HISTORY OF CHURCHES IN HALL COUNTY
A big Thank You! goes to Connie Ludwig for transcribing this information for others.
Transcribed from the
"History of Hall County," pub. 1920 by Buechler, Barr & Stough.
The Churches of Hall County
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH - WOOD RIVER - GRAND ISLAND - OTHER PARISHES - GRAND ISLAND DIOCESE - PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH - ST. STEHPEN'S PARISH, GRAND ISLAND - HISTORICAL LETTERS BY R.C. JORDAN AND DR. H. D. BOYDEN - METHODIST CHURCHES - FIRST, GRAND ISLAND - TRINITY GRAND ISLAND - DONIPHAN - OTHERS - LUTHERAN CHURCHES - EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN TRINITY - GERMAN ST. PAUL'S EVANGELICAL, LUTHERAN, GRAND ISLAND - ST. PAUL'S ENGLISH, GRAND ISLAND - FIFTH STREET EVANGELICAL - EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN ZION'S (WORMS CHURCH) - FREE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN - PILGRIM CONGREGATIONAL, GRAND ISLAND - BAPTIST CHURCHES - FIRST, GRAND ISLAND - IMMANUEL, GRAND ISLAND - OTHERS - PRESBYTERIAN, GRAND ISLAND - WOOD RIVER - CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, GRAND ISLAND - UNITED BRETHERN SOCIETY - CHRISTIAN CHURCH - OTHER CHURCHES IN HALL COUNTY.
Hall county has been creditably endowed with religious institutions. Grand Island has been represented by every prominent and widespread denomination. Throughout the other towns and the county in general sufficient churches have been organized and have flourished to enable the population of the county to carry on their religious worship with reasonable convenience.
It is felt that to treat each denomination by itself will insure fairer and more comprehensive treatment that to divide this important phase of human and spiritual work by geographical divisions.
The Catholic Church
The church history of Hall County practically begins with the establishment of public worship in 1861 by Catholics, near Wood River. Patrick Moore and his brother Richard, who located two miles west of the present city of Wood River, were the first Catholic settlers in the county. They came to Hall County from Iowa City in 1859. The first Catholic priest to visit the county was Father Furnam, a Frenchman, who came in the fall of 1861. He held his first mass here in a log house, the residence of Anthony Moore, about three miles west of the present Wood River. The regular station for the priest at that time was Columbus, Platte County, Nebraska.
Services were held about once in three months by priests located at that point until 1877. The priests to follow Father Furman, until 1877, were Fathers Smith, Kelly, Erlach, and Ryan.
Shortly after the Moores, the Windolph families, also Catholics, located in the Grand Island community, and these like the Catholics at Wood River were given an occasional opportunity to attend their religious duties by visiting priests from Omaha or Columbus.
But the Grand Island community grew faster, and the first organization effected was that at Grand Island in 1864, with mass said by Father Ryan of Columbus once a month. In 1868 the members of this parish raised money to erect a building for their worship.
But before the dedication of this structure, it was entirely demolished by a windstorm, and not until 1877 was this congregation able to put another church. In 1876 the congregation numbered thirty persons and Father Ryan was still its pastor. On December 23, 1876, a meeting was held to consider the question of building a new Catholic church in Grand Island. Joseph Jeneman presided, with James Cleary, secretary, and P. Dunphy, treasurer. Those three parishioners with Messrs. Kraft, Windolph, McCarty and Doberstein, were appointed a building committee. The cornerstone of this building, a frame structure with a good brick foundation, on the site of the public library, was laid on May 7, 1877, and on July 7, of that year the building was completed and dedicated by Vicar-General R. Shaffel, representing the Bishop. F.S. O'Callaghan preached the sermon. The ceremonies were participated in by Revs. Wolf Davos of Spalding, Daxacher of Omaha, Walsh of Lexington, Lynch of Wood River, Mueller of St. Libory, Stuer of Cognice and Horek of Kearney.
In 1876 the work of building a Catholic church in Howard County near the line of Hall county, on the St. Paul Road, was begun.
Grand Island Parish
The first resident priest for the new St. Mary's parish was Father Erlach, who came in 1877. In 1879 a parochial residence was built. Rev. Richard Phelan, on July 4, 1880, took charge of St. Mary's Parish at Grand Island. He found at that time fifty-two families belonging to the congregation, while at St. Mary's near Wood River were seventy-two families. Father Phelan served until his death from a stroke of paralysis, on March 10, 1884. Father P. Lynch then took charge of the work here, which had been handled in the interim by Father Smith of O'Connor. Father Lynch remained with the Grand Island parish until October 6, 1886, when he was transferred to the Wood River congregation, which had until then been a mission attached to Grand Island.
It was then understood that the church was too small for the congregation and Rev. Father W. Wolf was sent by Bishop O'Connor with orders to make arrangements for building a new church.
Bishop O'Connor laid the corner stone of this church, a brick building with a stone foundation and a basement, on August 15, 1888, and it was dedicated on July 7, 1889. For practically thirty years Father Wolf led this parish, and its history is wrapped up with his service, until in 1914 he retired from his active pastorate, and Father A.W. Heimes took charge of St. Mary's parish.
Father W. Wolf
The community was never more deeply touched than upon July 5, 1918, when Father Wolf passed away. The tribute to Father Wold, with the record of his service to his people and this county, published in the Grand Island Independent, July 5, 1918, most appropriately touches upon his life and service:
"God's finger touched him and he slept"
In few cases is the touching sentence more applicable than it was at an early hour this morning, when the Very Rev. Father W. Wolf passed away. There was called to his reward a beloved man who had given his life in the services of others. There was called to his a reward a beloved man who had given his life in the services of others. There was taken from his circle of friends and co-laborers one who had been particularly unselfish, kindly, and ministering in both a spiritual and material way throughout a life time. Many a one, even outside the circle of his own church, will experience keen regret when hearing of the passing away of this well known divine. Connected with St. Mary's Church of this city since October, 1886, over thirty years ago, his was a record of duty well and faithfully done. May he rest in peace.
