History
In 1893, faithful Christians witnessed the pain and poverty of the poor citizens in Des Moines, Iowa. In response, the Methodist Deaconess Program helped begin Bidwell Riverside Center. Since then, Bidwell Riverside Center has been in service to those in need in the Des Moines metro. We endeavor to build relationships with each and all in the spirit of unconditional love. The heritage of Bidwell Riverside Center is rich with tradition and community fellowship.
Have a picture or a story of your time at Bidwell? Send it to Alison Hanner: ahanner@bidwellriverside.org to be featured on our website and newsletter.
BIDWELL:
Bidwell Riverside began as “Bidwell” and “Riverside.” Bidwell was established in 1893 by the deaconess of the Deaconess Home in Des Moines. The Deaconess Association rented a small home on Center Street that was home to the organization. In 1896 they purchased a home at 1154 9th Street from funds provided by Major A.K. Bidwell, a dedicated member of First Methodist Church. The home became the setting for the Iowa Bible Training School for Deaconess until the space was outgrown! At that time the school moved to a building which is now the East Wing of the Iowa Methodist Medical Center.
In 1904, land next to the 9th Street property was purchased and a large renovation project took place. An addition and a third story were added to the 9th Street home. The renovation enabled the Bible Training School to return to the Bidwell property.
The Bible Training School continued at the Bidwell property until 1919 when the Women’s Home Missionary Society purchased a tract of land at 921 Pleasant where a new building was erected to house the growing school. Bidwell deaconesses used space in the new building for their social service outreach programs. The Bible Training School closed in 1931 and the building became “Iowa National Esther Hall.” However, Bidwell Social Services continued to operate out of the building until 1954 when they moved once again.
RIVERSIDE:
The “Riverside” Mission started in the early 1900s because of an area on the southside of Des Moines known as “Boxtown.” Boxtown originated because the many Spanish-speaking people that inhabited the area lived in homes made from tarpaper covered boxes obtained from local department stores.In 1909, the deaconesses started a Sunday School in a small rented house on Granger. They moved to a property on SE 14th and Hartford Court that was donated by L.M. Mann. In 1925, a new building was constructed to replace the building that was destroyed in a storm the prior year. Unfortunately, this location was under floodwaters three times during the summer of 1946. A move was once again in the near future and in 1948 a new site was secured at our present location of 1203 Hartford. The building from the property at SE 14th and Hartford Court was moved and remodeled.
BIDWELL RIVERSIDE:
In 1954 Bidwell Social Services and Riverside Community House merged to become one in their mission. The former Bidwell Social Services building on East 26th remained as an extension of the Bidwell Riverside ministry. 1954 is also the year that Bidwell Riverside began the Christmas Sharing Program. In that first year, 40 boxes of food were supplied to families.
Bidwell Riverside continues to serve the community and people in need. The child care center enjoys success working with children to prepare them for the future. The food pantry and clothing distributions have continued to increase dramatically. As long as the need exists, Bidwell Riverside will continue to provide food, clothing, child care, and hope to all.
