...a bit of our History

First 50 Years 1887-1937

Blue Ridge, Nebraska

October 5, 1887, 7:30 p.m.

Rev. Edwin C. Haskell and M.V. Wagner of a committee appointed by Omaha Presbytery met and held services with the object if the way be clear to organize a Presbyterian Society.

Rev. Wagner read Psalm 122 and led in prayer after which hymn 29 in Gospel Hymns was sung.

Rev Haskell preached from Ephesians 4:7-16. After the service the following names were received:

1. James R. Porter

2.   Catherine A. Porter

3.   L.C. Van Allen

4.   Theresa F. Van Allen

5.   Cora Pyers Stamm

6.   Mattie Pyers Stevens

(Of these six members Mrs. Stamm is still living on this 50th anniversary.)

The name of Blue Ridge Presbyterian Church was chosen.

Ruling elders were then elected: L.C. Van Allen for one year, J.R. Porter for two years.  The elders were then ordained and installed. The congregation was then dismissed by Rev. Wagner.

So ends the record of the organization to which we belong.

From October 1887 to May 1888, services were held by Rev. Haskell and from May to September by J.C. Cunningham.  In May 1888 the work was transferred to Gresham.  The first communion was held in Oak Hall September 1, 1888.

In 1890 it was changed to Nebraska City Presbytery, and the name changed to First Presbyterian Church of Gresham.  Services were continued in Oak’s Hall and the M. E. church until December 7, 1890 when this church was dedicated by Rev. Dr. Countermine and Rev. George of York.  The Church cost $2,200, $800 of it came from the Board of Church Erection. For the first two or three years it was heated by stoves, then a furnace was used but it was not in a basement such as we have now but just a hole in the ground.

As a furnace was something of a novelty at that time, we did not always have the best of fires.  One janitor, who was new at the business, made a fire in the ash pan.

In 1913 we made our first improvement in the basement, followed by the more recent one for which we should give Rev. Strate credit.

In 1915 Evangelistic services were held by Rev. Rayburn in what is now the Ford Garage, which resulted in about sixty additions to the church.

For the first few years the choir occupied the S.E. corners of the church, then a platform was built in that corner and later the pulpit was extended to provide the place which the choir now occupies.

The manse was built in 1903 and Rev. Koehler was the first minister to occupy it.  The manse committee was J. F. Quigley, R. E. Byers, W.N. Hylton, Russel Van Allen and J.E. Hart.

During the fifty years we have had thirteen pastors and five stated supplies, E. C. Haskell and J.C. Cunningham both stated supplies followed by F.F. Sharp who was pastor when this church was

built.  W.F. Watson, W.F. Matson and F.A. Mitchell stated supplies, followed by these installed pastors:

W. H. Parker          

J. H. Salsbury              

W. H. Hunter

C. F. Koehler               

M. P. Elder         

J. R. Wall

E. S. Chaffee               

C. F Hullhorst             

W. H. Strate

A. S. Hutcheson 

E. B. Whitney

and our present and thirteenth pastor O. B. Proett.

From a membership of six, the church grew to a membership of 65 when it was 25 years old, and today the membership 205 (fiftieth anniversary).  Five hundred twenty-seven persons have been members of this church.  Seventy have been lost by death.

From this church have gone three ministers, two missionaries, six minister’s wives and one social welfare worker.

Next 25 Years (1937-1962)  

Rev. Oliver B. Proett and family came to us July 1, 1937.  He was installed October 3, 1937.  He was with us six years. Several of their children were born in our manse.  Forty-nine new members, 26 baptisms and 56 were dropped during his stay with us.

The gift of the Hammond electric organ by Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Byers and the dedication of the organ took place during his pastorate. (Oliver was asked to join the scouts while he was here and he replied “That costs money and my Dad gets only a penny a preach.”)

In June 1943 Rev. and Mrs. Willard Payne came to us.  They were here six years.  During his pastorate we received the loud speaker and earphones.  They were a memorial gift by Mrs. Mary Richter in memory of her deceased husband and the beautiful chimes have been a joy to us all.  During Rev. Payne’s stay we added 16 new members, 24 baptisms and we lost 15 members by death or moving to other places. 1928

For two years we had substitute pastors.  Rev. John Shell and Richard Shapland served us during that time. Shapland was a student at York College at the time.  Under their pastorate we received 18 new members.  Willard Payne was still our Moderator.

