NEGenWeb Project
Religion in Nebraska
Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska

 

 

Yesterday and Today

     ISA. 54: 2 "Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitation; spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strength thy stakes."

      EX. 6: 1 "Now shall thou see what I will do."

      The first Presbyterian Church of Morrill, Nebraska, moves onward. Commanding a strategic position in the rich and beautiful North Platte Valley the Church has met the challenge that its situation presents with a beautiful new church building. This has been necessitated by reason of a steady and healthy growth since its very beginning.

      YESTERDAY goes back to the historic past of this Valley when it was sparcely settled and men were pioneers. Yesterday goes back to the pioneer days of the Oregon Trail when men were risking their lives to find gold and material wealth. Yesterday goes back to the year 1836 when Spalding and Whitman were "living dangerously" that the Gospel of Christ might be brought to the West. Yesterday goes back to the days of Rev. J. B. Currens, field worker under the Board of National Missions, whose sacrificial ministry made possible many of the small Presbyterian churches in the valley.

      TODAY we are surrounded by a new world that science and progress has laid at our feet. Yet men and women still need the faith and message of the Master of Men. A new world, but the same old humans. Men and women, who need to be taught the "way, the truth and the life." The Christian philosophy is facing a worldwide, and national challenge and we are endeavoring to meet it in the spirit of faith and sacrifice.

 

      The human agency to be credited with the planning and execution of our new building is the Building Committee. After the design was definitely chosen the Committee met regularly sometimes two and three times a week from Dec. 1936 through May 1937. Today their task is finished and their reward the unanimous approval by the people of a beautiful building. We owe them each n debt of great gratitude.

 

BUILDING COMMITTEE

MR. HAROLD WOODMAN

MR. J. C. WOODMAN

MR. ROBERT CURRY

MRS. MARY SCHULTZ

MRS. GEORGE CARPENTER

MR. WM. FLINT

EDW. P. INGERSOLL, Ex-Officio

DONORS

      We thank you. We pay you the tribute of our gratitude. You have been faithful stewards. Many of you are not members of this church, but you came to its assistance. Without you all designs and plans would have been useless. For your prayers and your gifts and your unceasing interest, we say, "Thank You."

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      We have at last come to the realization of our dreams of several years--our new church home. But it was more than a dream, it was a conviction. It was the conviction of its Pastor that he had "come to the kingdom for such a time as this." He felt that this was his particular task. It was laid upon him with a divine emphasis that he could not get rid of. Out of this conviction came propositions and plans. After months of consideration and prayer congregation action was finally taken and the project put under way. No longer do we stand without looking in but within looking out. We look out upon a historic valley filled with memories of the past. We look out upon world harvest fields "white unto harvest" waiting for reapers.

      The completion of this new building constitutes a tremendous challenge to its people. The challenge lies in the extended use that can be made of its facilities for greater service. This does not represent a selfish enterprise. Its purpose does not end with the increased comfort of a commodious place of worship. This new building is not an end but rather a means. It is a means through which we hope to train end equip youth for an aggressive and distinctive Christian ministry here and elsewhere in the world. If there be any glory here let it be the Glory of God. If there be any satisfaction in accomplishment let it be the inspiration for further exploits of service. We dare not, can not, be a selfishly contented people. Always within us must be an urge, a holy urge, to "move onward and go forward."'

      The Church has a message for our day and generation. For the support and propagation of that message it will give its prayers, its means, its time and its children. Without this message it has no reason to exist. Our prayer is to minister in the name of Christ to this community and throughout the world. It is our prayer that our Church may be a particular House of Worship where the God of Christ will be revealed; that there rest, consolation, and healing may be found; that their dedication of lives may be wrought out before God; that there the sinner may find forgiveness; that there we shall become conscious of the supreme needs of man and may be watchful for his spiritual and social welfare and, we may be the center in our community for peace and goodwill as opposed to war and violence.

      This church has definite standards of faith and practice that it expects of its members.

 

      The Church expects that in coming into this fellowship you will come in sincerity of faith and trust in Jesus Christ, and with steadfast purpose to follow Him.

      The Church expects that since we enter the Kingdom of Heaven as little children we should avail ourselves of the divinely-appointed means by which we may grow into Christian maturity. Chief among these are the study of the Bible, prayer, Christian service, fellowship with others, and the service of worship of the Church.

      The Church expects that you will exhibit a Christian character consistent with the faith you profess. Jesus Christ is made known to the world through the lives of his disciples; the Church is measured by the character of its members.

      The Church expects that you will render some form of service to Christ. Not all have the same capacities, the same talents. Not all have the same amount of time at their disposal. But each one can render some service, acceptable to Go and of blessing to others, that will be his contribution to the Kingdom of God.

