Hope & Elim Church

On November 12, 1959, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. visited Des Moines, Iowa, and delivered a speech at Hope & Elim Church. It was one of the few places in Iowa to host Dr. King during the height of the Civil Rights Movement.

His visit was organized through the efforts of Mrs. Clifford Bayles, a local civil rights leader and the second vice president of the Iowa State Conference of NAACP Branches. She recognized the significance of Dr. King’s leadership and worked to bring him to Iowa to support local civil rights efforts.

Dr. King’s speech at the church inspired many in the Des Moines community. It encouraged residents to stay engaged in the national movement while also pushing for local change. His presence helped strengthen the connection between grassroots activism in Iowa and the broader national fight for civil rights.

After the visit, Hope & Elim Church became more than just a place of worship — it was a hub for civil rights discussions and organizing in the community. The event helped cement the church’s role in Iowa’s civil rights history.

Today, Hope & Elim Church remains active in social justice efforts and continues to honor the legacy of Dr. King’s visit. It stands as a reminder of how national leaders and local advocates worked together to advance civil rights, both across the country and within the state of Iowa.