Very Rev. W. Wolf was born in Westphalia, Germany, February 22, 1854. He received his education in the college of Paderborn, which institution he attended for nine years. In 1876 he emigrated to the United States and landed in New York on November 1 of that year. He at once entered St. Francis' Seminary of Milwaukee, where he completed his full course of theological studies and was ordained on June 27, 1880, for the vicariate of Nebraska. He was appointed assistant to Father Smith of O'Connor, Greeley County, Nebraska, for a year; and then spent five years as pastor of the Missions of Crete and Friend, now in the diocese of Lincoln. On October 9, 1886, he entered upon his duties as pastor of St. Mary's, Grand Island, where he discharged his ministerial labors since that time with distinguished ability. He was appointed dean of Grand Island deanery on March 1, 1887; it being the largest deanery in respect to territory in the world.
When Father Wolf was appointed to St. Mary's parish he found there a small wooden church much too small for the congregation. He at once began arrangements to build a new church. Success crowned his efforts and on August 15, 1888, Right Rev. Bishop O'Connor laid the cornerstone of the present structure. On July 7, 1889, the completed new building was dedicated by Vicar General Shaffel, the Bishop's representative.
Father Wolf saw that his next greatest need was a parochial school. In 1893 the property on which St. Mary's school now stands was purchased and the new school was opened to the pupils of the parish in September of that year. After having secured a beautiful church and a good parochial school, Father Wolf finally built the present parochial residence in 1907. Thus the people of St. Mary's parish have as fine a piece of church property as can be found in Nebraska, all due to the untiring zeal of Father Wolf.
Owing to failing health, Father Wolf resigned as pastor of St. Mary's church and became chaplain of St. Francis' hospital. He has made the hospital his home ever since, ceasing all active duties in June 1917. However, he has been a welcome caller on the sick during this year, making his way about the hospital in his invalid chair.
Father Wolf's demise occurred at 1:30 o'clock this morning at the St. Francis hospital. The funeral will take place on Tuesday morning at St. Mary's Catholic church, when requiem high mass will be celebrated.
The present pastor of this church is Father A. W. Heimes, who came to Grand Island from the pastorate at St. Libory. The work of this parish has increased to such proportions that Father Heimes has been given an assistant a number of times. His first assistant was Father Giblin.
Wood River Parish
The earliest Catholic services in the log house of Anthony Moore have already been noted. The traveling missionaries, Fathers Smith, Furman, Kelley and Erlach, have been mentioned. The first Catholic church was built in 1868, of logs, near the present site of the Catholic cemetery. Father Ryan, followed by Father Phelan, and he in turn by Father Hayes, were pastors in charge. The old log church remained for many years in evidence in the farm yard of Squire Nelson. Father Smith conducted services in the old church some five or six months, until in June, 1885, Father P. Lynch, then of Grand Island, took charge of the church, and on November 10, 1886, established his residence in Wood River and for thirty-three years has continued his pastorate at Wood River. Immediately after his removal to Wood River to reside he commenced the erection and pushed to completion the present beautiful Catholic church of Wood River, which was dedicated as St. Mary's Catholic church by Bishop O'Connor in November, 1886. The church property consists of a block of land, and the entire tract has been set out to beautiful trees and shrubs. It is needless to say that Father Lynch takes great pride in the trees, set out and nurtured by his own hands and care. The church property, free from emcumberance, is valued at more than $10,000. The first trustees of St. Mary's church were Patrick Moore, Michael McNamara, John O'Connor, Patrick Neville and Patrick Brett.
Other Catholic Parishes
While it is located in Howard County, the parish at St. Libory has formed the place of worship and center of religious activities for a large portion of the Catholic population of northwestern Hall County. The churches at Doniphan and Kearney belonged to St. Mary's parish for a good many years.
Grand Island Diocese
In 1887 the name of Grand Island was selected to give to the most western deanery of the diocese comprising the counties of Hall, Buffalo, Lincoln, Keith, Cheyenne, Sherman, Howard, Valley, and Custer, and in 1897 St. Mary's church was with five other churches in the Omaha diocese raised by Bishop Scannell to the distinction of permanent pastorship.
On April 17, 1917, the see for Western Nebraska was changed from Kearney to Grand Island, but the actual transfer was made in July, 1917, when Bishop James A. Duffy came to Grand Island. Since his installation here he has carried on the management and direction of this important diocese from Grand Island.