      The Church expects you to support its work financially. It conducts program based upon the principles of Christ, carried on in a business-like way, for which it must have adequate material support. It expects you to give, "as unto God," conscientiously, generously, systematically.

      The Church expects that since you are a citizen of the Kingdom of God you will be loyal and useful to the state. It expects you to be obedient to the laws of the land, ready to fulfill the obligations of citizenship as well as to accept its privileges. And it expects you to become world-minded by being world-informed of what Christ can do and is doing in the lives of people everywhere.

      Here we stand--A new church seek to interpret the message of Jesus Christ to a needy world.

 

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      Into the frontier city of St. Louis in 1831 came four Nez Perces Indians looking for a book of the white man which gave directions for worshipping the Great Spirit. They were treated loyally, shown the sights, taken to the Cathedral, but they did not see the Book. Two died in the city, one on the way home, the survivor reached his people--with empty hands.

      No radio existed then to broadcast the search; but a story published in the New York Christian Advocate and Herald, March 1, 1833, stirred an interest throughout the Church which led to the appointment of two young Presbyterians, Dr. Marcus Whitman and Rev. Henry Harmon Spalding, as missionaries to the Oregon Country. With their young wives, they set out on the old Oregon Trail. All the hard way they held morning and evening prayers. On July 4, 1836, Mrs. Spalding and Mrs. Whitman became the first white women to cross the Rockies.

      Dr. Whitman settled among the Cayuse Indians at Waiilatpu, Washington, and Mr. Spalding among the Nez Perces at Lapwai, Idaho. Both fell to work establishing civilized life in the wilderness. Spalding and his wife with the conviction that the Indian must abandon their nomadic existence to maintain themselves and to develop a Christian life. By the time reenforcements arrived, backbreaking work was done, needful resources were available, and the first Protestant church west of the Rockies organized.

      In the next few restless years. the influx of white settlers made the Indians uneasy and the spread of strange diseases made their hostility flare. No doubt influenced by their custom of taking the life of the medicine man for that of a lost patient, they massacred Dr. Whitman, his wife, and twelve other white people in Waiilatpu. Spalding, away from home, agonized at the news fearing for his family, but his wife was saved through her trust in friendly Indians. Their reunion was clouded by the realization that the work would have to be suspended. Years later Spalding was able to return to the field, and when he found his vision justified wrote, "Bless the Lord O my soul!" Today, the Nez Perces Indians are the most civilized and Christianized Indians of the Northwest.

      The first Christian work done in Nebraska by the Presbyterian church was in behalf of the Omaha Indians by Rev. John Dunbar at Bellvue in 1836 and the Pawnees by the Rev. Edward Kinney in 1845 to be followed as the years passed, with about 450 other missionaries and pastors, who have joined hand's in extending the Presbyterian church through out the length and breadth of the state.

      Rev. Jas. B. Currens a never to be forgotten missionary working through this section came in the 90's appointed by the Presbyterian Board of Home Missions as a Sabbath School missionary, having western Nebr., western South Dakota and eastern Wyo. with headquarters at Crawford, Nebr.

      Working with a zeal that never waned and with a patience that never flagged, he traveled over the state, through summer's heat and winter's cold, driving a pony and cart, directing the work of those under his care, seeking out destitute, unchurched regions; planning schools, encouraging teachers and officers in their efforts to instruct the children and youth in the knowledge of God's word.

      As a result of his enthusiasm and devotion to duty thirty-four churches were organized.

      When the railroad was extended into Wyo., Rev. James Currens, then located in Alliance, Neb.., was on the ground early at Scott-bluff, having just completed the building of a church at Bridgeport.

      In Gering the Methodist and Baptist had churches, with resident pastors: but the big question was how to build a church in ScottsbluIf without a Presbyterian in sight.

     A tent was put up in a corn field where the eastward school house now stands. During the night a March wind blew the tent down tearing it in pieces; laying a few boards on the flapping tent, he took the night to consider what best to do.

 

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      Next morning, determined to build a church, Mr. Currens went to Gering, bought lumber for a small building pledging his next salary for payment, locating it on a lot where the Presbyterian church now stands.

      In a week the church was built of rough pine boards set on ends with a board roof and pine boards for seats. Here church and Sunday school was organized.

      Thus the first Presbyterian Church in Scotts Bluff county, was organized May 20th, 1899, with eight person's names as charter members and the Gering resident pastors taking a Sunday each to preach. Rev. E. H. Sayre was one of the pastors. At this time no buildings were completed in Scottsbluff.

      One must not forget Father Currens' devoted sister who never failed to aid him with money and encouragement. Truly, he followed the Master, leaving all behind--counting not the cost--if someone could he brought to Christ.

