality. Productions have included Mark Twain, Ragtime Piano, Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Uncle Phil’s Diner, Smoke on the Mountain and Tuesdays with Morrie. These offerings have routinely entertained patrons from over a 50 mile radius. Historical educational programs are offered several times throughout the year. Located at the corner of Cass and Ohio Streets (one block east of the Court House square in Sidney, Iowa) the remodeled facility will accommodate 80 people comfortably in a sit down catered meal arrangement and 110 in a theater style seating arrangement. Community uses of the facility have included family gatherings, graduation receptions, class reunions, Presidential campaign stops, baby and wedding showers, weddings, funeral and memorial services, organization annual meetings and banquets, land auctions, retirement parties, wedding anniversaries, and teen dances just to name a few. The facility may be rented by area families and organizations by contacting facility manager Sharon Barrett at 712/374-2487 or at GatheringPlace@FremontCountyHistorical.org. Gathering Place Historical OverviewThe First Baptist church of Sidney was organized at the residence of James Bobbitt about 2 miles SW of Sidney on June 12, 1852. For some time they met in members’ homes and later in the county courthouse. Soon members realized they needed a church building and though money was scarce, they went to work and constructed a brick building 37 x 44 feet in size. In August of 1858 they commenced to use the church although it was not finished until 1862. By now there were 46 members. In 1891 the old brick church was considered unsafe and was sold. While a new church was being built they used the Christian Church facilities. The new church, which cost $3000, was first used in 1893 and finished and dedicated in 1895. For over 70 years the building that the Gathering Place currently resides in was home to the First Baptist Church of Sidney. It was here that its members “gathered” for worship, baptisms, weddings, funerals and a whole host of social events and activities. After the church was disbanded in 1966 the property was gifted to the Fremont County Historical Society who used it as a meeting place for the society’s programs. Several groups, most recently the Lutheran Church, also used it as their worship center. Since renovations were completed in 2006 the facility serves as a “Gathering Place” for the citizens of Fremont County to enjoy educational and quality performing arts programs sponsored by, or in cooperation with, the Historical Society. |
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