YORK COUNTY NEBRASKA
OLD SETTLER'S HISTORY

     (55) Methodist Episcopal. -- The first attempt made to organize a class in York County, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, took place at the House of David Baker, in the an spring of 1871, Mr. Baker acting as class leader. The members of this pioneer class were: David Baker, Elvira Baker, J. H. Bell, Thomas Bassett, L. D. Brakeman, Ella Brakeman, Sarah N. Moore, Thomas Myers, John Murphy, Mary Murphy, S. W. Pettis, Mrs. Shackelford.

     In the fall of this year Rev. W. E. Morgan was appointed pastor to this charge. It was given the name of York Mission and included the entire county. Immediately after taking charge, Judge Morgan re-organized the few members that resided in the county at this date into two classes, one on the West Blue, and the other, the original class of the York Methodist Episcopal Society, at the house of David Baker, the total membership of both classes reaching twenty-seven. Mr. Morgan officiated as pastor until the close of the conference year in 1875. He held the first service after his appointment in the store of Brahmstadt &-Kleinschmidt and from this time until the completion of the school house in the summer of 1872, at the residence of Mr. Baker. Services were held at the school house until the spring of 1873, (56) at which date the Presbyterian Church was completed. It was used by the Society until the following September, when the Methodist Episcopal Church was completed, Rev. Minor Raymond, D. D., of Evanston, Ill., officiating at the dedication services. At the fourth quarterly conference of the year 1871-72, held during the month of February, 1872, Rev. Morgan presiding, the following Board of Trustees were elected: David Baker, S. W. Pettis, C. Tagg, Albert Deems, recording steward.

     The lots upon which the church formerly stood were donated to the society by the South Platte Land Company. and $100 was received from the Church Extension Society. The balance was contributed by the citizens of York and members of its several church societies. In 1880 the society conveyed this building to the Swedish Lutheran Church Society, and it was removed to its present site in 1881, and services were held at Bell's Hall. A parsonage was erected in 1887. Rev. Edwin Buck was the successor of Judge Morgan, closing his ministry in the fall of 1877, being succeeded by Rev. E. J. Willis, who also remained for a period of two years. Rev. W. S. Blackburn was appointed to this charge in the fall of 1879, remaining one year. Rev. G. A. Smith came to York in October, 1880. The officers of the church at that time were: Trustees, L. J. Gandy, A. B. Codding, Geo. Beck, G. W. Woods, A. W. Wirt, E. M. Cheeney, E. M. Battis, J. C. Tenney, T. D. Knapp; E. M. Cheeney, recording steward.

     Presbyterian Church. -- The organization of the Presbyterian Church of York took place in a grove of elms, since destroyed, situated on the banks of the Beaver, not far from the mill site, July 23, 1871. Rev. George H. Carroll, District Missionary of the Board of Home Missions for western Iowa, presided and preached the sermon, after which the society was formally organized by the following members: A. C. Montgomery, Annie M. Montgomery, Robert Charlton, F. O. Bell, Elizabeth Dixon, R. R. Crawford, J. A. Crawford, M. C. French. A. C. Montgomery was elected Ruling Elder and Clerk and the pulpit was supplied during the first year. Rev. D. B. Fleming became the first pastor in 1872 and during this year the church edifice was commenced and (57) completed, the dedication services taking place November 17. Rev. T. K. Hedges officiated as pastor in 1873, and in 1874 the church was again supplied. Rev. A. S. Powell was called as pastor in 1875, and in April 1876, D. P. Temple was elected and ordained Ruling Elder. Rev. W. F. Gibson was pastor for one year, commencing in 1877, being succeeded by Rev. B. F. Sharp, who began his labors in April, 1878. In March, 1879, W. W. Giffen was ordained Ruling Elder and during the summer of 1880 the church building was enlarged at a cost of $400, making it 24x56 feet. It was then a comfortable frame building, elegantly furnished with oak pews, while the walls and ceiling were tastefully decorated. The property was valued at $1,500. Since the organization ninety-seven persons have united with the church out of which number five have been removed by death, viz: Robert Charlton, Mrs. Annie M. Dickey, Mrs. Clara Vanvalkenburgh, Mrs. George W. Miller, and Miss Minnie Sleirart, and several others have been dismissed at their own request and recommended to other churches, leaving a present membership in 1882 of eighty-four.

