Established in 1855 by settlers from Rhode Island and Massachusetts, the Portland Prairie Methodist Episcopal Church began as a small but vigorous congregation that met in private homes and the local school house until its building was erected in 1877 from plans brought from St. Paul by Senator J. McNelly. The first class was formed by Mr. and Mrs. Peter Paige, Mr. and Mrs. J. McNelly, Mr. and Mrs. A. Gilbert, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Green, Sara Albee, and Mr. Cramer, with J. McNelly designated as leader. George and Ellen Cass donated the land for the church and cemetery, and Mr. Title of New Albin, Iowa built the church. Served by circuit riders who ministered to several rural churches, it held regular services until 1935, and special services are still held each year. The church is associated with the Caledonia United Methodist Church, and many of the original prairie settlers are buried in the cemetery, which is still in use. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places.