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CHAPTER XXII
THE CHURCHES IN LINCOLN AND SUBURBS

METHODIST EPISCOPAL DENOMINATION

First in the list of churches of this denomination in Lancaster County may be mentioned the St. Paul Methodist Episcopal Church of Lincoln. This is one of the pioneer churches of the county and today is one of the largest. The first Methodist meetings in the county were held in the old Town of Lancaster, before the founding of Lincoln. The first class was in charge of Robert Hawks, an itinerant preacher, who had been appointed in 1867. At the close of the first conference year the Lancaster class had a total of sixteen members. When the state capital was established at the new Town of Lincoln the class was moved there. In the spring of 1868 the class was made a station and named the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Lincoln. Rev. H. T. Davis was appointed the first pastor, residing in Lincoln. Prior to his coming services had been carried on in a small frame church building at the corner of Tenth and P streets. Among the more prominent of the si.xteen members then composing the class were Captain Baird and wife, John Cadman and wife, William Cadman, A. K. White and wife, J. Kimball and wife, Mrs. J. Schoolcraft; J. Kimball was the class leader. At the end of the first year the number of members had increased and to accommodate them a $2,000 church building was erected on the spot where the St. Paul Church now stands on the corner of Twelfth and M streets; the old church building was cleared of a $400 mortgage and sold for school purposes. Reverend Davis remained with this church for three years, having a membership of 202 at the close of his pastorate. The pastors who have served the St. Paul Church since this time until the present are as follows: Revs. J. J. Roberts, G. S. Alexander, W. B. Slaughter, H. S. Henderson, A. C. Williams. R. N. McKaig, C. F. Creighton, J. S. Bitler, F. S. Stein, C. C. Lasby, W. R. Halstead, Fletcher L. Wharton, J. W. Jones, I. F. Roach, T. W. Jeffrey. Reverend Jeffrey began his service on March 1, 1913.

During the pastorate of Reverend Roberts the first church parsonage was constructed. While Reverend McKaig was pastor of the church there grew up a sentiment for a new building for worship. On April 23, 1883, an official meeting of the church was held and the decision was reached to begin the erection of a new building at once. Committees were appointed to superintend the various departments of the work. On June 11th the plans of Mr. Wilcox of Minneapolis were accepted, the cost of the building placed at $25,000. Ground was broken for the new church on July 1st and the cornerstone laid by Reverend Marine in the spring of 1884. The church was dedicated by Bishop Bowman on Sunday, August 22, 1885. Instead of costing the original amount of $25,000 as planned fully $45,000 was expended before the structure was completed. In the fall of
1883 the name of the church was changed from the First Methodist Episcopal to the St. Paul Methodist Episcopal.

The church structure was used by the society until September 16, 1899, when flames destroyed the building. Plans were at once made for the erection of a new church and during the progress of the building the St. Paul congregation held services in the Oliver Theater and in other churches. The new building was opened to the society in November, 1901.

The Grace Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1885. On March 19th of that year the St. Paul Church decided to build another church east of the Antelope. This decision was the result of the enormous growth in the church membership to 1,200 people, due in great part to the Bitler revival which had taken place just previously. A site was selected and a temporary tabernacle constructed for use until a new building could be erected. The new church was begun on the corner of R and Twenty-seventh streets and within four months was ready for occupancy. At the annual conference held in the following September Rev. J. T. Minehart was appointed pastor of the new church. The society was officially named the Grace M. E. Church and the church, which had cost $11,000, was dedicated on September 19, 1889, by Bishop Warren. In 1894 the
church building was rebuilt and the cornerstone reset, the latter event taking place on July 11th of that year. This building served the needs of the congregation until the present $60,000 structure was erected. The cornerstone of the new church was laid August 4, 1912, and the finished building was dedicated June I, 1913. The total church property, including the parsonage, is worth about eighty thousand dollars. The following men have served as pastors of the Grace Methodist Episcopal Church: Revs. J. S. W. Dean, George W. Isham, Charles M. Shepherd, Lewis T. Guild, Richard N. Orrill, P. P. Carroll, D. L. Thomas, J. W. Jones, H. B. Collins and J. F. Boeye. The church has a member-
ship of about eleven hundred people.

The German Methodist Episcopal Church of Lincoln had its beginning as early as the year 1869. The first Nebraska Legislature in this year donated three city lots for the German Methodist Church at the corner of Fifteenth and M streets. There was no German society here at that time and no German who was a member of the Methodist Church except Mr. Adam Bax, who was connected with the First Methodist. Governor Butler called upon Mr. Bax and insisted that he should build the church, that it had to be done before July 1st in order to retain the lots. The governor offered to contribute $125 as a start to a building fund; Colonel Cropsey volunteered a donation of $120; Thomas P. Kennard, then secretary of state, gave $75; John Gillespie, auditor of state, presented $50. Mr. Bax canvassed the east side of the public square in Lincoln and secured
promises of money to the amount of $840 for the new building. The presiding elder of the Methodist Church was appealed to for a German preacher. A small chapel was constructed with the money received, located on the southwest comer of Fifteenth and M. The organization of the German Methodist Episcopal Church was accomplished in the fall of the year 1869 by F. H. Menger, who had a large circuit of congregations. From 1869 until 1872 Revs. H. M. Menger, F. Miller and G. Schultz served intermittently as pastors of the church. From 1872 until 1875 the congregation had no regular pastor. Pastors of other churches in this part of the state frequently came here and preached. In 1875
Rev. H. R. Rienier was sent as regular pastor and he constructed the first parsonage two years later. The following pastors have succeeded Reverend Riemer: Revs. Charles Harms. September, 1878-79; T. J. Kost, 1879-82; F. Unland, 1882-83; Charles Harms, 1883-86; Christian Bruegger, 1886-90; J. J. Hammell, 1890-93; F. Reichard, 1893-94; F. H. Schultz, 1894-96; John Demand, 1896-1902; Charles Harms, 1902-07; William Fricke, 1907-10; H. C. Elfeldt, 1910-13; Matthew Herrmann, 1913-. The old chapel which was built in 1869 was replaced with a beautiful brick structure in 1902. The present membership of the society is 124. Mr. Adam Bax remained a staunch member of the church until his death in Lincoln on December 17, 1915, aged eighty-seven years. The only living charter member of the church is John Giesler. In April, 1914, Reverend
Herrmann began the publication of Der Kleine Bote, a weekly parish paper.

That which is now the Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church of Lincoln was at first a part of the Lincoln Circuit, which embraced several appointments. In the fall of 1878 Rev. A. L. Folden was appointed to the circuit. At the first quarterly conference of the First Church, now St. Paul M. E. Church, a vote was passed requesting Reverend Folden to take an appointment in South Lincoln and a committee of two, J. C. Johnson and Mr. Lawson, were named to assist him in this enterprise. A small building was at first used on Wood Street, between Ninth and Tenth; and after this services were held for a time in the old Universalist Church on Twelfth Street near H. Reverend Folden remained three years in the work here. During the conference year of 1880-81 an effort was made to build a Methodist Church in South Lincoln, but it was bitterly opposed
by Rev. A. C. Williams of the First Church. However, a small frame building was erected on A Street, near Twelfth, for $1,200, and the congregation used this until the fall of 1887. By this time the pastorate had grown from fifty-three members to eighty-four. In the fall of 1887, as mentioned above, the little church building on Twelfth and A streets was presented to a new organization called the Bethel Church, located one mile west, near A Street. The South Lincoln Church erected a new tabernacle on Sixteenth and A streets and within a very few months the membership had grown to 258. Then the church was reorganized and named Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church. During the year 1892 the society erected the chapel part of the present church for $15,000 on the rear of the lot at Sixteenth and A. No more building was done until the new building was constructed in 1910, costing $100,000. The plans for this handsome structure were drawn by Reverend Huntington, once pastor of the Trinity Church. The church is one of
the most complete in the Capital City, including besides the regular church features, a fully equipped gymnasium. The parsonage was erected in 1896 at a cost of $8,000. The membership of the church is now approximately one thousand. Following are the names of the pastors who have filled the pulpit at Trinity: Revs. S. P. Vandoozer. A. L. Folden, P. S. Mather, J. Marsh, C. H. Gilmore, H. T. Davis, S. D. Roberts, D. W. C. Huntington, R. T. Chipperfield, N. A. Martin, W. M. Balch, A. J. Northrup, E. D. Hull, E. N. Tompkins.