     St. Joseph Catholic Church was first attended as a mission in 1877 by Father William Byrne, and by him organized into a church. It was under his charge until the spring of 1878 when he was succeeded by Father O'Brien, who was in attendance until 1880. Father Wallace attended during the years of 1880 and 1881 and was succeeded by Father C. J. Quinn, of Utica. The church was commenced in 1879, and completed in 1881 at a cost of $1,100. The parish then had a membership of 300.

     The Congregational Church, of York, was organized in May 1872, at the office of  F. A. Bidwell. The organizing members were F. A. Bidwell, Mrs. F. A. Bidwell, Austin Harris, Mrs. Austin Harris, L. D. Stilson, Dr. W. Anderson, Mrs. Dr. Anderson. The society erected a large frame building, designated as a school building, in 1874, which was used as a house of worship until transferred to Messrs. Buckman and Worley. The first Board of Trustees were elected shortly after the organization and included F. A. Bidwell, Austin Harris and Dr. William Anderson. First church clerk, L. D. Stilson. The membership at that time (58) was 100. Board of Trustees: George P. Chessman, George B. France, F. A. Bidwell. The church now has one of the finest church buildings in the west, located at the corner of Platte and 7th Street.

     Universalist. -- The organization of this church dates back to June, 1880, at which date it was organized by Rev. L. S. Roripaugh. Rev. E. R. Earl, pastor. This house of worship was completed in April, 1881, and the property was valued at $1,800. The Trustees of the church were: John Itner, J. P. Small, Charles LeCount.

     First United Brethern Church. -- The United Brethern Church was organized in June 1887 by Elder Johnson of Seward. Held the first meeting in the Universalist church on East Hill with six members to organize. During the summer of 1887 they held part of their meetings in a vacant store room in North York belonging to Wooley. At the meetings there were about twenty members joined the church and conference stationed Rev. Schwartz here anal called it the York station.

     In the Spring of 1888 they built a little frame building in what is now known as the Cheney's addition, and worshipped in that church until the congregation got too large to hold them.

     In 1893 they moved the church to York College Chapel and sold their building to the German Lutherans. They worshipped in this chapel until 1900, then they built a commodious church which they now occupy.

     The membership in 1912 was 350 and 265 belong to the Sunday School.

     The First Baptist Church. -- Organized August 23, 1873 with David Graham and wife, Thomas Porter and wife, Mrs. Ellen Johnson as charter members, Mrs. Porter and Mrs. Johnson still living at York.

     Rev. Mitchell was the first pastor. Rev. Peck was the first resident pastor, which was in 1879. David Graham was the first deacon.

     The church had a membership of 20 when Rev. Peck (59) consented to become pastor; salary to be what they could pay him.

     L. D. Stilson, Mr. Whitlock and David Graham were elected as Trustees in 1874. F. M. Dillon elected as Treasurer October, 18, 1879, there being very little finances to handle up to this time as the pastor was supported by missionary funds, and what donations he received from the different churches which he served.

     Rev. A. W. Clark came to the church as pastor August 1, 1883 and on December 25 of the same year, the building of the present church building was decided upon.

     Present membership, 160.

     Church of Christ. -- York, Nebr. In the Spring of 1883 R. C. Barrow, who was then State Evangelist of the Church in Nebraska, held a meeting in the old Town Hall in York.

     June 3rd, 1883 a meeting of the members of the church incorporated with T. J. Hatfield, Wm. Williams, and Jas. S. Hiatt, Elders and Trustees. With the help of the Church Building Association they built a building in which to worship, which was dedicated in June, 1884 where they met for a number of years. There was a congregation of the church who owned what is now the Lockridge Town Hall, who because of so many members moving away sold the building and deposited the money for the purpose of aiding in building more centrally in the city. In 1896 this money was applied toward the purchase of Lot 5 Block 30 to which the old building was removed and remodeled and where it stands now at the corner of Platte avenue and Eighth street. This was dedicated in 1897 by Z. T. Sweeney of Ohio.