With the headquarters of the diocese governing so much territory located here, Grand Island becomes an important center in Catholic affairs in Nebraska. When Father Wolf's funeral was held a great many priests from different parts of Nebraska came to Grand Island to show their respect to their departed brother-worker. A roster of these visiting priests shows many names familiar as being leading priests of this diocese, and are given herewith:
M.M. Merke, Assumpeion, A.F. Albel, Seneca, F.F. Suesser, Ord, Thomas Cullen, York, L.L. Manderville, Hastings, M.A. Feeney, Greeley, Michael A. Shine, Plattsmouth, James F. Gilroy, Heartwell, Paul Weise, Choynice, T.P. Moloney, Lexington, W.J. Borer, Omaha, P. Grobbel, St. Charles, Jos. Wolf, St. Benedict, Iowa; B.H. Teves, Petersburg, V. End, Fordyce, Chas. Kaufmann, St. Libory, B. Sinne, Omaha, W. Kearns, Wayne, P.J. Colleran, David City, J.F. Hayes, York, John J. Sullivan, Fremont, John S. Palubicki, Fullerton, W. O'Conner, Central City, J.J. Crowley, Albion, Paul S. Moser, Craw- ford, Joseph Augustyn, Elba, Thos. F. Minogue, Anselmo, C. Stratmann, St. Helena, A. Birnbach, Bow Valley, Very Rev. Mecourek, Ravenna, W. Windolph, Creighton, H. Loecker, Atkinson, Bernard Sproll, Seward, T.D. Sullivan, Elm Creek, T. Walsh, Battle Creek, B.H. Lordemann, Randolph, H. Muenstermann, Kearney, Adolph M. Mosler, Crete, Chas. Becker, Lawrence, Very Rev. Jas. Ahrenc, Omaha, M.F. Cassidy, O'Neill, Ferd. Schuttgen, Hartington, F.J. Kelley, Chapel, Anton Link, Sidney, I. Parka, Loupe City, PE Lynch, Wood River, P. Moynihan, Eddyville, Peter McLaughlin, Sargent, F.J. Ser- beeger, Grand Island, Ferd. S. Mock, Bellwood, E. Boll, Exeter, Gerard Boll, David City, B.F. Galvin, Spalding, P.J. Healy, Grafton, J. Gleeson, Grand Island.
Episcopal Church
The work of the Protestant Episcopal church in Hall County has been carried on for the last forty-eight years by the parish of St. Stephen's church.
This parish was organized in 1871, and the first church building was dedicated on September 3, 1871, by Bishop Clarkson.
R.C. Jordon was the senior warden; Geo. T. Jamison was junior warden; C.W. Thomas, George E. Wilson and Frank Ingram, vestrymen. By July, 1876, the membership has grown to sixty-five, from ten in 1871. In 1888 the project of erecting a new church was favorably considered. Work was entered upon and the building was completed in July, 1889. The material is red colored sandstone with gray Kansas stone in foundation. The rectorage is located north of the church, at Second and Cedar streets.
The rectors who succeeded Father John Lyon were Rev. A. J. Graham in charge as deacon, Rev. John Greenwood, Revs. Fulforth, Schwab, Henry, Wells, Warren, J. Nelson, Jones, and Franklin Adams. A.G. Pinkham served from the summer of 1892 until the summer of 1897, and remained until April, 1889. His successor was Rev. A.A. Gilman, from the summer of 1899 for a short time. Rev. Gilman has since served as president of Boone University, WuChang, China, and Rev. L.A. Arthur, present pastor, arrived about Easter, 1900. Rev. Arthur has served as rector of St. Joseph's parish in Detroit and had come to Nebraska to assist Bishop Graves and was sent to Grand Island.
The early history of St. Stephens, as well as some other early incidents in the history of the community, were recounted in two interesting letters furnished to Rev. A.G. Pinkham, upon the occasion of the silver anniversary of the parish, in September, 1896. Grand Island, Sept. 1st, 1896 Rev. A.G. Pinkham Rector, St. Stephens, Grand Island, Neb. Rev. and Dear Sir:
Complying with your request from some reminiscences of St. Stephens Episcopal Church, Grand Island, Nebraska. For the Silver anniversary to be celebrated Sunday, September 6th, 1896. The recollections that we have are during the last seventeen years and familiar to many of the present active members of the parish.
The spring of 1879 we came West and located at Grand Island, a city then claiming 1,600 to 1,800 population. We were very much pleased to find within its borders such a well organized parish with such able and efficient men at its head as R.C. Jordon, C.W. Thomas, T.J. Hurford and others. Rev. A.J. Graham was in charge as Deacon, he was a general favorite, a good organizer and much loved by the people. He took great pride in the appearance of the church yard and frequently painted and varnished the church seats to keep them bright and clean. He retained his place in the hearts of the people so that in 1892 when the church was consecrated he was the one chosen to preach the consecration sermon. Rev. Graham was succeeded by Rev. John Greenwood a model clergyman in every respect.
The succeeding rectors were Revs. Fulforth, Schwab, Henry, Wells, Warren, Jones and Adams. Each were men of ability and left an impress of their individuality upon the parish.
Time had begun to show its effect upon the wooden structure so that the chilling blasts of winter found ready access through many cracks and crevices, and what was once the pride of a young parish on the western prairies was now becoming very uncomfortable to worship in.
It was then decided to either repair the old church building or build a new one. For many years the writer was honored by the position of vestryman and a part of the time as its secretary, so that his experience has been largely with its finances and during one of the most critical periods in the history of the parish.
When Rev. Jones was in charge as rector, one bright morning we found the church elevated on jack screws and soon moved to the side of the lot where the new rectory now stands. A new brick foundation was put under it and as usual the Ladies Guild paid the expense. The old church continued to be occupied until the new one was completed when it was torn down, the lumber sold to a resident and he transformed it into a dwelling in the south-eastern part of the city where it now stands. The first service in the new church building was held by Rt. Rev. Geo. Worthington.
When Rev. Franklin Adams took charge (the spring of 1890) there was an indebtedness on the parish of $9,378.86. That year we had to raise $2,139.65 to pay current expense and interest on borrowed money. Rev. Adams accomplished good work in spite of the adverse circumstances. The people all loved him and it was with regret that they were compelled to accept his resignation Sept. 1891 on account of his ill health. December 1st, 1891 found the parish in debt to the amount of $9,985.91. On account of a deficit in the payment of interest past due. The Central Loan & Trust Co. of Des Moines, Iowa, commenced foreclosure proceedings. The members of the vestry at this critical time were: Richard J. Sharp, Senior Warden; Henry S. Ferrar, Junior Warden; Geo. H. Thummel, H.H. Glover, W.B. Dingman, Wm. M. Geddes, H. C. Miller, John Allan and Henry D. Boyden.