Occupying a foremost position among the Methodist churches of the city and county is the First Methodist Episcopal Church of University Place. On November 18, 1888, nine men and nine women met in an unfinished room in the main building of the Nebraska Wesleyan University and there organized this church. They met that day in the old library room, now used by the school of commerce, and there in the light of kerosene lamps held their first services. Chancellor Creighton was the preacher in charge. Doctor Creighton served as pastor by appointment as supply for the first eight months, with Rev. Isaac L. Lowe as assistant. Their work in the university became heavier and they were
relieved from pastoral duties. Rev. D. L. Thomas was pastor from July, 1889, until September, 1890. Rev. Asa Sleeth was then appointed to the charge and served for one year, when he became presiding elder of the Lincoln District, and Rev. W. B. Alexander was sent here as pastor. Rev. G. W. Abbott came in 1892 and remained until 1897, when he was succeeded by Rev. James Mailley, who, after serving but a few months, went to the Philippine Islands as chaplain of the Second Regiment, Nebraska Volunteer Infantry. Rev. Hiram Burch supplied by appointment until the following annual conference, when Rev. W. B. Marsh became pastor for two years. He was followed by Rev. L. C. Lemon in September, 1900, and was reappointed each year until 1904. Rev. P. P. Carroll then came from Grace M. E. Church of Lincoln to this charge and after two years was succeeded by Rev. W. P. Ferguson. The latter stayed but six months and then came Chancellor-Emeritus D. W. C. Huntington who served out the conference year as supply. In 1907 Rev. L. M. Grigsby came and remained until 1910, when Rev. I. B. Schreckengast assumed charge of the pastorate. In April, 1913, Dr. E. S. Brightman took the place of Reverend Schreckengast when the latter became vice-chancellor of the university. In September of the same year Rev. J. R. Gettys became the pastor and served until the present minister, Rev. Charles W. McCaskill, came in 1915. The membership of the church is about twelve hundred.

After the beginning of this church the place of meeting was soon moved to the old chapel, which was the church home until 1902, when the society moved into the basement of a proposed church building on the site of the present edifice and which was known as the "hole in the ground" church. After five years spent here the auditorium of the C. C. White Memorial Building was utilized until the construction of the present church building, which is one of the handsomest and most impressive of any similar building in the county. The new building was dedicated witli appropriate ceremonies on December 12, 1909.

Following is the list of charter members of the First M. E. Church of University Place: Mrs. C. F. Creighton, Emma T. Cline, G. E. Giwits, H. E. Hanthorne, Myrtle Learned, O. P. Sheldon, Mrs. O. P. Sheldon, Mable Sheldon, T. W. Sprowles. Phillip H. Smith, W. H. Turrell, Mrs. Hannah R. Warfield, Hattie Warfield, Laura A. Weed, A. R. Wightman, Anna J. Wightman, Rev. C. F. Creighton, Rev. I. L. Lowe.

The Emmanuel Methodist Episcopal Church of Lincoln was founded August 15, 1888, Rev. W. W. Mallory being the first pastor. Services were first held in a building on T Street, between Twelfth and Thirteenth, known as the Red Ribbon Hall. Soon after this J. M. Burks organized a Sunday school. The name Emmanuel was given by the presiding elder, W. G. Miller. In 1890 the congregation moved from their hall to a church building at the corner of Thirteenth and U streets, which they used until the present building was completed. The cornerstone of this new structure was laid July 7, 1912, and the dedication occurred November 17, 1912; the total cost of the building was $12,500. Following are the names of the pastors who have served this church: Revs. W. W. Mallory, L. T. Guild, W. J. Calfee, T. W. Sprowles, O. W. Fifer, L. C. Lemon, F. A. Stuff, J. W. Embree, L. F. Smith, G. M. Gates, Peter Van Kleet, A. A. Randall. E. L. Barch, C. E. Carroll, S. B. Williams. The Emmanuel Church is located at 643 North Fifteenth Street.

The First Swedish Methodist Episcopal Church of Lincoln was organized July 8, 1889, in the home of August Kallstedt, 1919 O Street, by the district superintendent, Rev. Olin Swenson. Rev. J. B. Anderson was the first pastor and the successive pastors have been: Revs. A. F. Winell, A. R. Mellen, Peter Munson, C. A. Anderson, J. Gabrielson, O. G. Sandberg, Gustav Erickson and K. G. Norberg. The charter members of the society were: Gust Reynolds and wife, Leonard Tidstrand, Mrs. Sophia Hill, O. J. Linder, Carl John Malm, Miss Caroline Larson, Miss Mary Dahlgren, Miss Mary Nelson, Miss Mary Erickson, August Kallstedt and wife, and Axel Segerholm. There are at present about one hundred members in the society. In 1891 the first church was built at Eighteenth and R streets. In the spring of 1892, when the Rock Island Railroad was built through Lincoln, the property was sold to them, a lot bought at Eighteenth and J streets for $2,400. The old church was moved on to this lot and used for twelve years. In 1903 the present church was built, costing the sum of $8,000.

The Elm Park Methodist Episcopal Church was first organized as a Sunday School in May, 1906. in a store room at Twenty-seventh and Randolph streets, by Rev. W. W. McGuire and was known as the Randolph Mission. There were less than a dozen enrolled, mostly children. It was in the summer of 1907 that the church was really organized and a building started on the corner of Twenty-ninth and Randolph streets. This building was dedicated March 9, 1908, by Bishop McDowell. The following have served as pastors here: Revs. J. H. Bounds, H. W. Cope, B. L. Story, Whitney, J. D. Hollister and L. L. Hanthorne. A modern parsonage was built in 1914. The present membership of the church is 200.

The Lincoln Heights Methodist Episcopal Church was started about the year 1891. The first trustees were elected on March 19, 1891, and were: Ephraim Rife, H. J. Rickard, H. J. Phillips, W. C. Hook, George Camp. John Ferrier; Rev. G. W. Miller was chairman of the meeting. The church was built in 1892, located at Seventh and Superior streets, and dedicated in February, 1893, by D. W. C. Huntington, D. D., with thirty-three members. For several years the church was quite prosperous and its membership increased until numbering eighty-five. After this the membership dwindled until in 1903 there were only eight left. During the pastorate of E. E. Bowen, a university student, the dilapidated church was moved to the present location at the corner of Eleventh and Nelson streets. The building was repaired and reopened on January 10, 1904. Since then the
society had been growing steadily and the membership is now about one hundred and forty. The first pastor of the church was M. A. Wimberley, and since then the following have served: R. N. Orrill, R. J. McKenzie, C. L. Myers, J. A. Nichols, A. D. Hull, R. C. Howard. J. W. Warfield. C. E. Rush, L. L. Gaither, J. Fowler, H. B. Seymour, A. S. Woodard, E. E. Bowen, C. E. Austin, J. McVay, W. S. Ryle, C. G. Cole, O. L. Kendall, E. V. Price.

The Free Methodist Church of Lincoln was started at Fifteenth and Vine streets in the spring of 1889 by Rev. W. W. Harris. The charter members were: Mrs. A. C. Bakzell, J. V. Parks, Mr. Marshall and Mrs. Eggar. In 1894 the first church was constructed at Thirtieth and Y streets. In 1905 the location mentioned above was sold to the Interurban Street Car Company and another location was secured on Twenty-seventh and Orchard streets. The first conference minister was Reverend Stephens, who was followed by Reverends Taylor, Josephine Ackerman, Deaxter, Hatfield, Steward, Barnes, Finch, Amspoker, Eggers, Bruce, Mary E. Stafford, McElfresh, J. L. Riley, C. L. Manning and C.
L. Fike. The present membership is sixty-one.

Warren Methodist Episcopal Church at University Place was organized by Dr. G. W. Isham. He' was appointed pastor for three successive years. This church was started in 1908. The present membership is 140.

The St. James Methodist Episcopal Church of University Place was organized in 1910 and now has a membership of thirty-five.

Normal Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1901 and now has a membership of 120. The church is located at the corner of South and Fifty-fifth streets.

The Epworth Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1890. The church building is located at 2900 Dudley. The membership is 170.

The Havelock Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1885 and has a membership of 280.

The City of Lincoln has two colored Methodist churches, the First African Methodist Episcopal Church and the Neumann Methodist Episcopal Church. The former was organized in the year 1873 and now has a membership of 130. The church is located at 1845 C Street. The Neumann Church was organized in 1895, has fifty members, and is situated at 733 J Street.

The statement has been truthfully made that the City of Lincoln has more Methodists "per capita" than any other city in the United States. 

PRESBYTERIAN DENOMINATION

The First Presbyterian Church of Lincoln was organized on April 4, 1869, by Rev. J. C. Elliott, at that time a pastor in Nebraska City. There were eight charter members, namely: Howard Kennedy, Mrs. Maggie A. Kennedy, Paren England, Malinda W. England, John H. Baird, Mrs. Serena Baird, A. M. McCandless and Mrs. E. A. Guy. Howard Kennedy was elected ruling elder and the church was declared duly organized. At first it was impossible to hold regular services as there was no regular pastor and no meeting place. But after a few months a frame building on O Street, near the present site of the First National Bank, was rented and the real work of the church begun. The first
members were received in this building, the first adult baptized and the first communion service held. The first child baptized was Howard Kennedy. The first persons to unite with the church by certificate were: W. J. Turner, John N. T. Jones, Mrs. E. L. Jones, Cyrus H. Street, Charles Mc.Manon, Samuel Alexander, John Morrison, James Eckerman, Dr. L. H. Robbins, Mrs. M. A. Robbins, W. A. Kellogg. The first person received on profession of faith was B. M. Brake and the first death among the membership was that of A. M. McCandless, one of the charter members.

The pastors who have served since the first one, Rev. H. P. Peck, 1870-74, have been: J. W. Ellis, 1875-76; S. W. Weller, 1876-78; James Kemlo, 1879; J. O. Gordon, 1880-82; E. H. Curtis, 1883-95; W. M. Hindman, 1896-1902; H. C. Swearingen, 1902-07; W. W. Lawrence, 1908-13; L. D. Young, 1915-. Reverend Stein supplied the church in 1914.