     The growth of this church has been steady and the loyalty of its members inspired by the word of God and the ministers in charge have helped to give it the influence it has in the community.

     In January 1910 Evangelist Yeuell held a meeting which was helpful and which added many to the church.

     (60) Ministers who have been in charge are M. H Wilson, A. W. Harney, T. J. Olliver, J. H. McSparrow, H. A. Lemon, T. L. Reed, J. M. Fisher, J. A. Kieferle, G. J. Chapman, E. B. Widger, T. A. Maxwell, W. E. Brandenburg, and the present minister (1913) A. F. Ritchey.

     In 1912 a full sized basement was finished for the use of the church. This was equipped so that it adds much to the convenience of the building for Sunday school, social and many purposes.

     The elders who have served, upon whom much of the responsibility has laid are T. J. Hatfield, Elihu Harlan, Z. W. Sutton, Geo. Spears, P. N. Elarth, R. A. Williams, T. J. Winters, J. M. Barnard, Ira Harlan, Walter Harlan, D. E. Moss, J. W. Ramey, B. A. Root, M. D., and T. E. White. The present elders are J. W. Ramey, Walter Harlan, B. A. Root, M. D., and T. E. White, of whom J. W. Ramey has served since December 30, 1903 making a service of almost ten years.

     The membership at present numbers Three Hundred four.

German Reformed Emanuels Congregation. Corner of Nebraska Ave. and 11th St.

     The first German emigrants from the Volga region of Russia to settle in York came here in November 1888. Even before they had homes of their own or visible means of support, they appealed to the pastors of their denomination in Sutton, Nebr. for spiritual supply, and in answer to this appeal different pastors of the Reformed church preached to these people for years.

     The first resident pastor was Rev. J. Vollprecht, now of Humboldt, and under his pastorate the congregation was organized in 1891 as: The German Reformed Emanuels Congregation, affiliated with the Nebraska Classis of the Reformed Church in the United States.

     The services were at first held in the homes; then in the building on 6th St. recently destroyed by fire; above (61) Blackburn's store; and for six years above W. W. Wycoff's office.

     In 1906 under the pastorate of Rev. F. Maurer of Harvard, the congregation erected its first church home, the little frame building on the corner of Nebraska Ave. and 11th St. From 1907 to 1908 it was part of the charge of Rev. U. Zogg of Sutton.

     In 1910 the congregation declared itself self-supporting and elected Rev. W. Bonekemper; since November 1911 the present pastor Rev. J. Biery has been in charge.

     Five of the charter members are still among us. They are: Mr. and Mrs. Peter Pfenning, Mr. John Hesler, Mr. and Mrs. John Reisbig. The congregation now has 116 adult members, and as all are in comfortable circumstances, hope soon to enlarge its present church edifice and build a parsonage.

     A Brief History. of the First Lutheran Church of York, Nebraska. -- In October 1902 a committee composed of Revs. M. D. Berg, J. N. Lentz and A. B. Reamer made a canvass of the city of York to ascertain the feasibility of establishing an English Lutheran church. Meeting with encouraging results they appointed a Sunday service in the Swedish church on W. 8th Street and Platte Avenue. The response was so favorable that the President of the Nebraska Synod sent supplies for a time.

     The following winter, Rev. W. T. Kahse, a student of the Western Theological Seminary, Atchison, Kansas, spent his Christmas vacation in York. He made a canvas for Lutheran people, and started a Sunday School. It was the intention of the President of the Synod to send supplies having been rented to the Free Methodists the Sunday School was disbanded and the supplies for the winter postponed.

     In 1903, Rev. C. E. Sparks, a student of Wittenberg College, spent a summer vacation in York and succeeded (62) in rallying the Lutheran forces. With the aid of the Board of Church Extension, he was enabled to secure the Fraternal Mall for Sunday services. He organized the Sunday School, and on August 2, 1903, the congregation was regularly organized by Rev. L. P. Ludden, D. D., the Western Secretary of the Board of Home Missions. There were 29 charter members. The following composed the Official Board: Geo. Harr, L. M. Worman, S. F. Hansen, W. M. Swartzwelder, J. E. Johnson and C. D. Dreier.