The vestry were ably assisted by Rt. Rev. Anson R. Graves, Bishop of the Platte; C. W. Thomas of Detroit, Michigan; The Ladies Guild; St. Agnus Guild, and each individual member of the parish. A mighty effort was made and the entire debt was paid in full Tuesday evening May 24th, 1892. St. Stephens Episcopal Church was consecrated by Rt. Rev. Anson R. Graves, our Bishop. It was a glorious day in the history of St. Stephens - one ever to be remembered. Four years ago Rev. A.G. Pinkham was called and took charge as rector. This last four years marks one of the most prosperous periods in the history of the church in all its departments.
The influence of the church has been extended and many new communicants received into the church confirmation. The vested choir of thirty-five voices has added greatly to the church services. In the way of church improvements, the basement has been finished, improvements made in the church, a new rectory built and the grounds beautified.
While we rejoice at what has been accomplished may we hope the good work may continue and may we live to celebrate the half century.
Yours very truly,
Henry D. Boyden
Omaha Nebr., August 24, 1896
Rev. A.G. Pinkham
Rev. and Dear Sir:
I am glad of the opportunity of complying with your request to furnish such items as I may remember them in regard to the early history of St. Stephens Church.
On the sixth day of July 1876 I arrived in Grand Island, accompanied by my wife and two daughters. The town at that date contained less than 400 people, and the few persons living here at the present day will well remember how Sunday was observed. The stores and business places were open and in full blast, and religious services were held irregularly in a small Roman Catholic Church situated on the south side of the street and on the block southeast of the present residence of Hon. Geo. H. Thummel. This church was destroyed the next day after I arrived by a wind storm, rather cyclonic in its appearance. The Baptists built a church in the Autumn of 1870. These were the only church buildings in the town at that time. There was a small log school house used occasionally by the Methodist people situated on the block south of Bartenbach's opera house. Tradition states that in this school house was held the only Episcopal church service ever held in town prior to our arrival and that the Reverend Samuel Goodale of Columbus held the service. The year was, I should think, 1869.
As we had been somewhat actively engaged in church work in our former home, Sunday and the surroundings as we found them proved to be a somewhat lonesome day. After enduring it for four or five Sundays my wife could endure it no longer and determined to open a Sunday school in our house. During the week word was passed around that the next Sunday a Sunday school would be opened in our house, and it resulted in bringing together about thirty children. This was the beginning of a Sunday school that continued without interruption to the present day.
During the winter and spring of 1871, the building of a church was decided upon, much encouragement having been given by the citizens to the enterprise in the way of liberal subscriptions. In organizing the church it was the intention to name it Calvary Church, but Bishop Clarkson of dearest memory, who was at the time Bishop of the Diocese made know the fact that a lady at Providence, Rhode Island, and a member of St. Stephen's parish of that place had placed in his hands $500 to be given to the building of a new church, but with the stipulation that the church must be called St. Stephen's after the church in Providence. The change was made and that is the way it came by its name of St. Stephen's church, Grand Island, The name of the donor was Miss Shaw, and she died about twenty years ago.
The church was built during the summer of 1871 and was ready for service by the first of September of that year.
Sunday morning, September 3, 1871, finally dawned and proved to be a bright and beautiful day for the opening of the new church. A new organ had been purchased at a cost of &700.00, the same one in use today, and a choir of singers of experience formed, which rendered the music of the church. Jackson's Te Deum being one of the pieces. The sermon was by the Bishop and the services were to the congregation, a truly red letter day.
In the evening the rite of confirmation was administered for the first time in Grand Island, the candidates being Claude W. Thomas, Carrie C. Jordon, now Mrs. Sears, and Frank Ingram.
The Sunday following the opening Bishop Morris from Oregon, who was on his way to the general convention, at the request of Bishop Clarkson spent the day with us, which were all the services held in the church until the coming of Rev. John Lyon in December.
The church bell was donated by the All Saints Church of Portsmouth, Ohio, in 1873, that being the home of Mrs. Jordon. The trees around the church were first set out by Mr. Platt, father of Judge Platt, Hon. O.A. Abbott and Alexander F. Jamieson. To the late Col. Eddy, of Omaha, who was at the time at the head of the town site department of the Union Pacific are we indebted for the lots on which the church is located. Application was made to him for two lots for the purpose of build- ing an Episcopal Church upon and the request was cheerfully granted. The plans of the church were furnished by a Mr. Holmes, of Omaha, an Architect of ability and without cost, as he and the writer had been active co-workers in St. Barnabas Church of Omaha.
For the first two hears the music for church service was furnished largely by my own family, my daughter Maria, now Mrs. Shelton, being the first organist.
The first baptismal ceremony held in the parish was that of some children of Wm. Powell; also the first celebration of the holy communion was held in Masonic hall at that time, situated on Front street, and before the church was built.
The first marriage ceremony held in the church was that of the late Ernest Blunk and wife, the latter I am informed is now a teacher in your public schools.
The first burial service performed in the church was over the body of a Presbyterian clergyman, whose name I have forgotten, but no doubt a reference to the files of the newspaper of that time will give you the name. He was sent to Grand Island by the authorities of that church to establish a Mission, but was taken sick and died within two weeks after he arrived and was buried from our church as the Presbyterians had no congregation at that time.