The first church edifice was erected at the corner of Eleventh and J streets, on lots donated by the state, and was dedicated on October 9, 1870, by Rev. T. H. Cleland, then of Council Bluffs, Iowa. This first .church cost the Presbyterians $5,000 and, with several improvements, continued to hold the society until December, 1884. In April, 1884, ground was broken for the erection of the present church building at the southwest corner of Thirteenth and M streets. The vestry room was completed in September, 1885, and was occupied as a place of worship until January, 1886, when the main auditorium was finished. This church building, which had cost $40,000, was dedicated on July 18, 1886, by Rev. A. V. V. Raymond.

In October, 1888, a number of persons interested in the work met in a vacant store building near the corner of O and Twenty-seventh streets and organized a Sabbath School. This was the beginning of the Second Presbyterian Church of Lincoln. At the meeting there were sixty-four persons enrolled as members of the school and Thomas Marsland was chosen superintendent, George G. Waite, secretary, and Almon Tower, treasurer. A full corps of teachers was organized and classes grouped. Preaching services were held every Sunday in this store room until February 14, 1889, when the school moved into the basement of a church being erected on the corner of Twenty-sixth and P streets, on lots donated in part by William M. Clark. On the evening of March 13, 1889, a meeting was held and a church formally organized, to be known as the Second Presbyterian Church of Lincoln, Nebraska. There were forty-six charter members. The first elders elected were: Alyron Tower, Thomas Marsland, W. C. Cunningham and William M. Clark. On April 1, 1889, Rev. Charles E. Bradt took charge of the work.

On May 16, 1890 at Warn's Chapel on Wood Street the Third Presbyterian Church was organized. J. W. McMillan and C. S. Clason were elected elders and Rev. C. G. A. Hullhorst was chosen as the first pastor. A chapel was constructed and work begun on the corner of Eleventh and Plum streets. In 1894 this chapel was enlarged. The Third Church is not now in existence, having disbanded several years ago. The building became the Knox Presbyterian Church, then, and now, the St. John's Lutheran house of worship.

The Westminster Presbyterian Church of Lincoln was organized at Westminster Chapel, Twenty-fourth and A streets, on February 12, 1905. Rev. Thomas L. Sexton, D. D., synodical superintendent of home missions, presided. E. R. Mockett was elected clerk. The sermon was preached by Rev. R. M. Stevenson. There were forty-one charter members of this church, namely: E. R. Mockett, Mrs. Ada C. Mockett, E. E. Mockett, Mrs. N. N. Mockett, M'rs. N. S. Nichols, Mrs. L. Schwind. Miss N. Schwind, Miss Faith Schwind, Mrs. M. Schlueter, Mrs. H. Needham, Mrs. L. Needham, A. E. Patch, Mrs. Bessie Patch, Miss Hazel Patch, Theodore Randolph. Mrs Alice Randolph. Mrs. M. L. Strother, Mary C. Young, Florence Ward, Nellie Ward, Lillian Ward, Dora Merritt, Frank Miller, Kate Dunkle, H. A. Carr, L. J. Dunn, Clinton Hosick, Mrs. Anna Hosick, Mrs.
Ellen Rowcliffe, Mrs. Mary E. Hutchinson, Miss L. Young, Miss Minnie Hutchinson, Mrs. S. A. Betzer, Mrs. S. L. Lyman, Mrs. Mary L. Gabriel, John G. Bowers, Mrs. D. Bowers, Mrs. Susie E. Jones and Mrs. D. B. Abbott. The church building for the society was constructed in the year 1906. There are now 257 members. Following are the pastors who have served this congregation: Revs. R. M. Stevenson, Ralph H. Houseman, H. V. Comir and Rudolph Caughey.

The Memorial United Presbyterian Church of Lincoln was organized December 22, 1890, at the corner of Sixteenth and R streets by Rev. J. A. Duff of Minden and Elder W. L. Brooks of Pawnee City. Albert Small and G. E. Sloss were chosen ruling elders. The charter members of this church were: Mrs. Mary Anderson, W. H. Boyd, Mrs. M. J. Campbell, Miss Alice L. Campbell, Miss Ella J. Campbell, Miss Emma O. Campbell, W. R. Carter, Mrs. Anna Carter, William Ellis, Miss Marion M. Embleton, Samuel R. Edmondson, Dr. F. A. Graham, Miss Jennie Graham, Alexander Hutton, Mrs. Mary E. Hutton, Thomas Hutton, Mrs. Sarah A. Hutton. Elmer S. Hutton, Miss Isabella J. Hutton, James Humphrey, Mrs. Nancy Humphrey, Mrs. S. V. Hubbard, Miss Eva M. Irwin, Mrs. O. S. Morrow, Miss Jennie Morrison, Mrs. Elizabeth McEwen, James McNerney, Miss Libbie McNerney, Mrs. Anna R. Stewart, Albert Small, Mrs. M. J. Small, G. E. Sloss, Mrs. Mollie Sloss, Mrs. E. J. Said, W. L. Said, Mrs. Underwood. Rev. O. S. Morrow was the first pastor of the church and was followed by Revs. E. E. Fife, D. E. Smith, W. M. Lorimer, J. A. Thompson. C. B. Gilmore, Albert Gordon and S. W. Woodburn. In 1890 a small frame building was constructed for church purposes. In 1893 the present church was completed and the parsonage in 1906. There are at present seventy-five members of this church society.

The Westminster Presbyterian Church of University Place had its start in 1907. In January of that year Reverend Thompson, pastor of the United Presbyterian Church of Lincoln came to University Place and preached a sermon in Beebe's Hall. After preaching for several Sundays and awakening spirit among the Presbyterians here the question of organizing a church was brought up, but was not favored owing to the fact that there were not enough people of the Presbyterian faith to justify it. Then Rev. M. Long of Lincoln came to University Place and held services in the afternoons at Beebe's Hall for several months. On April 21st an organization was perfected with thirty-six charter
members. On December 1, 1907, J. E. Weir was secured as the first regular pastor. Rev. I. Keener came next and is in charge at present. In 1910 the society erected a $10,000.00 church building. The cornerstone was laid May 15th and the dedication occurred September 11th. The membership is about two hundred. 

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST

The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Lincoln was organized October 10, 1902, and took the place of the First and Second churches that had already existed. About one hundred and twenty-five persons first met in the Farmers and Merchants Building and there proceeded to the organization. The membership book was opened for those who desired to enroll themselves as charter members and at the close of a thirty-day period 133 persons had written their names. The readers chosen to conduct the services for the first term of three years were Horace W. Hebbard and Mrs. Emma Hagenow. The hall in the fraternity building was leased for the services of the society. The congregations for the first few months averaged between 300 and 400. The attendance steadily increased and it became evident before long that larger quarters would soon be necessary.
Accordingly the question of building a church was agitated. About seven hundred dollars had been paid into the treasurey as a nucleus to a building fund at the time of the organization of the church. At the annual meeting on October 9, 1903, a building committee of five members was elected, namely: William M. Leonard, Arthur C. Ziemer, Royal D. Stearns, Elon W. Nelson and Horace W. Hebbard. The first work of the committee was the selection of a site for a church edifice. Several locations were discussed, but the committee finally decided on the two lots, corner of Twelfth and L streets, belonging to Dr. B. L. Paine. This was on March 14, 1904. There was at that time about two thousand two hundred dollars in the building fund and the price of the lots was $7,000.00. The committee agreed to pay $3,500.00 in twenty days from the time of purchase. At
the close of the time, owing to the liberal response, $5,000.00 was paid on the lots. Work was then started upon a fund to build the church, but shortly afterward the building of the extension of the mother church in Boston was undertaken and the work of raising a fund for the Lincoln Church was suspended in order that aid might be more freely given to the mother church. In June, 1906, the Lincoln work was opened again. Plans for a church building submitted by S. S. Beman of Chicago to cost between $65,000.00 and $75,000.00 had been adopted, but as the church was not yet ready to undertake so extensive a work, the plan was presented of building a part of the structure, that part which
would eventually be used as a Sunday School room, to be used for holding services until the main part of the building could be erected. On February 21, 1907, a contract was signed for the erection of this portion of the building and on Thanksgiving Day of the same year the first services were held therein. About the first of July, 1908, the stone foundation for the balance of the structure was completed. At the semi-annual meeting on July 6, 1911, a contract was let to F. P. Gould & Son of Omaha for the completion of the church, for the sum of $54,400.00. The cornerstone of the new building was laid on October 6, 1911. The Christian Scientist Church in Lincoln is one of the handsomest buildings in the city, both in architectural beauty and finish. The church society is in a very prosperous condition and has a strong membership.

