Eastern Iowa history buffs are trying to raise 15-thousand dollars to move the first church built in Iowa by the Salvation Army. It’s currently owned by a Maquoketa car dealership which wants to tear the church down for more parking spaces. Four other buildings have already been leveled, but city councilman Alvin Barten says the main building should be saved.Jerry Rasmussen is a consultant for Brad Deery Motors and says the dealership is willing to sell the church for one-dollar — but it’ll have to be moved. Rasmussen says the car lot is willing to give preservationists time to raise the money to pay for the move.The dealership has donated 25-hundred dollars to the cause. The plan is to move the church to a Maquoketa park for renovation as a welcome center and meeting place.