Lee Huebert and family came August 1, 1951.  He was a York College English teacher. During their stay we had 52 new members and 24 baptisms.  Rev. Huebert went to McCormick Seminary in Chicago and became a Presbyterian minister.  The Gresham Church and Nebraska City Presbytery supported him.

Our next minister was Rev. John Glassey.  He stayed from November 1952 until June 1, 1953. We had 13 baptisms during his stay.

Wane Porter came to us July 19, 1953.  He was pastor until March 1, 1955.  During his stay it was voted to start a building fund not for repairs but to be used for addition to our church or a new church.  They also purchased a projector to be used in the Church, Sunday School and teacher training.  We had 4 new members added and 11 baptisms and lost 24 members.

Rev. Hollingsworth supplied until Rev. James Green came to us.  Seven members were added to our roll during his stay.

Rev. James Green came to us May 22, 1955 He was married to Mary Lou Ulrich of Missouri, June 11, 1955 and returned to serve the Gresham Church until October 8, 1957.  A memorial dedication was held for gifts to the church. Dedicated were: the electric organ, floor covering in the basement, picture of Jesus the Good Shepherd, the Pulpit, Bible, the Communion pitcher and serving cart.  The manse was renovated and buildings painted and rug laid in the living room.  The church kitchen received a double drain sink, 30 gal. hot water heater, new formica top work table and cabinet.  The Kensington and Missionary Society were united in 1959 and this became known as the Presbyterian Women’s Organization.  The group was divided into three circles for monthly Bible study. There were 10 young people and three counselors sent to camp.

There were 35 new members, 24 baptisms, six letters, three suspended and three deceased. Rev. Rex Knowles supplied and Rev. Robert Moorehead was our Moderator from September 8 1957, to July 31, 1958, during which time we received four new members and six baptisms.

Rev. and Mrs. Larrre Eschliman came to us May 18, 1958.  The installation service was held July 31, 1958, and so far he has had 24 baptisms and received 25 into the church. We lost eight members.

In 1959 the Thayer church was purchased for $200.00.  The Trustees razed the building and lumber was brought to add an educational unit of 10 extra rooms.  The work was done by the trustees of the church under the supervision of Adolph Schultz.  Even the plan was drawn by the chairman of the trustees, J. L. Rasp.  An estimate of cost by an architect was given at $16,000.  Through the cooperation of the members we were able to build the unit for $4,000.  A new furnace was installed at a cost of $2,000.

Two chord organs were donated by J. L. Rasp and David Yung, Chairs and a table for one Sunday School room were given by the Clem family.  Cal Christensen gave 100 bushels of seed corn.  A Donation of $1,000 was given with the stipulation that the building be finished debt free.  Other gifts were pulpit chairs, communion table, carpet for the study, linoleum in the choir room, paneling for the church basement, and numerous other gifts, including new hymn books. The basement has been renovated. Walls were paneled, ceiling lowered, furnace enclosed and indirect light, kitchen remodeled.  This work was done by hired labor.

Our church is now ready for dedication, but our work as members has just begun.  We need a score of consecrated workers to train the children and carry on the work of the gospel message. We vowed when we joined the church to help in any way we were able.  Let us all renew our vows and make this a real house of God.  In worship, in our daily prayers, and our service let us remember we have a tradition that should challenge us but make us humble – a fellowship that should strengthen us and an objective that is worthy of utter consecration.  May we never forget the community in which we must do our work or the church in which we are privileged to labor.

“Forward with God, church of the ever living Christ, to the unfinished task.”

Written by Annie Ryan, Alice Rasp and Mr. and Mrs. J.L. Rasp 

April 11, 1962

25 Years More (1962-1987)

The history finished in 1962 reminded us of the need for consecrated workers to train our children and carry on the work of the gospel message and so it was “Forward with God, church of the ever living Christ, to the unfinished task.”