LUTHERAN CHURCHES

The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lincoln was formally organized on December 20, 1870, by Rev. S. G. Larson of Saunders County. There were fifteen charter members, namely: A. Coppom, L. P. Lundgrenand and wife, John Nelson, A. G. Quick, John Lyon, Carl Lundquist, P. Bengtson, Alfred Anderson, Gustaf Bengtson, Miss Augusta Lusch, Miss Lotta Widen, Miss Thilda Bengtson, Miss Bengta Didrick and Miss Nilla Didrick. Rev. S. G. Larson was the first pastor of the congregation, although he never located permanently in Lincoln. He resided at Mead, Saunders County, Nebraska. The first resident pastor was Rev. L. P. Alilquist, who came in 1874 and remained one year. After his departure the church was vacant, being served by neighboring pastors and theological students until 1886, when Rev. G. Peters from Rockford, Illinois, took up
the work. Rev. F. N. Swanberg was here in 1888 and in the summer of 1889 Rev. John Eckstrom came, remaining three years. Rev. G. Peters then returned and stayed for a year and a half. In the summer of 1896 Rev. Carl Christenson came here and remained about three years, and was succeeded in 1900 by Rev. E. G. Chinlund. The latter left in September, 1907. The present pastor, E. G. Knock, entered upon his duties July 26, 1908. The first church Iniilding was erected in the spring of 1871, costing $1,041.00. In the year 1886 a new church was constructed, the main building of frame and with a stone basement. The contract was let for $3,487.00. During the summer of 1910 the basement of the church was enlarged; a pipe organ was installed in 191 J. In the year 1905 this frame building was covered with a brick veneer and a wing added. The first parsonage, a cottage, was built in 1888 and in 1898 a second story was added. A new brick structure will be built in the spring of 1916. The total membership of the Swedish Lutheran Church is 274; the church property is valued at $27,000.00.

The Trinity German Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lincoln was organized November 24 or 27, 1881, with five members. Rev. F. Koenig presiding. Rev. H. Frincke. the first regular pastor, was called during the following spring, and served a long period, until July, 1895. In February, 1896, Rev. George Allenbach assumed charge of the pastorate, coming from Independence, Kansas, and has remained continuously ever since. During the first year of the church's existence services were held in a small church on the corner of N and Thirteenth streets. The following three years the congregation assembled in the Universalist Church on Twelfth between H and J streets. In the spring of 1886 a new church was constructed, located on H, between Thirteenth and Fourteenth streets. In the rear of the church a school room accommodating ninety pupils was built.
In the year 1904 a new Gothic structure was erected and dedicated November 6, 1904. It is located at 1302 H Street. The membership of this church is 500.

The Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lincoln was organized in 1883 by Rev. Peter Jensen, who also served as the first pastor. Following him the pastors who have served are: Revs. P. L. C. Hansen, C. H. Jensen, J. Markenssen, E. Provensen, O. R. Olsen, A. C. Weismann, J. P. Christiansen and Christian Anker. The church building was erected in the year 1883. There are at present ninety-five members and the society is in good financial condition.

The Evangelical Lutheran Immanuel Church in Lincoln was started in 1909. Upon the request of twenty-three Lutheran families who had emigrated from the Wolga Colonies, Russia, the Home Mission Board of the German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio and other states, Nebraska District, decided to begin mission work among the German Russians in Lincoln and called Rev. W. F. Baeder of Arapahoe, Nebraska. He was installed as missionary July 4, 1909, in Trinity Lutheran Church by Rev. C. H. Becker. As these people wished their children educated not only in all the branches of human wisdom, but especially in the Christian truths, a property was bought at Eighth and D streets for $4,200.00 and a chapel or school building was erected for $1,300.00. Beginning with September Reverend Baeder opened a Christian day school and conducted it until January, 1910. On October 31, 1909, the Evangelical Lutheran Immanuel congregation, Unaltered Augsburg Confession, was organized, the following being the charter members: Andreas Wambold, Georg Batt, Sr., August Bovk, Georg Ring, Jacob Ring, Heinrich Spomer, Alexander Kraft, Heinrich Klein, Heinrich Roemer, Balthasar Spomer, Georg Strauch, Georg Batt, Jr., David Schmidt, Wilhelm Friedrich, Victor Beader, and their families. In January, 1900. J. J. Troester took charge of the school which had an attendance of seventy-two pupils. In June, 1910, the first school building was moved and a new two-story brick building erected at Eighth and D, costing $14,000.00, and dedicated November 31, 1910. For the old school which had been moved W. J. Braun was called and opened the class with seventy-three pupils: J. J. Troester conducted the school at Eighth and D. On April 23, 1911, J. H. Brase of Cleveland, Ohio, was installed as principal of both schools. In February, 1913, he resigned and W. J. Braun
was called to the principalship of the school at Eighth and D and Prof. E. C. Mueller, of Juniata, Nebraska, was called to the other school. During the winter of 1913-14 there were 325 children in attendance at the schools. Miss Helen Hase and Clara Baeder assisted the teachers. The attendance at present is 215. The present membership of the church is 250.

The Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized in the old conservatory of music, Thirteenth and L streets, on June 9, 1890, under the leadership of Rev. Luther P. Ludden. There were thirty charter members. A Sunday School had previously been organized on Christmas, 1889. Reverend Luther acted as the first pastor of the church. Following him have served Revs. Jesse W. Ball, C. Rollin Sherck, Charles H. B. Lewis, Fuller, Bergstesser and R. M. Badger. After worshiping in rented quarters for some years, on September 24, 1893, the congregation occupied a small chapel erected at a cost of $800.00 on the corner of Fourteenth and F streets. On June 9, 1901, the present structure was dedicated, costing about ten thousand dollars. There are at present 250 confirmed members in the church.

The German Evangelical Lutheran Friedens Church in Lincoln was organized February 15, 1907, at Sixth and D streets, by Revs. E. Pfeiffer and L. Ludden. Prominent among the early members were: Adolph Lebsack, Jr., Conrad Strasheim, John Hoff, Georg Stroh, Georg Sitzmann, Jacob Bauer, Jacob Rohrig, Jacob Lebsack, Peter Scheids. The pastors have been: Revs. J. F. Krueger, M. Koolen and R. Kuehne. The church building was dedicated December 1, 1907, and cost about seventeen thousand dollars. The church also owns a $5,000.00 parsonage.

The Evangelical Lutheran Christ Church in Lincoln was organized on December 15, 1910, by Rev. W. Baeder, with twenty-six charter members. Shortly before that time, however, a parochial school had been organized with Prof. W. Ott as instructor. Mr. Blau is the present teacher. The enrollment last year was sixty-seven. The first pastor of the church, Rev. F. Brockmann, served but a short time. He was succeeded by Reverend Niermann who resigned in October, 1914. In December of the same year Rev. J. G. Jeske took charge of the church. The first church was constructed in 1911 and cost, inclusive of the lot, $3,850.00. In 1913 a parsonage was erected. There are now 100 communicant members of the church.

The St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized in January, 1912, by Rev. E. Pfeiffer, who was the first pastor, followed by Revs. J. Schrader and Frederick Rabe. The church and parsonage were purchased from a Presbyterian congregation for $4,500.00. There are about one hundred members active in this church now.

EVANGELICAL DENOMINATION

The Salem Evangelical Church of Lincoln was organized in the fall of 1894 by Rev. S. W. McKesson with the following charter members: S. W. McKesson and wife, B. Mowan and wife, A. W. Pettit, Rev. Jesse Lehman, Mrs. Ann Lehman, Lydia Lehman, Elizabeth Reinhard, Mr. and Mrs. Hewitt, Thomas Witherspoon, Mrs. Hammond, Mr. Richie. The first pastor was Reverend McKesson and he has been followed by Revs. Jesse Lehman, J. P. Ash, E. H. Kring, J. A. Adams, J. W. Carter, G. B. Bancroft and A. E. Bashford. The first church was constructed on a leased lot at Twenty-ninth and Clinton streets in 1895. This was a small structure built of lumber covered with tar paper and was called by many the "tar paper shanty". In 1896 it was raised two feet, plastered and shingled. In 1898 the church was moved to Twenty-ninth and Holdrege streets,
where two lots had been purchased. The next year it was cut into two parts and these used as wings for the additional part built. In 1914 the old church was sold and moved away and a new structure put up. The Salem Church has a membership of 110.

The German Evangelical St. John Church of Lincoln was organized April 7, 1907, by Rev. George Neumann with sixty-seven charter members. The first pastor was Rev. J. Heinrich and he was followed by the present incumbent, Rev. David Maul. The church building in use at present was completed May 12, 1907. There are about four hundred and seven members in the society.

The Burnham Evangelical Church, located at Burnham, was organized in the year 1908, and now has a membership of thirty. Rev. William P. Bancroft is the pastor of the church.

The Calvary Church of the Evangelical Association, 1601 South Tenth Street, was organized in 1889. The church now has a membership of something over fifty. Rev. T. A. Marks is the pastor.

The Emmanuel United Evangelical at Forty-second and N streets was organized in 1910.

The United Evangelical Church at 837 North Thirty-third was organized July 25, 1915. There is a membersip of forty, and Rev. M. T. Maze is the pastor.

St. Paul's German Evangelical Church in Lincoln, Synod of North America, was organized in 1873. The membership at present is 370 and the pastor is Rev. Adolph Matzner.

BAPTIST CHURCHES

The First Baptist Church of Lincoln was organized August 22, 1869, with fourteen members. The first officers were: R. R. Tingley, deacon ; L. H. Potter, clerk ; R. R. Tingley, S. W. Bent and J. P. Lantz, trustees.