After the arrival of Rev. My Lyon, and for a long time after, we had the only regular church service in the town and nearly every person attended, and among the early supporters of the Church who were not communicants I recall Hon. OA Abbott, Hon. George H. Thummel, H.P. Makely, Jay E. White, and others.
The licensed Lay Readers were - during the period in which I was an active worker in the parish: Robert C. Jordon, David T. Jameson and Thomas J. Hurford.
I wish to mention one name only, as deserving special praise - and if the person knew it I know he would forbid it - claiming that he was only doing his duty, that name is, Claude W. Thomas. All will bear witness to his noble and generous nature. There were times when the parish got into what business men call a tight place. On such occasions it was only necessary to call on Mr. Thomas and the aid was forth-coming. May God bless and prosper him is the earnest prayer of the writer, and I have no doubt is the prayer of all the parish.
I cannot close this letter without a word of praise for the good Sisters of the Guild. There has been from the beginning of the parish a band of noble women, willing workers, persistent in accomplishing what they undertook. To them in a large measure is due the success of St. Stephen's parish. May God bless every one of them who remain in the church militant. Theirs has been a work of unselfish devotion to duty for the good of others. May you have a happy celebration of the 25th Anniversary is the wish of
Robert C. Jordon
Methodist Churches
First Church at Grand Island
Of the numerous churches in the county, established by the members of the Methodist Episcopal church, the oldest is the First church at Grand Island. The following very concise and comprehensive history of this church has been prepared by Ira T. Paine, Sr., who has resided in Grand Island since January, 1873.
During the year 1866, Rev. Thomas B. Lemon acting as a missionary of frontier preacher traveled along the old government or emigrant road which ran from Omaha to Denver. It was about two miles south of Grand Island just along the north channel of the Platte River. It crossed Wood River about two miles south and one mile east of Alda. There lived Judge Beal and his family. Rev. Lemon held meetings a Judge Beal's and preached to the settlers and tourists that happened to be there and in the year 1866 organized the First Methodist church and called it the Wood River Methodist church. This was the first church organized in what is now Hall County, except a Catholic church at Wood River. In the fall of 1866 a railroad was built to Grand Island. Judge Beal moved to Grand Island in 1867, being county judge, and the church was reorganized here and called the Grand Island Methodist church. The two full lots, one on which the City Hall is located and the lot west of it were given to the church by the Union Pacific Railroad company. The City later bought the corner lot, 44 x 66 feet, and there- upon the City Hall has been built, the lot west being sold to pay debts of the church. The trustees were Wm. H. Platt, Wm. Mitchell, Dr. J. Thorspecken, D.S. Wainwricht, Jacob Rice and A.L. Lathrop.
The first regular minister was Rev. Smith, appointed in 1868. He remained here two years, and was followed by Rev. David Marquette, in 1870, who remained two years. His wife taught in our public schools during their residence here. The fall conference of 1872 appointed Rev. J.S. Donaldson. He lived on a homestead twenty miles north of Grand Island, in Loup Valley. He came here about every other Sunday and held services, and was reappointed in 1872. During the summer of 1874 we built the first M.E. church that was built in Hall County, and I am very sure there was no Methodist church west of here until we reached the foot hills of the Rocky Mountains. This church was on the lot just north of our City Hall. It was dedicated in September 1874, by Bishop Bowman and Rev. A.G. White of Omaha, district superintendent.
In the fall of 1874 Rev. Crowell was appointed to the charge. He lived in Kearney, came here every other Sunday for about nine months and then went west, and Rev. Peter Harrison, father of our late townsman, Judge T.O.C. Harrison, and who was then living on a homestead northwest of Alda, came in on horseback and preached to us every other Sunday for the balance of the year. At the fall conference of 1875 Rev. Hancock was appointed and remained two years. The conference of 1877 sent Rev. Burlison and his wife here from Toledo, Ohio, this being his first regular appointment. The reverend and his wife worked for the interest of our church for about eight months, when they joined the Presbyterian church. Rev. Harman, a local preacher who had lately come and was working as a harness maker for Frank Barks, founder of Bark's Addition, and who later moved to Wood River and then to Shelton, filled the pulpit for the balance of the year and was regularly appointed at the conference of 1878 and served another year. The conference of 1879 appointed Rev. Geo. C. Senser, and he was reappointed in 1880 and 1881, serving here for three years. In 1882 Rev. Z.S. Rhone was appointed and stayed two years. In 1884 Rev. P.C. Johnson came from North Platte, and was here one year. In 1885 Rev. Wilson came for one year and was followed in 1886 by Rev. Crane, who was reappointed in 1887. In 1888 Rev. C.W. Savage was appointed and remained here on year. Rev. Savage's long service in a rather independent pastoral work in Omaha in recent years has made his name familiar through-out Nebraska and particularly as "the marrying parson." In 1889 Rev. W.H.H. Pillsbury came here from Iowa and was reappointed in 1890 and again in 1891, serving here for three years. In 1892 Rev. N.A. Martin was appointed and served this church most faithfully for five years. In 1897 Rev. T.C. Webster came and stayed here two years. In 1899 Rev. Barton was appointed and reappointed in 1900 and remained here about seven months of that year's work when he was changed with Rev. Carr of Vermont. Rev. W.W. Carr was reappointed in 1901, 1902, 1903, 1904, and during the summer of 1905 he exchanged with Rev. Varner, who remained about four months until conference, then he went to Colorado. The conference of 1908 appointed to this church Rev. S.D. Bartle, a very active worker in the church and in the community, who was reappointed in 1909, 1910 and 1911.
