First Presbyterian Church History
There has been a Presbyterian Church in Niobrara for 135 years. First Presbyterian truly was the FIRST as the oldest church in what would become Homestead Presbytery. The first pastor was Rev. George Williams, a missionary among Standing Bear's people of the Ponca Tribe. The church was organized November 12, 1880.
In 1881, the church had 21 members, the Sunday School 60. In the spring of 1881 an ice gorge broke above the town. The resulting flood forced everyone to move to higher ground, where in 1882 the first church building was constructed for $2,500. A September 15, 1884 record shows $107 paid to Mrs. Matties J. Campbell for windows. It is believed these are the beloved stained glass windows salvaged in 1978, and placed in the new church when Niobrara was once again on the move.
In the early years, the women's organization played an important role in helping to pay expenses with their biggest fundraiser being oyster suppers during Knox County Court Week.
By the 1920's, the church was thriving and concentrating on programs for youth. Then came the Great Depression. Rev. W.W. Hughes' leadership form 1929-1938 helped the church service. As noted at the time of his sudden passing in 1938, his great work and service to the community during those hard times will ever be remembered and cherished in the history of the church.
In 1940, our church was ahead of the times when Mabel Lutt became the first woman of our congregation to be elected to the Session. In 1952, the NiVeDo - Niobrara, Verdel, and Dorsey - parish was formed.
In 1962, a new educational annex was built as many young couples became more active in the church. In 1970, a yoking arrangement was made between Spencer, Bristow, and Lynch United Methodist churches and Niobrara and Verdel Presbyterian. In the early 1980's Spencer withdrew and the remaining members formed the Boyd-Knox Parish.
In 1974, the town of Niobrara was condemned by the Corps of Engineers. The church manse was sold and razed, but the church was sold for $1100 to be moved and renovated to become a Senior Citizens' Center in the new town. This building still stands across the street from us and is now owned by Denise Wilson. In 1977, the building plans for a new church were presented. The educational annex was moved and joined to a new sanctuary. The church youth group undertook a project to build a bell tower for the original bell. On April 30,1978, our church was dedicated debt free thanks to the tireless work of the building committee.
In recent years our church has worked to bring many ecumenical programs and service projects to the community. Now we are beginning a new page as Niobrara-Verdel Presbyterian in Faiths United Parish.
There has been a Presbyterian Church in Niobrara for 135 years. First Presbyterian truly was the FIRST as the oldest church in what would become Homestead Presbytery. The first pastor was Rev. George Williams, a missionary among Standing Bear's people of the Ponca Tribe. The church was organized November 12, 1880.
In 1881, the church had 21 members, the Sunday School 60. In the spring of 1881 an ice gorge broke above the town. The resulting flood forced everyone to move to higher ground, where in 1882 the first church building was constructed for $2,500. A September 15, 1884 record shows $107 paid to Mrs. Matties J. Campbell for windows. It is believed these are the beloved stained glass windows salvaged in 1978, and placed in the new church when Niobrara was once again on the move.
In the early years, the women's organization played an important role in helping to pay expenses with their biggest fundraiser being oyster suppers during Knox County Court Week.
By the 1920's, the church was thriving and concentrating on programs for youth. Then came the Great Depression. Rev. W.W. Hughes' leadership form 1929-1938 helped the church service. As noted at the time of his sudden passing in 1938, his great work and service to the community during those hard times will ever be remembered and cherished in the history of the church.
In 1940, our church was ahead of the times when Mabel Lutt became the first woman of our congregation to be elected to the Session. In 1952, the NiVeDo - Niobrara, Verdel, and Dorsey - parish was formed.
In 1962, a new educational annex was built as many young couples became more active in the church. In 1970, a yoking arrangement was made between Spencer, Bristow, and Lynch United Methodist churches and Niobrara and Verdel Presbyterian. In the early 1980's Spencer withdrew and the remaining members formed the Boyd-Knox Parish.
In 1974, the town of Niobrara was condemned by the Corps of Engineers. The church manse was sold and razed, but the church was sold for $1100 to be moved and renovated to become a Senior Citizens' Center in the new town. This building still stands across the street from us and is now owned by Denise Wilson. In 1977, the building plans for a new church were presented. The educational annex was moved and joined to a new sanctuary. The church youth group undertook a project to build a bell tower for the original bell. On April 30,1978, our church was dedicated debt free thanks to the tireless work of the building committee.
In recent years our church has worked to bring many ecumenical programs and service projects to the community. Now we are beginning a new page as Niobrara-Verdel Presbyterian in Faiths United Parish.