The first pastor of the church was Rev. O. T. Conger. June, 1870-January, 1875. Following him have been these pastors: Rev. S. M. Cramblet, October, 1875-October, 1877; Rev. W. Sanford Gee, May, 1878-September, 1882; Rev. C. T. Chaffee, January, 1882-October. 1883; Rev. C. C. Pierce, May, 1884-September, 1886; Rev. O. A. Williams, November, 1886-September, 1894; Rev. H. O. Rowlands, November, 1894-June, 1903; Rev. S. Z. Batten, October, 1903-June 15, 1910; Rev. Howard R. Chapman, September, 1910-.

Very shortly after the organization of the church subscriptions were taken for the construction of a meeting house. This was completed and dedicated January 22, 1871. The first parsonage was built in 1875. About 1885 a movement was begun to raise a larger subscription with which to build an adequate church for the needs of the growing membership. This movement was successful and the present building was constructed and dedicated June 17, 1888. The old church property had been sold the year previous. The first building was on the corner of Eleventh and L streets, but for the accommodation of the new building three lots on the corner of Fourteenth and K streets were purchased. The present parsonage was erected in the same year. There are about six hundred members active now in the First Baptist Church.

The East Lincoln Baptist Church began as a mission Sunday School, under the care of the First Church. On January 31, 1890, the mission was organized into a church society and the first house of worship constructed at Twenty-sixth and Vine streets. This building is now used as a dwelling. The new church was constructed in 1907. At the beginning there were ninety members, but of these charter members only the following are now active in the church: Mr. and Mrs. W. D. Crawford, Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Cushman, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Cushman, Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Mickel, C. B. Auman, Mrs. Lena C. Buchtel and Mrs. Robert Beck. On January 1, 1916, a portion of this congregation left the church and formed a new organization to be known as the Calvary Baptist Church.

The Rush Memorial Baptist Church was started as a mission Sunday School several years ago by Reverend Denton and other members of the East Lincoln Baptist Church. The church is not yet formally organized, but will be in a few months. The name is given in honor of Frank Rush, a former Lincoln man, lost in the Philippines during the Spanish-American war, and who left a sum of money to be used in church work. The church building was moved in from Emerald three years ago. Rev. R. N. Cloud, a former assistant pastor at the East Lincoln Church, supplied the field for about six months. Rev. E. M. Owings came the first of February, 1915. There are about sixty patrons of this society. The Sunday School has a membership of 125.

Mount Zion Baptist Church, colored, at 1203 F Street, was organized in 1900 and has a membership of 124. Rev. Bluford Hillman is the pastor.

BRETHREN CHURCH

The first church of the Brethren organized in Lancaster County had its beginning about 1883; the church was first organized in the City of Lincoln in 1893. The first trustees of the society were: J. S. Gable, W. A. Kirschner and John Brumbaugh. The name of the first pastor of the church is not obtainable with certainty, but among the very first was G. Courer, followed by Owen Peters, J. L. Snavely, Jesse Y. Heckler, Samuel Forney, A. D. Sollenberger, George Lauver, S. C. Miller, L. D. Bosserman, S. E. Thompson and J. Edwin Jarboe.

The first house of worship was constructed in 1901 at the corner of Twenty-second and Q streets; this was demolished and replaced with a brick structure in 1909. There are now sixty members of the church active.

UNITED BRETHREN

The Caldwell Memorial United Brethren Church was organized in 1885 at Wood Street between Ninth and Tenth by F. W. Scott. Among the charter members of the society were the following: Levi Wilcox and wife, John Shoemaker and parents, Roy Brown and wife, James Massey and wife, William McClain and wife, William Mahan and wife, and James Estes. The first pastor of the church was F. W. Scott. It is not known who his immediate successor was, but after him served Revs. J. M. Duffield, Louis Piper. H. E. Meyers, W. R. Hodges, F. W. Jones, W. M. Buswell, J. T. Merrill, W. O. Jones and H. H. Heberly. The first church building was constructed at Eleventh and B streets in 1886; the next building was erected at Twenty-eighth and_E streets in 1890; in 1900 a location was secured at Eighteenth and M streets and a chapel erected the same year. The main auditorium was built in 1904. The present membership of this church is 275. The church was named in memory of W. P. Caldwell, a pioneer minister in the United Brethren Church and who worked over the southeastern part of Nebraska. The Caldwell family donated $500.00 toward the erection of the last building.

LATTER DAY SAINTS

The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, with headquarters at Lamoni, Iowa, is represented by a small congregation in Lincoln. The church here was organized in 1910 and has a membership of seventy-five. It is located at 645 South Twenty-sixth Street. Rev. J. A. Dowker is the present pastor.

HEBREW CHURCHES

The first settler of the Hebrew faith arrived in Lincoln about 1879 and others followed very soon afterwards, but no attempt was made to form a synagogue until 1885. Services were held in private houses prior to this. Louis Poska was president of the first congregation and Robert Arenson, secretary. The name Tifereth Israel which was given means "Glory of Israel." The temple occupied quarters in a hall until October 18, 1903, when the unfinished church of St. Luke's congregation at Thirteenth and T streets was purchased. In 1903 another congregation under the name of Talmud Torah was formed, and was independent for seven years, then, in 1910 joined the Tifereth Israel. After the consolidation, a lot was purchased and the cornerstone of the new Temple laid November 3, 1912. The finished building was dedicated May 25, 1913. It is located at 344
South Eighteenth Street. Just prior to the erection of the Temple the congregation had been meeting at 1235 T Street.

The Congregation B'nai Jeshurun was incorporated October 5, 1884, at Lincoln by Moses Oppenheimer, Aaron Katzenstein, Isaac Friend and Leopold Barr.

Formerly the rabbis of Omaha officiated, consisting of Leo M. Frankhn, Abe Simon and Frederick Colm. The first resident rabbi was Israel Mattuck, followed by Frederick Braun, G. Lowenstein and Jacob Singer. The first building was erected in 1893 at a cost of between $7,000.00 and $8,000.00. An addition was provided in 1907. The membership now comprises about seventy-five heads of families.

REFORMED CHURCHES

Rev. E. E. Erb, Mrs. Erb, Miss Jennie Erb, John Erb, Sarah Karcher, John Endres, Phoebe Martin and J. Sonnedeker met at the Young Men's Christian Association on January 20, 1889, and formed an organization, Faith Reformed Church. At the request of this body the board of home missions sent the Rev. T. P. Stauffer, who held the first services on January 12, 1890, at the Young Men's Christian Association Hall. Reverend Stauffer served until April, 1898, and was succeeded by Rev. F. H. Fisher who remained until November, 1902, the Rev. P. M. Orr took charge and has continued until this time. The first building was erected at Twenty-third and Vine streets in August, 1891. The present
building was purchased from the St. Mark's Lutheran Church in April, 1898. With the purchase of this building came the change of name from Faith to St. Mark's Reformed Church. The present membership is 275.

The name Reformed is, in general, misunderstood by the people of Lincoln. It is the original reformation church of Switzerland, Germany and Holland. Ulrich Zwingli, the founder, began preaching the doctrines of the Reformation just one year before Martin Luther nailed his famous thesis on the door of the Wittenberg Church. The Reformed Church is Presbyterial in form of government and is Calvinistic in theology, and is the mother of all the Presbyterian bodies of the present day.

The German Reformed Emanuel Church in Lincoln was organized October 23, 1891, at the house of John Urbach. There were thirteen families in the first congregation. The society was formed by Reverends Erb and Arnold. There have been three regular pastors, namely: August Kanne, Edward Stübi and John Arnold. The old church building was bought from the Presbyterians and the new structure was put up in 1906. The present membership is 460.

NAZARENE CHURCH

The First Pentacostal Church of the Nazarene in Lincoln, located at 1018 E Street, was organized July 21, 1913, at the Grand Army of the Republic Hall by Rev. A. S. Cochran, district superintendent. Rev. L. R. Hoff was the first pastor and was succeeded by Rev. Quillis A. Deck. The church building was bought from the United Evangelical Church. The present membership of this church is sixty-six.

SEVENTH DAY ADVENTISTS

The Lincoln Seventh Day Adventist Church was organized in 1885, by Rev. A. J. Cudney. Reverend Cudney was lost at sea in 1888 while en route as missionary to Pitcairn Island in the Pacific. Following Reverend Cudney, the following have served as pastors of this church: O. W. Bent, Elmer Adams, R. W. Parmalee, C. A. Kite, F. R. Andrews, D. E. Hoffman, H. E. Lysinger and O. O. Bernstein. The church building was erected in 1900.

