Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa

The Little Brown Church In Nashua, Iowa And The Amazing Story Of A Popular Hymn

Step back in time with us as we unveil the enchanting history of the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa – a church that sprang from a songwriter’s imagination into reality. Discover how this tranquil spot inspired the song, “The Church in the Wildwood.” ⛪🎶 #IowaTravel #IowaNews #FaithAndReligion

NASHUA, IA – Have you heard of the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa? It has a fascinating history relating to the old hymn, “The Church in the Wildwood”. Join us as we go on a divine adventure in peaceful northeast Iowa!

A Serene Journey Back in Time

As the daylight peeks over the horizon, we’re standing here at an emblem of tranquility and history: the Little Brown Church in the Vale. A modest chapel nestled in the rolling landscapes of northeastern Iowa, it’s been an enduring symbol of faith, community, and the intertwining of lives for well over a century.

Today, I invite you on a journey through time as we delve into the origins of this charming institution and the profound sense of serenity it instills in its visitors.

Connect with us on Instagram and Facebook for fun travel pics, tips and tricks to make the most out of your next Midwestern adventure!

A Church Born of Song

Imagine, if you will, a time long before our arrival here. It’s the year 1857, and a music teacher and songwriter by the name of Dr. William S. Pitts is traveling through these then-untamed lands. Engaged to be married, he was journeying from Wisconsin to visit his beloved. His path brought him right here, to this very spot where our Little Brown Church now resides.

Although at the time there was no church—just an unspoiled landscape that held an unspoken promise of tranquility—Pitts was so taken by the serene beauty of the place that it stayed with him. Back home, the vision of the idyllic spot refused to leave him, but as a humble music teacher, he didn’t have the means to build a church. So, he did what he knew best: he immortalized it in a song.

➡️ RELATED: They Moved This Incredible Lutheran Church By Hand From Wisconsin To Minnesota!

Thus, the hymn “The Church in the Wildwood” was born, a tribute to the imagined “little brown church in the dale”. The song was a tangible manifestation of his dreams, written down and tucked away into a drawer for years to come.

The peaceful gardens of the Little Brown Church in Nashua
The peaceful gardens and picnic area make this a great stop during your Iowa adventures.

A Miracle in the Vale

Fast forward five years, and Pitts returns to the area to visit his friends and family. What greets him is a sight so surreal that it momentarily takes his breath away: a church, a little brown one at that, erected on the very spot where he’d imagined it to be. It was the church from his song, a product of his dreams, standing there as real as the ground it was built on.

➡️ RELATED: You Never Knew This Medieval Norway Viking Church Is In Modern-Day Wisconsin!

Now, skeptics might say that the brown paint was cheaper, hence the color. But for the believers among us, it seemed like divine intervention, a proof of life’s uncanny knack for unfolding in the most mysterious of ways.

The beautiful Little Brown Church in Nashua
Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for tons of videos to help make the most out of your next vacation in the Midwest. We explore hidden gems, tips and tricks only the locals know and so much more!

A Modern Day Destination

Fast forward to today, and the Little Brown Church in the Vale has become a beloved tourist attraction and charming wedding destination. Friends from nearby Waverly recount attending dozens of ceremonies at this picturesque locale. The rural setting, the quaint church, and the peaceful garden that accompanies it—it all adds to the idyllic charm of the place.

Iowa's Best: 365 Unique Adventures by Jack and Kitty Norton - Amazon Best-Seller!

But the Church is more than just a place to exchange vows. It’s a portal into history (there’s even a cute Pioneer Village Museum next door). Although it currently has a Nashua address, the church sits in what was once known as the town of Bradford, Iowa, a silent testament to a time that is no more.

The Bradford Pioneer Museum in Nashua, Iowa
The Old Bradford Pioneer Museum is located next door to the church.

The Serenity of Northeast Iowa

If you’re ever in this part of the state, the church is an inviting stopover—a place to stretch your legs, breathe in the crisp air, and soak up a slice of Iowa’s history. It’s a peaceful, fun place that effortlessly transports you to simpler times.

➡️ RELATED: Step Inside The Enchanting World Of Missouri’s Precious Moments Chapel

A small area filled with souvenirs and a humble gift shop serves as a reminder of your visit. It operates on a donation basis, offering a chance for visitors to contribute to the church’s upkeep while taking a small memento home.

Gift shop at Little Brown Church in Nashua
We ended up buying a few postcards and a copy of the songs sheet music during our visit.

The doors of the church are always open for anyone seeking solace, quietude, or just a refreshing pause from the humdrum of life. And as a bonus, it even offers air conditioning, restrooms, and ample parking.

➡️ RELATED: Iowa’s Burma-Shave Signs: A Nostalgic Journey into the Heartland

The history of the Little Brown Church in Nashua
These helpful signs will greet you at the church, telling the history of the congregation and the song, “The Church in the Wildwood.”

A Visit That Strikes a Chord

Visiting the Little Brown Church, it’s hard not to be struck by its simplicity, its age-old charm, and the sense of peace that permeates its surroundings. It got me pondering, who would be the most musical character in the Bible? That would be Samson—because he brought down the house!

Yes, we drove to the church in our truck. But the drive, set against the backdrop of the verdant landscape, was a part of the experience. In fact, it led to a fun conjecture—what kind of car would Jesus drive? A Chrysler, perhaps? Hehe. Don’t get mad! I stole those two bad dad jokes from a minister friend, so they are officially Lutheran church approved!

➡️ RELATED: Funny and Clean Christian Jokes for All Ages You Can Tell in Church

The Little Brown Church in the Vale holds a special place in my heart, as dear to me as the simplest joys of childhood. This serene sanctuary, borne from a song and standing as a testament to faith and time, is truly a unique destination that is worth the detour.

Thank you for joining me on this journey to the Church in the Wildwood. Here’s to more adventures filled with explorations of such hidden gems! Happy travels.

➡️ RELATED: Hilariously Holy Humor: These Are The BEST Funny Church Signs!

Know Before You Go: Little Brown Church

  • Location: 2730 Cheyenne Ave, Nashua, IA 50658
  • Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Sunday to Friday. 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM Saturday
  • Parking: Plenty of free parking, space for buses and RVs.
  • Admission: Free (donations accepted). A small souvenir shop (located inside the church) is operated on the honor system, so you may want to bring some cash.

Watch the Video Tour: Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa

Little Brown Church In Nashua, Iowa: Amazing Story Of A Popular Hymn

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

🗣 Have you ever visited the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa? Is there a historic or extra special church in the Midwest you think we should feature on our blog? Let us know! We’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments section below. ⬇️

SHARE This Article With Family And Friends…