The United Presbyterian Women redecorated the sanctuary with paint and paper and new ceiling lights prior to the finishing of the education unit referred to as Phase 1 of long range improvements.

May 6, 1962 the 75th anniversary of the church was observed with the dedication of the educational unit, Rev.Eschliman serving as Pastor.  Circle groups were formed, an organized Jr. & Sr. fellowship group, joint Bible school with the Methodist church, strong church school attendance and a continuation of a dedicated choir gave us the incentive to go forward.

Having served both Gresham and Staplehurst churches, pastoral relations with Rev. Eschliman dissolved in July 1963, and a call to Rev. Jesse Patrick was accepted and installation in January 1965. Rev. Patrick served both Gresham and Utica (combined ME & Presbyterian).  The Patrick family were the last ministers to reside in our manse.  Elder Arnold Fredrickson served as moderator for Nebraska City Presbytery in 1965.

Rev. Patrick organized vacation Bible School, speakers were installed in the sanctuary, Bible study continued as did communicants’ classes, and the reception of new members.  From May 1969 until the installation of Rev. Kenneth Fells on August 5, 1970 the church continued with pulpit supply.

The church was incorporated March 1894. Due to not reporting church officers in 1895 the corporation ceased.  New articles of incorporation were now completed.  May 14, 1972 our name changed from the First Presbyterian to the United Presbyterian.  Rev. Fells assigned Elders as prayer partners, and closed morning worship services with the passing of the peace among worshippers.  The church manse was sold in 1973.

A special congregational meeting on March 21, 1971 to present Phase II, the remodeling of the chancel, prepared by the building committee, and presented by Greg Richter, chr. Proposal was approved by the congregation.

Pastoral relations with Rev. Fells were dissolved July 1, 1976.  Rev. Robert Stevenson supplied our pulpit as stated until Rev. Vernon Pearson was installed on December 8, 1977 and continued to serve until December 1980. Nebraska City Presbytery became Homestead Presbytery on January 3, 1977.  Sixty-four churches belong to this Presbytery and on Jan 1, 1987 had 15, 882 active members.

Trustee Brian Scheele, chr. of building, supervised the approved project of a new entrance and vestibule with a second bathroom downstairs.  This major project was completed in the spring of 1980 and finished Phase III of the long range building renovation.  Central air was installed in 1981.

Supply ministers served our congregation for a year until December 1981. Rev. Earl Byleen conducted morning worship services and an adult Bible class.  September 1982 Rev. Don Hale conducted morning worship services, continued an adult Bible study, made hospital calls, conducted funerals and made calls in the community. He accepted a call to the church of his ordination in July 1983.

For six months the pulpit was filled by the Worship committee until January 1, 1984 when Rev. J. Dallas Gibson, retired pastor in Lincoln consented to serve Gresham along with his present charge at the Seward Presbyterian church.  During this time a yoked parish agreement between the two churches was approved in December 1983.

It had been 11 years since a resident Pastor had been installed.  June 9, 1985 Rev. Lance Wonders was installed in Seward, to serve the congregations of Seward and Gresham under the yoked parish agreement.  He and his family reside in Seward and we look forward to spiritual growth from his ministry.

Rev. Ivan Rymes of York Presbyterian church served as our moderator from 1981 until June 1985.  The past two decades many interior improvements have been realized from memorials and annual contributions. An enrollment of 25 in the church school, an active Women’s society, two Mariner groups, and a membership of 82 active members make this a LIVE church.

The United Presbyterian church USA of Gresham tells a story of dedicated Christians going forward in joy, sadness and adversities for a century. We face the future with faith and God’s guidance with enthusiasm for continued participation in the church’s work.

                                     Submitted by Ramona Lux

1st Corinthians 3:11, “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” 

History 1988-1997

Faith, courage and dedication have led the congregation of the Gresham United Presbyterian Church through another decade to our unfinished task. Many challenges have been met only because our Christian brothers and sisters believe in our foundation already laid.