The seat of the Seventh Day Adventist faith in Lancaster County is at College View. The first record in the church book states that a meeting was called in Nicola's Hall in College View on May 27, 1891, for the purpose of considering the question of organizing a Seventh Day Adventist Church there. The meeting was presided over by Elder W. B. White, president of the Nebraska Conference. G. W. Boughton was appointed secretary. A. R. Henry, J. P. Gardner, Noah Hodges and D. R. Quinn were appointed a committee to care for memberships and to manage preliminary business. Mrs. F. H. Sisley and Ella Diamond were added to the committee later. Among the first members of this church may be mentioned: Noah Hodges, A. B. Hodges, Charles Hodges, C. T. Lewis, Martha Lewis, Leetoy Lewis, P. M. Buchanan, E. J. Buchanan, G. Boughton, Ruth
Boughton, B. O. Carr, Mary A. Carr, W. C. Sisley, F. H. Sisley, Isaac Wiley, Jeanett Wiley, J. W. Rogers, Lou A. Rogers. David Quinn, Mary Quinn, Mary Nicola, W. B. White, Nettie White, D. Nettleton, Mrs. Nettleton, M. W. Earl, Kate Earl, A. E. Marvin, P. A. Marvin, Linnie Chapman, Hannah Thayer, J. A. Wells, Sallie Wells, Lucy P. Wells, J. W. and Clara Boynton, Bertha Bartholomew, Z. Nicola, Thadeus Smith, Carrie Smith, Jennie Soucey, Charles Means, Fred Wiley, Nora Titus, W. F. Hamilton, Alice Sisley, Louella Wilson, G. Wells, C. C. Lewis, M. J. Pierce, E. J. Randall, Moses and Sarah Herrick, James W. Laughhead, J. B. Stillwell, William Klindt, Francis and Martha
Soucey, Josie O'Neil, Peter Lenker, Henry W. Keck, A. M. Allee, Charles E. Woodbury, James S. Houseman. Upon an old leaf in the record book there is recorded the fact that the first meeting was held in a barn on the spot of the present Enos barn. The present large frame church building was dedicated September 23, 1894.

The German Seventh Day Adventist Church at College View was organized in 1907 and has a membership of seventy-two. The Swedish Seventh Day Adventist Church, also at College View, was organized in 1913 and has a membership of forty. Both of these societies worship in the main church building.

UNION CHURCH

The Union Church at College View was organized for the purpose of providing religious accommodations for the residents not members of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. The church was organized May 4, 1911, by Frank Mills. A few months previous he had started a Sunday School mission of Methodist denomination and immediately several other churches wished to be represented in the field. The Methodist people then disbanded and a few months later Mills drew up a copy of a brief religious doctrine. The $7,000.00 brick church building for the use of this society was completed in April, 1912, and was dedicated May 5, 1912.

EPISCOPAL CHURCHES

The first services of the Episcopal Church were held in Lincoln in May, 1868, by Rev. R. W. Oliver, D. D. On the 17th of November of the same year Rev. George C. Betts of Omaha held the second service, and of those who were present only one was a member of the church. Subsequently Rt. Rev. R. H. Clarkson, D. D., bishop of the diocese, visited the city and preached. About this time Rev. William C. Bolmar was appointed missionary in charge. In January, 1869, a movement was started toward the organization of a parish. A meeting was held, at which were present: Michael Rudolph, A. F. Harvey, John Morris, J. J. Jones, H. S. Jennings, E. Godsall, A. C. Rudolph, John G. Morris, R. P. Cady, J. C. Hire, William C. Heddleson, S. L. Culver and J. S. Moots, who signed a petition which was sent to the bishop, asking for permission to organize a parish under the title of The Church of the Holy Trinity. The bishop gave his consent and on May 10th of the same year the parish organization was effected. A vestry was elected, composed of: Michael Rudolph, A. F. Harvey, warders; J. J. Jones, A. C. Rudolph, H. J. Walsh, Dr. L. H. Robbins and J. M. Bradford. The parish was admitted into the union with the council of the diocese in September of the same year. The congregation held its meetings at various places in Lincoln until 1870. Upon the coming of Rev. Samuel Goodale in May of that year steps were taken for the erection of a house of worship. Accordingly a $4,000.00 building was put at the corner of J and Twelfth streets, on lots belonging to the parish. It was consecrated March 5, 1781 [sic?]. [NOTE: 1781 is the date printed in this book, it just seems odd given the other dates noted. I believe it should have stated 1871.] In 1884 the need was felt for a larger church house and Mr. Guy A. Brown issued a small parish paper to awaken interest in the same. Plans were made for the new church and on June 14, 1888, the cornerstone of the $40,000.00 church was laid with proper ceremonies. In the spring of 1888 the old church was moved to a lot on Twelfth Street, between U and V, and another congregation was organized under the ministry of Rev. R. L. Stevens and called the Church of the Holy Comforter. In 1889 the Holy Trinity Chapter of St. Andrew's Brotherhood came into possession of the house of worship which had been used by the Baptists and moved it to a lot on the corner of Eighth and Washington streets. Regular services were for a time held here. These two latter organizations are not active at the present time. The Trinity church has a membership of 650.

St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Lincoln was started as a parochial mission about fifteen years ago by Rev. Percy Silver. The first regular pastor for this society was Rev. Robert Turner and he was followed by Revs. F. J. Smith, Giebert, George Miller, Benjamin J. Fitz, Ottman, F. A. Saylor, S. H. Brook and Charles R. Tyner. The first services were held in a store building on North Tenth Street near R; then the congregation moved to Twelfth and T, then to Thirteenth and R streets. There are at present about ninety members.

After the abandonment of Nebraska College, in 1889, an effort was made to provide facilities for a boys' school of the Episcopal Church. A site was secured and a building erected thereon. At first the purpose was to place the authority of the school in the government of the diocese, but this was found to be impracticable. Accordingly the management of the school was placed in the hands of a board of trustees with the bishop as visitor. Under the name of the Worthington Military Academy the school was opened on September 15, 1892, with an attendance of thirty-eight. The school buildings were destroyed by fire on June 1, 1898 and the school abandoned. The military academy stood on the heights of Grand View, three miles north of Lincoln. The building was owned by the Grand View Building Association. The school was under the patronage of the Episcopal Church, but had no official connection with that church denomination.

THE UNITARIAN CHURCH

The All Souls Church of Lincoln was organized May 27, 1898, and was affiliated with the American Unitarian Association. The membership was composed mostly of the former members of the Lincoln Universalist Church and the property of the latter society was taken over by the Unitarians in December of the year of organization. There were ninety-eight charter members of the All Souls Church, the following of whom are still active: H. W. Brown, F. M. Fling, L. Margaret Pryse, Inez C. Philbrick, W. J. Cooper, Annette E. Brackett, Malah B. Philbrick, I. H. Hatfield, Maude R. Hatfield, Emma J. Bond, Laurence Fossler, Julia Boehme, Sophie Mitchell, A. R. Mitchell, T. B. Harris, Mrs. T. B. Harris, Annie W. Aitken, Mrs. M. W. Ensign, Eliza A. Cooper, N. E. Philbrick, Lillian Hall, Nannie Davey, R. B. Davey, W. H. Hunt, Libbie Hunt, O. E. Goodell, M. W.
Ensign, F. A. Korsmeyer, Laura Korsmeyer, Grace Aitken, Gertrude Aitken, F. W. Hellwig, Jean A. Hellwig, Ada B. Baird, Mr. and Mrs. Henry E. Lewis, Stephen S. England, Flora Bullock, Lina F. Sawyer. W. E. Hardy, Gertrude L. Hardy, Samuel J. Tuttle, May Gund, Mrs. Henry Gund, Sarah Rands, Lulu M. Summers, Helen Erisman, Anna B. Grisinger, Lillian E. Ferris, Bertie Ferris, Mrs. P. M. Vaughan, Mrs. Lottie M. Faxon, Mrs. M. E. Cramphin and Mrs. M. M. Stull. The first officers of the Unitarian Church were: Fred Morrow Fling, president; I. H. Hatfield, secretary; H. W. Brown, treasurer; W. J. Cooper, Mrs. F. D. McClusky and S. L. Geisthardt, trustees. The present membership is about one hundred and sixty-five. The first pastor of the Unitarian Church was Rev. T. L. Marsh, who served until 1908, then removing to Massachusetts, where he died in March, 1916. On September 1, 1908, Rev. Arthur L. Weatherly of Worcester, Massachusetts took charge of the church and has served continually until this time. Reverend Weatherly was a member of the peace party conducted by Henry Ford of Detroit, in the 1915 pilgrimage to Europe for the purpose of working for peace among the warring nations.

CATHOLIC CHURCHES

The first Catholic services in the City of Lincoln were held in 1867 at the home of John Daly, a blacksmith, on the present site of the Missouri Pacific Depot. Rev. Emmanuel Hartig held the services. Governor Butler donated to the church the three lots at the corner of Thirteenth and M streets and upon this land a frame church building was constructed, in which Father Hartig held services until August, 1868. He attended here once every month. He was then succeeded by Father Pirmine Koumley, O. S. B., who also came once every month until February, 1869, and was followed by Rev. Michael Hofmayr. O. S. B. In September, 1869, the latter became the first resident pastor of Lincoln. In 1871 Rev. William Kelly took charge of the Lincoln parish and in May, 1874, came Rev. John Curtis. In 1879 Rev. C. J. Quinn was rector in this city and during his
pastorate the St. Theresa's Catholic Church was erected. He was succeeded in 1880 by Rev. M. A. Kennedy. Following Reverend Kennedy the rectors of the cathedral have been Reverends Dunphy, Walsh, Loughran, Fitzgerald, Nugent, Roche, Nugent, Bradley, Reade, Shine and Bradley.