      Mr. Currens then homesteaded east of Henry, Nebr., and retired from active work, spending the last years of his life with his sister in Omaha and after her death with his married daughter in Bayard. He went to Hot Springs, South Dakota, for special treatment early in 1926 and passed away in February of that year.

      Thus it has seemed altogether fitting and proper to the Building Committee to dedicate the Primary room of our new church to Rev. James B. Currens, the founder, not only of our church, but of all Presbyterian Churches in the Valley.

      Soon after the Burlington R. R. was built through Morrill, Mr. Currens attempted to organize a Presbyterian church but because of obstacles and his temporary removal to Idaho the plan was given up.

      From April 1st, 1902, until March 31st. 1903, the Rev Edgar P. Clark supplied the Morrill field in connection with the Scottsbluff Presbyterian Church and from January 1st, 1904, until the following April the Rev. Benjamin Jones served the two point field of Mitchell and Morrill. Rev. James G. Clark, brother of Edgar Clark, ministered in Morrill and Mitchell the years 1906-1907.

      In July 1907, Rev. J. B. Currens received a request for the organization of a Presbyterian Church in Morrill, Nebraska, signed by thirty individuals. The organization was effected as stated below but the number was greatly reduced because of delay and in the interim many joined the Presbyterian Church at Pratt, Wyo., now Henry, Nebr.

      The meeting for organization was called for July 28th, 1907, at three P. M. in the little white public school building. After the sermon by the Rev. James G. Clark from 1 Cor. 1-23-24 "But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness, but unto them which are called, both Jews, and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God," the meeting was called to order and Rev. Jas. G. Clark was appointed moderator. Mr. C. H. Hilsabeck was elected clerk of the meeting. It was moved and carried that the organization be called the First Presbyterian Church of Morrill, Nebraska, and the following were enrolled as charter members:

 

MR. E. J. ALCORN

MRS. _. J. ALCORN

MR J. O. BISSELL

MRS. J. O. BISSELL

RICHARD BISSELL

BEN BISSELL

MRS. T. F. BISSELL

MR C. H. HILSABECK

MRS. C. H. HILSABECK

MR. JOHN T. LOGAN

MRS. C. N. MINNER

MRS. HARRY MORRIS

MRS. W. L. SCHULTZ

MRS. G. S. TAPLIN

MRS. J. G. WOODMAN

HAROLD WOODMAN

GENEVIEVE WOODMAN

CHESTER G. WOODMAN

MR. J. G. WOODMAN

 

      It was further moved and carried that the church adopt the rotary system of eldership, the following elders being elected: Mr. C. H. Hilsabeck, Mr. J. O. Bissell, and Mr. J. T. Logan. Mr. E. J. Alcorn, Mr. John T. Logan and Mr. J. W. Carson were the first Trustees. Mr. Currens then ordained and installed the three newly elected elders.

      At this meeting the school house was beautifully decorated with sweet peas from the garden of Mrs. J. G. Clark, which was a rare treat in those days before irrigation.

      Mrs. C. N. Minner was the first Sunday School Superintendent.

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      Since the organization of the Presbyterian Church in July, 1907, until the present, as we approach the 30th anniversary of the founding of the church, the following ministers have served the field:

     At a meeting of the Session dated April 5th, 1908 it was voted to be received into Box Butte Presbytery.

      In the month of April 1908 Rev. O. O. Russell was commissioned by the Board of Home Missions as the supply for the Morrill Church.

      Under the fine leadership of this Bible student and preacher of Jesus Christ the church grew from 18 members to 33. During his ministry the first church building was erected at a cost of $4,000 of which more than half of this amount as given in the form of donated labor. Even the cement bricks for the building were made on the grounds by Mr. Frank Warner. At a congregational meeting February 22, 1910, which was moderated by Mr. Russell and clerked by John Boatsman it was voted to build and the new church was completed that year.

      Those present at this meeting were Mr. and Mrs. W. G. Teal, Mr. and Mrs. J. G. Woodman, Mr. and Mrs. John Boatsman, Harold Woodman, Mrs. Eunice Nickols, Mrs. Olive Nickols, Mr. J. T. Logan and Rev. O. O. Russell.

      George Porter was pastor of the Morrill Church from 1913-1915. Mr. Porter was born at St. Paul, Nebr., 1874 and died Saturday, March 19th, 1937. Mr. Porter will be remembered as a preacher of social righteousness at a time when the church was not aware of the social aspects of the Gospel of Christ.

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      George A. Wickwire, a man of wide vision and public spirit, was pastor of the church during the year 1917.

      In the year 1918 Rev. William J Mitchell, a graduate of Auburn Theological Seminary, was elected to fill the pulpit. Mr. Mitchell was an eloquent preacher and during his pastor ate of two years the church grew to a membership of 107 members.