The 1912 conference appointed J.R. Gettys, who remained here one year. His successor, appointed by the 1913 conference, was E.N. Thompkins. Mr. Gettys has since been prominent in church work in University Place, Mr. Thompkins is serving the people of Trinity church in Lincoln; the next minister sent by the conference in 1915, after Mr. Thompkins' two years of service, was R.H. Thompson, who remained two years. He is now at Geneva, Nebraska. E.E. Hosman was appointed in 1917, and a year later went to Ord, and in 1918, Rev. V.R. Beebe came here from Tecumseh and in 1919 the present pastor J.H. Stett was appointed upon his return from overseas Y.M.C.A. service.
The district superintendents have been A.G. White, Rev. Thomas B. Lemon, Rev. P.C. Johnson, Rev. J.W. Shank, Rev. R.S. Moore, Rev. D.K. Tindall, Rev. H.H. Millard, Rev. G.H. Main, Rev. J.M. Bothwell, and now Rev. John Grant Schick.
It has been my good pleasure to know all of these ministers. Though Revs. Smith and Marquette were here before I came to Grand Island, forty-six years ago, each of them was here at later times and assisted in church work.
Trinity Methodist Church, Grand Island
A second Methodist church was organized in Grand Island in 1887. The church building erected at Sixth and Sycamore stands today as a substantial memorial of the earnestness of the original organizers of this second parish. The organization was formed on August 7, 1887, with 132 members and 19 probationers, and with Rev. H.L. Powers chosen as first pastor. C.H. Bailey was president of the Epworth League, Lenora Birney, secretary, J.W.B. Brown and A.A. Linne, committeemen and active workers in that society. Succeeding pastors of this church have been, Rev. H.L. Powers, Geo. H. MacAdam, Dr. J.W. Carnes, D. Sanderson, Alfred Hodgetts, Amos Allen Luce, T.J. Wright, G.W. Abbott, John Grant Schick, and John Ray Martin.
Methodist Church, Wood River
The Methodist Episcopal church of Wood River was organized in January, 1872, with the following members: N.T. Brittin, R. Mitchell, B. Light, Isaac King and A.B. Ross, with their wives. Up to 1890 services were held in the school house, which partook largely of union services, all denominations attending and contributing to the support of the meetings. Among the first pastors were Revs. Fairchild, Marsh, Clarkson, Hancock, Burlenson and Summers. In May 1880, during the pastorate of Rev. Summers, the present M.E. church was erected and the following trustees were elected: J.M. Harman, David Barrick, N.T. Brittin, James Ewing and James Jackson. There five gentlemen acted as the building committee that labored toward the erection of the new church building. The first Sunday school superintendent in the new church was J.M. Harman. The pastors following Rev. Summers in their order were Revs. Marsh, Dressler, Dudleigh, Davis, Worts, Leedam, Harper, Worts, LaVake, Donnelly, McReynolds, Campbell, W.R. Peters and R.H. Gammon. In 1900 the Board of Trustees were Truman, Taylor, Chas. Trout, F.E. Slusser, Wm. Thorp and Geo. W. Miller. The Sunday school superintendent then was Truman Taylor and the Epworth League president, Miss Lillian Rounds. Following the three year pastorate of Rev. Gammon, came Revs. Dressler, Wingert, Paxton, Smith, V.C. Wright who served this church for four years, H.W. Wagner; the present pastor since 1917 has been Rev. A.G. Forman. The present officers of the church are: Trustees, J.C. Burcherd, F.E. Michael; stewards, A. Hampton, Mary Wyson (who is recording steward), Mrs. T.C. Taylor, Mary Simpson, Mrs. Anna Sprague, Sarah Burden, Ina Pierce and Etta Smith.
Alda Church
The story of how ALDA came to have its first regular church is told in the chapter detailing the story of the town.
Doniphan Methodist Church
The recent history of the Methodist church at Doniphan shows that Rev. Wm. Kilburn set sail from England the 19th of March, 1910. He was pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church at Doniphan in April, 1910, and was here until September, 1915. During this time the present new church was built, at a cost of $12,000. It was dedicated July 4, 1915, free of debt, by Rev. W.D. Parr of Kokomo, Indiana.
The trustees at that time and at the present are: W.E. Martin, president; Chas. J. Beers, secretary: J.E. Hitt, Chas. T. Young, W.H. Marsh, Sr., W.H. Marsh, Jr., W.G. Smith, Chas, Kesel, W.D. Beers, Geo. E. Funk, treasurer.
Since 1915 Rev. Hagerman has served two years, Rev. J.H. Bounds one year, Rev. Frank T. Hoon at the present time is the pastor. The membership is 135, with a good Sunday school, Mrs. Emma Snearley superintendent.
Lutheran Churches
Grand Island has been the center of activity for various branches of the Lutheran denomination, and, therefore, has had several Lutheran churches established in its midst.
Evangelical Lutheran Trinity Congregation
By Rev. H. Wilkins, Pastor
The history of the Evangelical Lutheran Trinity church, of Grand Island, Nebraska, dates back as far as the early 'seventies of the last century. A number of Lutheran families had settled in Hall, Howard and Merrick counties. They were first taken care of by itinerant missionaries of the Missouri synod. Services were held here and there in the homes of the people. In January, 1878, the Trinity congregation was organized, and in the same year a church was erected in Grand Island, then a mere village. The beginning of the congregation was very small. Its members were few and poor, and the obstacles to overcome were many and great. But the Word of God proved again that it is a power unto salvation. Under the faithful care of its pastors the small band gradually grew. One member after the other was added to it. In the year 1893 the old church was found to be unable to hold the large number of worshippers. The congregation resolved to erect a new and substantial building, the present church, standing at the corner of Vine and Second streets. In the fall of 1895 it was dedicated to the service of the Triune God. It has a seating capacity of about five hundred, contains a beautiful pipe organ, the first ever installed in the city of Grand Island, and three bells in its tower.