     From September 1, 1903 until April 1, 1904, Rev. J. G. Griffeth, D. D., acted as a supply pastor. During his incumbency, the Ladies' Aid Society was organized, sixteen members received and the church now owned by the congregation was leased.

     June 1, 1904, Rev. George F. Scheese of Selinsgrove, Pa., took charge and served until November 1, 1904 and resigned and returned to the East.

     January 12, 1905 at the earnest solicitation of the South Platte Conference of the Nebraska Synod, Rev. R. A. White took charge and served the congregation until April 1, 1913. He found the membership very much discouraged and scattered. By heroic effort he rallied them and soon infused new life in the congregation. The Ladies' aid Society has been a very important factor in the development of the work. Though only a few in number, they raised and expended about $2800 during the pastorate. Each year the church raised her full apportionment for all benevolent purposes. July 28, 1905 the church was bought for $1480. The transfer was made November 14, 1908. The Trustees signing legal documents were R. A. White, Pastor L. M. Worman. C. D. Dreier and August Dreier. J. E. Johnson was one of the Church Council, but he was away from home at the time, so his name does not appear. Following the purchase were extensive repairs and renovations of the building. The old rickety tower was taken down, a new roof was put on, a basement was constructed underneath the entire church, the doors were changed from the center to the southeast corner, a beautiful art glass window was put in the east end of the church where the doors had been, an art glass transom was placed (63) over the doors, a Giblon furnace by which the church is heated was installed, the interior was beautifully papered, the woodwork painted and grained, and beautiful oak pews were put in. Beside these there were many smaller improvements made which gives the congregation a delightful auditorium in which to worship. The membership is now about 55. It would have been more than a hundred except for removals. At the present time it is in a state of growth and from all outward appearances there will be rapid development in the future.

     On January 23, Rev. R. A. White offered his resignation to take effect April 1, 1913.

     Rev. C. E. Sparks of Auburn, Nebraska has been called and will begin his work as pastor June 1, 1913. The Church Council as now constituted will be the new pastor, Rev. Sparks, M. L. Warner, Fred C. J. Voss and William H. Newcomer, Jr.


History of the United Evangelical Church in York County, Nebraska. -- On April 10, 1879 at a session of the Des Moines Conference of the Evangelical Churches of Iowa, it was resolved that York Center, Waco and surrounding country be taken up as a mission to be known as York Center Mission. Rev. E. D. Einsel was sent as the first preacher in charge. A couple of years later some of the appointments were attached to charges outside of York County and York Center Mission was discounted.

     On March 13, 1903 at a session of the Platte River Conference of the United Evangelical Church, it was resolved that York and surrounding country be taken up and called York Mission. Rev. Arthur E. Miller was appointed the first pastor and with his wife and the families of E. Reisinger, E. P. McCoy and Elias Anderson constituted the charter membership of the church. In May of the same year the lot at the corner of Grant avenue and Eighth street was purchased and on the first Sunday in June the first service was held in the building then there. This was a part of the (64) Boyer's old drug store building. A class was organized on June 14, 1903 with 12 members. The corner stone of the present church building was laid in the spring of 1907, and on October 27th, under the pastorate of Rev. W. C. Brewer, the church was dedicated to the worship of God. The property is now valued at $10,000.00 The membership of the church is 93. The pastors have been as follows:

     Rev. Arthur E. Miller -- From 1903 to 1907.

     Rev. W. C. Brewer -- From 1907 to 1908.

      Rev. A. Essley -- From 1908 to 1909.

     Rev. B. Hillier -- From 1909 to 1913.

     Rev. Arthur E. Miller -- From 1913 to -------.

     Mr. E. Reisinger has been superintendent of the Sunday school ever since its organization.

     E. Reisinger, J. L. Browitt and Arthur E. Miller were the first board of trustees.

     The church is now pretty well organized for work in all departments and has great possibilities before it.

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