The part of the State of Nebraska lying south of the Platte River, in area about 23,844 square miles, was made into the Lincoln Diocese on August 2, 1887. This was made necessary by the growth of the Catholic Church in the South Platte territory. Rt. Rev. Thomas Bonacum, D. D. was the first bishop appointed to this diocese, taking possession of his see December 21, 1887. He remained bishop until his death on February 4, 1911. He was succeeded by the Rt. Rev. John H. Tihen, who is now the bishop of the Lincoln Diocese.

In 1888 Bishop Bonacum constructed an addition to the pro-cathedral, organized a German Catholic congregation and erected the St. Francis De Sales Church at 530 South Eighteenth Street for them, and erected St. Theresa's High School. The Franciscan Sisters secured the Buckstaff residence and transformed it into a hospital. In 1893 the bishop's residence upon the outskirts of Lincoln was constructed and an orphanage built in close proximity. In 1893 the Franciscan fathers took charge of the St. Francis De Sales Church. They also opened a parochial school. In 1893 also a church was started for the use of the Catholics of Bohemian nationality and called St. John Nepomac's Church. A building was erected at Seventh and F streets and was attended from Plattsmouth. It is now attended by Father P. S. McShane of St. Elizabeth's Hospital.

In March, 1904, the Church of Christ property at the corner of Fourteenth and K streets was purchased by the Catholics for $14,000.00. This edifice had originally been used by the Disciples Church. The cornerstone of the building was laid July 3, 1888, but was not finished and dedicated until August 25, 1899. The congregation later met with reverses and it reverted to the mortgage holders. After the Catholics purchased the building plans were drawn for the remodeling of the structure so as to fit the needs of a cathedral. The work was hardly under way when, on August 28, 1906, it was destroyed by fire. The rebuilding was immediately begun, however, and on December 8, 1911, the church was dedicated. It is known as the St. Mary's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

The Sisters of the Holy Child Jesus, from Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania, came to Lincoln in June, 1883, and established an academy for young ladies. They discontinued their work in Lincoln several years ago and left. At one time the Ursuline Sisters from Peoria, Illinois, also conducted a school here twenty years ago, but are not active now. In 1889 the Franciscan Sisters from Lafayette, Indiana, took charge of St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Lincoln and now have charge of the orphanage. In 1890 the Sisters of Charity from Dubuque, Iowa, took charge of St. Theresa's School and have remained. Recently the Catholics of Lincoln have purchased fifteen lots west of the new Lincoln high school building, one block on J Street, and intend to erect a school of magnificent proportions.

St. Patrick's Catholic Church of Havelock was started as a mission of the Franciscan Order of Lincoln. A handsome church building was constructed in 1908 and, including a frame parsonage, is valued at $30,000.00. Rev. D. B. O'Connor is the pastor of this church which includes about four hundred and fifty members. The mission was established in 1893.

CHRISTIAN CHURCHES

On January 24, 1869, D. R. Dungan, chaplain of the Legislature, held services in Lincoln in the interests of the Christian denomination. He found here about twenty-seven persons who had formerly been members of the Christian Church and on the 24th of January of that year they were legally organized. Michael Combs and Joseph Robinson were the first elders of the society and G. W. Aitken and J. H. Hawkins were the first deacons. Lots were donated by the state on condition that a house of worship be erected thereon. J. M. Yearnshaw settled in Lincoln in May and many of the early meetings were held in his home. On September 5, 1860, the meetings were removed from his residence to the old capitol building and later to the school house where they continued to worship until July 3, 1870, when they dedicated a church building on the northeast corner of Tenth and K streets. This building cost them $2,300.00 and was the home of the society for nineteen years.

On September 13, 1870, the state missionary convention was held in Lincoln for the first time and there were present fifty delegates and twenty-five pastors. On October 23, 1870, J. M. Yearnshaw was elected the first regular pastor of the First Church in Lincoln. On April 23, 1871, the first Sunday School was organized with J. Z. Briscoe as superintendent. By the year 1887 the membership had increased to such an extent that a new building was thought advisable. The result was the purchase of three lots on the corner of Fourteenth and K streets and the construction of a church building which was dedicated upon the last Lord's Day in August, 1889. In May, 1897, the society was compelled to give up this building for financial reasons, and it was later bought by the Catholics and converted into the cathedral. For several years after this the Christian Church was without a building, but continued to meet downtown. In the spring of 1901 the church bought lots on the corner of Fourteenth and M streets for $4,000.00 and during the following autumn erected on the back of these lots a little chapel in which they worshiped until November, 1907. Then they moved into the Lyric Theater and still later to the Auditorium. They held services in this way until the dedication of their new church building on May 16, 1909. Ground had been broken for this building on June 11, 1908. and the cornerstone laid September 16, 1908. The cost of the church was $30,472.00. On March 23, 1916, a modern pipe organ, $4,000.00, was added to the equipment of the society. Following is a list of the pastors who have served the Church of Christ in Lincoln: Revs. J. M. Yearnshaw, D. R. Dungan, J. B. Johnson, I. M. Williams, B. F. Bush, Robert E. Schwartz, C. L. Crowthers, R. H. Ingram, C. B. Newnan, J. J. Morgan, H. J. Kirschstein, T. J. Thompson, N. S. Haynes and H. H. Harmon. Julia Marsh, the first person baptized (in Salt Creek) is still living in the city of Lincoln.

The East Lincoln Christian Church of Lincoln was founded in 1890 with a membership of forty. It was in the month of April of that year that the forty members of the First Church asked for letters of dismissal that they might enter a field almost barren in religious activities. Prior to this a Sunday School had been established in the east section by the people of the Christian Church, but this was abandoned owing to the impossibility of finding suitable quarters. In 1890 a lot was purchased, cornering on Twenty-seventh and Y streets, and a small chapel was erected. This chapel was dedicated in 1890 with R. W. Abberly as pastor. He remained in charge until 1895, when he was relieved by Rev. J. W. Hilton, the present pastor. In May, 1913, ground was broken for the new building and the cornerstone laid on June 29, 1913. The cost was $30,000.00. The
membership of the East Lincoln Church is 325.

There were fifty-four charter members of the Tabernacle Christian Church of Lincoln, most of whom left the First Church in full sympathy with the members of the latter society. The First Church had entertained the idea of a congregation in that part of Lincoln since October 7, 1903, at which time a committee was appointed, it being the annual meeting, to look into the matter. In 1905 the location at Seventeenth and South streets was thought most desirable. But, owing to the fact that the next few years were years of building at Bethany, Havelock and Lincoln, action on the construction of a church was deferred. In May, 1912, the city missions committee of the joint board, after several conferences with South Lincoln residents, arranged for a meeting of members in South Lincoln at the home of E. J. Sias, when a committee was appointed. Reverend Sias volunteered a year's service as pastor of the church. A building was raised on June 26th and dedicated four days later. The membership is 260 and the pastor at present is Rev. C. W. McCord.

The First Christian Church of Havelock was organized in 1906 and the church building constructed shortly afterward. The society now has a membership of 275, and is in charge of Rev. W. E. Wessley.

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES

The following paragraphs in regard to the early history of the First Congregational Church of Lincoln is re-quoted from the Morton History of Nebraska; it is condensed from a historical account given at the fortieth anniversary by Rev. Lewis Gregory.

"The early days of this church have special interest because its organization antedates both the city and the state. Its history carries us back to pioneer times. The first white settler of the county is said to have settled on the banks of Salt Creek on what is now Centerville, in June, 1856. At this time the country had not been surveyed. During the next five years a few families moved in here and there on inviting spots near Waverly and Yankee Hill. They led a precarious existence, disputing with the Indians the right of possession.

"In 1862 the homestead law was passed. Among the first settlers under it was John S. Gregory, Sr., the first deacon of this church. His first stop was at a roofless and floorless log cabin on the margin of the salt basin. The cabin had been erected by J. Sterling Morton as a preemption claim, but was desolate and deserted. Mr. Gregory built a dugout in which he lived. He furnished salt to the Rocky Mountain freighters at two or three cents a pound. The next year Lancaster County was organized. Mr. Gregory was made chairman of the board of county commissioners. He also succeeded in having a postoffice established named Gregory Basin, of which he was appointed postmaster at a yearly salary of $3, with an extra $12 for bringing the mail from Saltillo, then in Clay County.

"In 1864 J. M. Young, with ten or a dozen others, staked out a town of eighty acres where Lincoln now stands. They called it Lancaster. The settlement was planned as a church colony of the Protestant Methodist Church. From the proceeds of a sale of lots a building was erected, known as Lancaster Seminary, and also as a place for Sunday meetings, until a stone church was afterwards erected on the corner of K and Twelfth streets. To this building Mr. Gregory personally contributed $8,000.00. In spite of the heroism and sacrifice of the members, this church did not flourish and it passed away with its first families twenty years ago.

"From the beginning Mr. Gregory and a few neighbors who were Congregationally inclined held services among themselves, ministered to occasionally by the pastor at Greenwood. Finally, on August 19, 1866, a little church of six members was organized, when, as the first page of the church record states, there were but seven buildings in the town, viz., the seminary, the store, the blacksmith shop and four dwellings. The church agreed to raise $100.00 a year for its minister, a pledge which the record at the close of the year proudly states was more than fulfilled. During this year, in March, 1867, Nebraska was proclaimed a state. In July the capital was located on paper and the bare prairie. In November of this same year Rev. Charles Little, having been chosen pastor of the Congregational Church, set about securing for it a building. There were then, he says, not over three hundred people in the city.