From the very beginning the members of Trinity church felt it their duty to not only care for their own souls, but as well for the spiritual welfare of their children. They realized that a Sunday school, or in other words, that one hour a week of religious instruction, would not suffice. In order to give their children a thorough religious education they erected a parochial school, and were ever ready to bring great sacrifices to maintain it. The school became a strong factor in the development of the congregation.
The property of the congregation at the present time has an approximate value of over $15,000, and is absolutely free from all encumbrance.
In the course of years (until 1918) 1320 children received the Sacrament of Holy Baptism; 433 were confirmed; 224 couples were joined in holy wedlock, and 187 were laid to rest, to await the call of their Lord and Redeemer at the last great day of resurrection.
The congregation in 1918 has 72 voting members, 285 communicants and 468 souls.
The following ministers have served this congregation in the course of years: A. Laeuthaeuser, H. Jahn, A. Baumhoefener, F. Ratherd, P. Matuschka, and H. Wilkens, the present pastor since 1903.
The voting members are: the families of J. Shinke., H. Ernstmeyer, R. Siebert, J. Willers, Fr. Ernstmeyer, L. Stallman, E. Kral, W. Scheffel, Fr. Kutschat, C. Dill, G. Schroeder, J. Dahike, C. Dahms, Fr. Meyer, H. Witzke, H. Pauly, E. Lamm, Th. Buenger, H. Schoenberg, W. Krause, O. Wetzel, W. Sosenkoetter, H. Schroeder, O. Schmidt, H. Werner, C. Koehn, G. Roesch, T. Schwynn, P. Hermann, W. Vortman, H. Lagenheder, A. Quandt, C. Rosenkoetter, C. Meyer, H. Meyer, G. Mildenstein, H. Trampe, C. Wetzel, Fr. Bartels, W. Hilmer, J. Seims, C. Kruse, W. Werner, W. Pollock, W. Leppin, L. Zuehlke, Fr. Mettinbrink, R. Reher, A. Schuessler, C. Scherer, H. Koehn, W. Langenheder, H. Sommer, E. Schinkel, H. Nobbman, F. Scherer, H. Krusenmark, E. Schuessler, H. Rosenkoetter, C. Bartelt, H. Ruff, H. Moeller, E. Liedtke, J. Langenheder, W. Schmidt, C. Schoeffel, G. Kaier, H. Windolph, W. Kuers, E. Nitschke, Rev. H. Wilkens, Prof. P. Becker.
J. Schinkel is the last charter member with the congregation, the others have either moved away, or as we fervently hope and believe, have come to their reward as faithful servants of their Lord.
The other members are the following and families: K. Meyer, H. Floerke, E. Kroeeger, L. Scheil, E. Meyer, A. Scheibel, H. Scheibel, G. Duenermann, H. VonOhlen, B. Fischer, Fr. Nowack, Mrs. F. Schlottfeldt, Mrs.R. Rickert, Mrs. F. Thomas, Mrs. F. Gole, Mrs. J. Windolph, Fr. Schoeneberg, C. Seims, H. Sotinbeck, W. Meissner, F. Heider, A. Krieger, R. Lucas, W. Riege, A. Schoreder, Mrs. Bredemeyer, Mrs. Stobbe, Mrs. J. Peters, Mrs. G. Wenrer, Mrs. L. Bowers, Mrs. C. Cantreel, Mrs. L. Otto, Mrs. Travis, Mrs. G. Madeke, Mrs, W. Milz, Mrs. J. Geisinger, Mrs. H. Guelzow, Mrs. J. Rauert, Mrs. J. Niemoth, Mrs, D. Liedtke, Mrs. E. Masten, Mrs. Einfeldt, Mrs. H. Koch, Mrs. C. Ericksen, Mrs. W. Crutin, Mrs. Pauly, Mrs. R. Vetter, C. Tuenge and W. Ernst.
First Street German Evangelical Church
This church was flourishing some thirty years ago, and in 1890 its pastor was Rev. O. Radiniski but for the last decade its leader has been Rev. C.W. Boelter.
The Evangelical Lutheran Zion's Church
This church is located at Worms, in Merrick County, but has a large membership from eastern Hall County. It was organized in 1874. The Rev. Leuthaeuser was the first pastor of this congregation, and his successors have been, H. Jahn, F Duever, J.D. Shroeder, and Rev. W. Ludwig, the last pastor. In 1918 the congregation numbered souls, 450, communicants 200, voting members, 61. A parochial school is maintained, with P.E. Frese as teacher. All instruction in all branches, except religion, are given in the language of our country. Since September, 1918, religion also is taught in the English language.
St. Paul's English Evangelical Lutheran Church
This church was completed and dedicated on March 14, 1886. The building committee of that church formed in August, 1886, comprised George H. Thimble, WA Hamburger, CE Lye, George Hunter, Benjamin O. Anderson and J.N. Lender. The corner stone was placed October 3, 1885. This neat church home, at Second and Cedar streets, is still serving as the house of worship for this congregation.
Rev. A.B. Stirred served this congregation for several years. Pastors who succeeded him have been: Revs. D.Z. Folk, L.J. Motschman, S.J Leamer, Wilton T. Hakse, and the present efficient pastor of this church, Rev. L.L. Lipe, who has been with this congregation for the past eleven or twelve years. During August, 1919, Rev. Lipe tendered his resignation which the church board regretfully accepted. He felt he was entitled to the rest he had desired for some time.