      Following the pastorate of Mr. Mitchell the church was served faith fully for three years by Herman Clare Welker. Under the earnest and sincere ministry of Mr. Welker the church had an outstanding period of growth Mr. Welker was a fine worker with young people and an excellent teacher of the Bible. It was during his ministry that the 50x50 foundation and addition was made to the brick building. It was his dream and the dream of the congregation that the building might be completed but it was impossible. There is no record of the church's membership during these years.

      Early in the year 1923 Samuel Linn came from the Presbytery of Hastings to assume the work. Mr. Linn was pastor of the church until 1930 when he resigned because of ill health. His being the longest pastorate in the history of the church. There is no available record of the number of members but it was a time of numerical and spiritual growth. Mr. Linn is particularly remembered for the excellence of his Children's sermons.

      Francis P. Morrison was called to the field as a stated supply in 1930 The church had a total membership of 182 at this time. Mr. Morrison was a brilliant thinker and a dynamic personality. However, due to ill health he resigned early in 1931.

      During the summer months of 1931 the pulpit was filled by Edward Payson Ingersoll, who had just graduated from Hastings College. In September Mr. Ingersoll enrolled for his Seminary training at Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Chicago, Illinois.

      Following the brief stay of Mr. Ingersoll, Lebana H. Shindledecker was installed as pastor of the Church. Mr. Shindledecker came from the Presbytery of Casper and remained in Morrill nearly a year, when he resigned to take up the occupation of farming. In December 1934 the Session was directed by the congregation to extend to Edward Payson Ingersoll an unanimous call to the church upon completion of his Seminary work.

      Mr. Ingersoll accepted the call and came on the field the 15th of May and preached his first sermon May 20th, 1934. He was ordained and installed as pastor of the church by Presbytery June 1st, 1934.

      Too much cannot be said of the loyalty and untiring efforts of this young minister in his field of labor. It is his privilege to build a new church, the foundation of which was laid by the Rev. Herman C. Welker sixteen years before.

     Despite the strenuous duties as pastor of this church, Mr. Ingersoll found time to render further service by becoming identified with numerous Christian activities aside from his regular pastoral duties. Besides being a trustee of Westminister Foundation, Lincoln he is chairman of the committee on Christian Education in Box Butte Presbytery, having also served as Moderator of the Presbytery. Mr. Ingersoll has had charge of the local Red Cross for the past two years.

     Late in 1935 it became evident to the pastor and officers of the church that now was the opportune time either to build or modernize the present structure. At a meeting of the men of the church in Vandeventer's cafe interest was so high and keen that the group asked Mr. Ingersoll to invite Mr. A. L. Lamont of New York City, architect for the Scottsbluff Presbyterian Church, to be present at a similar dinner. Mr. Lamont presented i-

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deas and sketches before the men one week and he was authorized to draw plans and specifications for new Presbyterian Church on the same site using the old foundation. The money was pledged at this meeting to meet the cost of the plans and specifications.

      At a called meeting of the congregation March 8, 1936, the congregation appointed a building committee composed of J. G. Woodman, William Flint, Mrs. Henry Karpf, Mrs. Mary Schultz and Robert Curry. Upon Mrs. Karpf's moving to Omaha Mrs. George Carpenter was elected to the building committee. This committee was instructed to receive estimates on the cost of the proposed building and to determine the advisability of building

      In August the committee reported and deemed it wise and advisable to proceed with the proposed plans a drawn by Mr. Lamont. The congregation unanimously empowered the committee to receive and let bids for the alternate plan which did not include the finishing of the class rooms or the sides of the nave. The contract was let to Mr. Richard Smith, Scottsbluff, the low bidder, Nov. 26, 1936, with the understanding that he was to use as much of the old building as possible and he was also to use the First Presbyterian Church of Mitchell to which Mr. A. H. Pierson had so kindly given the congregation. Sunday, Nov. 29, was the last time the old church was used. Early in April the building committee was given permission to complete the entire building as many of the class rooms had already been given as memorial rooms.

      From the time the new building was begun until dedication Sunday, May 30, 1936, the entire membership of First Presbyterian Church have worked with a spirit of cooperation, devotion, and fellowship which deserves more praise than mere words are able to record. However, the fruits of their combined labor will stand for many years as a divine inspiration to those that follow.

      Thus God has blessed this tender vine, planted thirty years ago, and as we come to this place of worship we do so with the profound conviction that every child of God who has been willing to be used, has been given a share in it. We acknowledge every consecrated worker both known and unknown and in humble gratitude to God, lay it all down at His feet and say unitedly- we will follow the Master of Men -- "The SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND FOREVER."