The first church building was erected in 1868 and finished and furnished in 1868 — simple but substantial and capable of seating 125 people. It cost $2,778.86. This was the first permanent building dedicated to the worship of God in our city. Following the completion of the building in 1869 the church was only able to pledge $201 for the pastor's salary, of which only $132 had been raised at the close of the year. The remaining meager support was contributed by the Congregational Home Missionary Society. Such a condition of things makes short pastorates. The minister, having exhausted his own resources and those of his friends, must leave. Mr. Little resigned in 1870, the church then having thirty-four members.

"Rev. L. B. Fifield, a man of scholarly tastes and well educated, took up the work and helped to bear its burdens for two years more, adding twenty-three to its membership, but owing to deaths and removals he left it in numbers the same as he found it.

"His successor, Rev. S. R. Dimmock, was a man of unusual oratorical gifts. The church building was enlarged and fifty were added to the membership during Mr. Dimmock's pastorate. Yet there was the constant going and coming characteristic of a western town; so when, after two years and a half of service, the minister was compelled to resign on account of ill health, there were but fifty-four names on the roll, of whom only forty were resident, while on the other side was a debt of $2,000.00."

The author of the above paragraphs became pastor of the church in October, 1875, and was pastor for twenty-two years, the membership at the close of his services being 472. During his pastorate a new church building was constructed, being dedicated January 9, 1887.

The first members of the society were: F. A. Bidwell, John S. Gregory, Mrs. Welthy P. Gregory, Mary E. Gregory, Philester Jessup and Mrs. Ann M. Langdon. Rev. E. C. Taylor was the first pastor of the church, from its organization until October, 1867 and he was followed by Revs. Charles Little, L. B. Fifield, S. R. Dimmock, Lewis Gregory, W. H. Manss, John E. Tuttle and R. A. Waite. The church property is valued at about $60,000.00. The membership is 600.

The present Plymouth Congregational Church had its inception in 1887. The idea of a branch church more conveniently located for the people of the south of Lincoln was originated by Rev. Lewis Gregory of the First Church. In the fall of the year 1887 thirty-six active members of the First Church withdrew and with eight others became the first congregation of the church at Seventeenth and A streets. A rough building, or tabernacle as it was called, was erected for $180.00, with eaves only five feet from the ground and a lean-to vestibule. There was no ceiling; a round drum-stove supplied heat; and behind the pulpit was the motto "Welcome." The original members were: Rev. E. S. Ralston, J. A. Lippincott, Mrs. J. A. Lippincott, Mr. and Mrs. D. C. Mosher, Mrs. B. P. Cook, Miss Carol Churchill, T. C. Wright, Mrs. T. C. Wright, Mrs. J. L. Thompson, Miss Phoebe Mosher, James Rivett, Mrs. James Rivett, Mrs. Lucy Pierce, Mrs. W. T. Abbott, Mrs. T. E. Hardenbergh, Mrs. L. M. Fowler, Miss Alice Martin, Mrs. H. M. Chapin, Leonard Chapin, Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Harris, Mr. and Mrs. Newton King, Mrs. Z. Townsend, Mrs. H. L. Abbott, Miss Gertrude Abbott, Edwin Sharp, Mrs. Edwin Sharp, James Marshall, Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Wallingford, Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Hackney, Mrs. L. H. Davis, Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Lane, W. A. Selleck, Mrs. Nellie Horton Selleck, John B. Horton, Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Crooks and Miss Jessie Love.

The church was originally known as the Second Congregational Church, but at the first business meeting of 1888 the name was changed to Plymouth. The church has had only five pastors during the whole time of its existence. Rev. Edward S. Ralston was the first pastor, serving from May, 1888, until compelled to give up the work on account of ill health. Rev. Norman Plass succeeded him, then Rev. John Doane. In 1901 Rev. H. C. Hamlin occupied the pulpit and in 1903 Rev. C. H. Rogers came and is still here. At a meeting held in the old tabernacle on September 14, 1887, plans were made for the erection of the second church building and in the following year the new building was completed, but placed the society under a heavy indebtedness which took years to settle. This property was valued at $15,000.00. The new Plymouth house of worship was
first talked of in January, 1914. At that time the congregation voted to begin the erection of a new building as soon as 80 per cent of the money necessary for its completion was raised. A canvass for subscriptions resulted in securing over twenty-seven thousand dollars and a building committee was instructed to proceed with the building at an approximate cost of thirty-four thousand dollars. The contract was let January 8, 1915. the cornerstone laid May 9, 1915, and the dedication December 12, 1915. The church and furnishings complete cost $36,000.00. The present membership is 425.

The Vine Congregational Church at Twenty-fifth and S streets was organized June 8, 1890, by Rev. Harmon Bross, D. D. and Rev. Lewis Gregory, the latter pastor of the First Church. Rev. Henry S. Wannamaker was the first pastor, from 1890 to 1893, and was succeeded by Rev. A. F. Newell, 1893-99. Since September, 1899, Rev. M. A. Bullock has been the pastor of the Vine Church. The first church building was constructed in the year of organization and was remodeled under Newell's pastorate. The present new church was erected in 1906-7. The membership is 375. During the year 1915 a pipe organ was installed in the church.

The First German Congregational Church was organized January 12, 1889, by Rev. Adam Traut, a student of the Chicago Theological Seminary. There were sixteen members at this time, six of whom live in the city now and one of whom is active in the church. The pastors who have filled the pulpit of the German Church are: Revs. John Lich, 1889-98; E. E. Osthoff, 1898-1900; G. L. Henkelmann, 1900-2; John Lich, 1902-6; B. R. Bauman, 1907-10; G. L. Henkelmann, 1910-. The church building was erected in 1888 at a cost of $2,000.00. The membership is 130.

The German Salem Congregational Church was organized in 1902 by Reverend Schwab and the first regular pastor was Rev. Andrew Suffa. Following him have been Revs. D. G. Schurr, F. Von Brauchitsch and R. E. Herholz. The first house of worship was built in 1902. The membership of the Salem congregation is now 250.

The German Congregational Eben-Ezer Church at 1018 E Street was organized in 1915 and has a membership of 100. The pastor is Rev. J. F. Grove.

The German Congregational Zion Church, an outgrowth of the First German Congregational Church, was organized in 1900 and now has a membership of 400. Rev. C. H. Graf is the pastor.

The Swedish Emanuel Congregational Church at 2011 G Street was organized in 1895, has a membership of eighty-five, and is in the charge of Rev. Samuel Hogander. This was the first Swedish Congregational Church in the state.

The First Congregational Church of Havelock was organized in 1892 and a frame building constructed the same year. This house of worship was remodeled in 1914. Rev. H. M. Skeels has been the pastor for six years and is to be succeeded by Rev. David Tudor this year. The membership is 101 and the property is valued at $6,000.00.

UNIVERSALIST

The First Universalist Society of Lincoln, which has been succeeded by the All Souls Church, Unitarian, was organized at the residence of J. D. Monell on September 1, 1870, with W. W. Holmes, S. J. Tuttle, J. N. Parker, Mrs. Sarah Parker, Mrs. Julia Brown, Mrs. Laura B. Pound and Mrs. Mary Monell as charter members. Property on the corner of Twelfth and H streets was granted to them by the Legislature. Pending the erection of a building services were held occasionally in the senate chamber in the old capitol. Rev. James Gerton was the first regular pastor of the church in 1871. The cornerstone of the chapel was laid in October, 1871, and on June 23, 1872, the structure was dedicated.

AN EARLY PASTOR'S STORY

Rev. M. F. Platt was an early missionary in Iowa and Nebraska, working under the direction of the American Home Missionary Society. In a letter written by him in 1886 he had the following to say about the first religious services and organization of the first Sabbath school in Lancaster County:

"Doctor Hanly and myself went from where Ashland now is towards the present site of Lincoln, but night overtook us and we camped on the banks of Stevens Creek, seven miles northeast of that place. This was Saturday night. We arose early Sunday morning and went up to our friend Langdon's. Desiring to hold Sabbath services, and having sent no appointment in advance, it was necessary to reach there soon enough to circulate the word. We took breakfast with Mr. Langdon's family. Mr. Langdon sent his oldest son across Oak Creek to notify the neighbors. It did not take long, as there were but two other families on the salt basin. Mr. Cox was the tony one, for he lived in a log house; of the
others, one lived in a dugout and the other abode in a tent. We went over to Mr. Cox's at 10 o'clock A. M., held religious services. Doctor Hanly and myself both speaking, after which we organized a Sabbath school. This, so far as I know, was the first religious meeting held in what is now Lancaster County. At that and various other times I saw the wolves, deer and antelope, as well as the jack-rabbit, bounding over the prairie where Lincoln now is built."

Mrs. S. M. Melick, now living in Lincoln, is a daughter of the Langdon referred to in the above.

LINCOLN: The Capitol City and Lancaster Co., NE, Vol. 1; Chicago, Illinois, The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, (c) 1916, Ch. XXIII, pp. 242-266