Evangelical Lutheran
The German St. Paul's Lutheran congregation was started on August 5, 1883, under the leadership of Rev. H. Siekmann of Hastings, Nebraska, and with the assistance of Rev. J.N. Lenker, then pastor of the English Lutheran Church. The seventeen charter members were: C.H. Duennermann, Carl Duennermann, Wm. Hoelling, Wm. Deppermann, Wm. Klapmeier, Frederick Bucholz, Carl Rosenkoetter, Gottlieb Duennermann, Heinrich Steinmeier, Frederick Cramer, Heinrich Ostermeier, Carl Schmale, Wm. Duennerman, Carl Knefelkamp, Wm. Floerke, Frederick Rahe, Frederick Busse. The first services were held in Hann's Park and in the court house, and after a short time the congregation bought the church home of the United Brethren people. The lot upon which this building stood was purchased later by the B. & M. Railroad, and the building removed to the corner of Seventh and Locust streets, where the congregation had acquired two lots.
The first church board consisted of C.H. Duennermann, Fred Bucholz, c. Rosenketter, Fred Cramer, Heinrich Steinmeier.
The first building was that mentioned heretofore, 24 x 40 feet in size. The new church was built in 1908, and the new parsonage in 1912.
In May, 1884, Rev. William Rosentengel was called to Grand Island as the first pastor of this church, from the Lutheran church of Nebraska City. He remained from July, 1884, until November, 1887. Rev. Rosentengel afterwards became president of the German Lutheran Wartburg Synod, with headquarters at Carthage, Illinois.
The next pastor was Rev. F. Gafert of Loup City, Nebraska, from March, 1898, until October, 1898. He organized two branch congregations, one near Phillips, Hamilton County, St. Paul's and one about nine miles northeast of Grand Island in Merrick County, St. John's.
Though this congregation originally belonged to the English Nebraska Synod, since 1897 it has been under the German Nebraska Synod, another branch of the General Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran church.
When Rev. Gafert resigned in 1898 his place was taken in November, 1898, by Rev. H. Schumann of Ridgeley, Nebraska, who took charge and served until April, 1906.
He was succeeded by Rev. G.H. Michelmann in September, 1906, who has served his people for over twelve years in an efficient and faithful manner. Under his pastorate a Sunday School was organized that has now enrolled seventy-five members. The Young People's Society (Luther League) has thirty-five members, the Ladies Aid, thirty members.
The communicant membership of the church at the opening of the year 1919 stands 230. During the thirty-five years of existence 1,400 children were baptized and 446 young people renewed their vows of confirmation, 334 marriages were celebrated. There were 333 burials. The money given for benevolence amounts to $6,800. This sum does not include what the individuals have given for Red Cross work, etc., during the last four years.
The church councilmen for 1919 are G.H. Michelmann, pastor, Albert Niemoth, Casper Hongsemeier, Wm. Loecher, secretary, Hy. Finke, R. Nuernbuger, treasurer.
The Frei Evangelical Lutheran Pilgrm Congregational church of Grand Island was organized October 14, 1906, with a membership of twenty-six. The first pastor was Rev. P.J. Theil, from Hastings, in 1907. Rev. C.W. Wuershmidt accepted the call, served two weeks, became ill and died a few days after and was buried here. In August the same year Rev. Woth accepted the call and served the church until 1909. Rev. F. Cafert started to serve in November, 1909, and served until May 14, 1914, since which time the Rev. Braun has served the church.
The first board was: Nick, Schnell, Hy. Stroh, Con. Ross, David Sitzmann, George Walker. The building was erected on the 3rd of April, 1907. The land on which the church was erected is 66 x 135 feet. The house of worship is 46 feet in length, 37 feet in width and 50 feet in height, will seat 250 persons, is built of wood.
At its organization the membership was twenty-six, now 114; average Sunday school attendance was 20, now 85; the young people's societies were 18, now 30, and the ladies aid were 10, now 35.
The present pastor is John Braun, the officers are John Pheif, Henry Dietrich, Henry Feierstein, Peter Bohl, Jacob Liebsack, John Kammerzell, David Kuehn, Henry Rupp.
Baptist Churches
The First Baptist church of Grand Island was organized in 1870 by Rev. J.N. Webb, state missionary for Nebraska, under the American Baptist Home Missionary Society, with five members. The fold was increased to forty in 1876. The first pastor was Rev. J.J.J. Place. The church was reorganized by the second pastor, Rev. A.D. Trumbull, in 1875.
The congregation for many years used the church building (now on East Eighth street, and which is now used by the Seventh Day Adventists), but on October 12, 1888, the handsome and commodious structure at the northeast corner of Seventh and Sycamore was dedicated. This edifice was built in the form of a Greek cross, showing four gables, a tower of 103 feet in height and a minaret 71 feet. The main audience room, an amphitheater 54 x 43 feet may be connected with the Sunday school rooms. The building is 54 x 72 feet and claims a seating capacity of 750. The building was erected during the pastorate of Rev. L.W. Terry and cost $12,000. To Dr. Jorden, of whose work more is said in this section, is due the credit of lifting a large portion of the indebtedness against the building during the pastorate of Rev. C.J. Pope. In 1907 an eight room parsonage was purchased at a cost of $3,000. This was done during the pastorate of Rev. O.B. Sarber, whose efficiency also secured the building of West End chapel. Rev. W. I. Fowle was pastor from 1911 to 1915, doing excellent work. Rev. E.H. Jackson, the present pastor, came on January 1, 1916. Rev. E.F. Jorden served the church longer than any other minister, his term extending from 1892 to 1902. This was a time of solid growth and prosperity.
This church has been favored with pastors of high character and able preachers. Being located in the city which is the seat of the college of the denomination, this church holds a position among the Baptist churches of the state of special importance and responsibility.