The Yoked Parish agreement with Seward (1985) was dissolved in April of 1990  Rev. Lance Wonders became our full time Pastor, residing in the former Ella Brown residence until April 1, 1991.  A pulpit nominating committee as elected by the congregation in July of 1991, serving until September of 1995. Rev. Ted Dillow of Wahoo was appointed by the Homestead Ministerial committee as our pulpit supply. Rev. Dillow was killed in an automobile accident in July of 1992.   Rev. Terry Graham of Columbus led our congregation from August 1993 through 1994. Rev. Wallace Easter of Lincoln has served as Pastor of our congregation as temporary stated supply since October 1, 1995.  Rev. Easter was elected Homestead Moderator in 1997.

Some interesting statistics this past decade, 1988-1997, 7 baptisms, received 21 members by confession of faith or transfer of which 7 of 21 were communicants (88-90).  7 couples were united in marriage and 21 members were lost due to death.

You have been an important part of our on-going work, dedicated to preserve our house of worship.  New sidewalks, improved electrical wiring, exterior painting, roof shingled, new chimney, installation of chair lifts, remodeling kitchen and working toward finishing the restoration of sanctuary windows.

Sharing some of our blessings continue with yearly Home Mission, our suggested denominational offerings to OGHS, Christmas Joy Offering, the 1% Giving and supporting Homestead, Synod and General Assembly.

God has been our strength in the years that have passed, and God will be our hope in the years to come, as we remain faithful to Him.

History 1998-2012

Rev. Wallace Easter continued serving the congregation of the United Presbyterian Church of Gresham through 1999.  He lead the last communicants class with 4 becoming members on confession of faith, and we gained 2 through re-affirmation of faith and 1 transfer.  4 couples were united in marriage, he officiated at 2 baptisms and conducted 8 funeral services.  Due to no children of church school age, Sunday School ended in the fall of 1999. Rev. Easter retired in 2000 but continued to serve in the ministry as pulpit supply.

Rev. Noel DeKalb was endorsed at the 2000 Annual meeting as our new temporary supply minister and Presbytery appointed him moderator of session.  Rev. DeKalb united 5 couples in marriage, baptized 7 infants, conducted funeral services for 16 members, 3 friends of the church, and welcomed by re-affirmation of faith 6.  During this time JayDee Scamehorn led our worship one Sunday a month as well as other services as needed.

Rev. DeKalb retired in December 2010 and Rev. Connie Stone led worship from January to the middle of June 2011.  The worship committee provided pulpit supply until June 3, 2012 when John Nellessen of Lincoln was commissioned as Lay Pastor (CLP) and began serving our congregation in that capacity.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is a time for everything; and a season for every activity under heaven.

Fifteen years have seen many changes – United Presbyterian Church of Gresham became The Presbyterian Church of Gresham  (2007) with the church by-laws updated (2008), United Presbyterian Women (UPW) became Presbyterian Women (PW) which by vote of the members dissolved in 2006  Mariners became Galleymates and ‘sins’ became ‘debts’ and ‘debtors’ again.

We are one of 51 churches in Homestead Presbytery.  Our congregation supports One Great Hour of Sharing, Christmas Joy Offering, Theological Education Fund, and Presbyterian Disaster Fund.  Mission programs have included support to individuals serving abroad in medical and education fields, mission in our community designated to those in need and Homesteads Millennium Mission Fund.

The biggest physical change was transforming the sanctuary with new wall covering, paint, carpet, pew pads (2006), and purchasing padded chairs.  Phase III of the window project was completed, a new copier was purchased and we beautified the church’s foundation with plantings, the exterior was painted and had new shingles installed.

Again, God has been our strength in years past, and God will be our hope in the future, as we remain faithful to Him.

History updated in 2012 by Ramona Lux

History 2013-2019

Our church continues to thrive with Pastor John Nellessen leading our faith community.  The seven years since our last history was updated, finds us gaining five (5) new members and thankful for two (2) infant baptisms.  We lost fourteen (14) members who went to their eternal rest. 

In 2012 our church acquired the property to the south of the church where the church manse stood since 1903.  The house was torn down and burned for practice by the local fire department. The empty lot now serves as additional parking for the church.  New trees were planted in 2017 to enhance the beauty of the lot and replace old trees that were taken down.

To keep in step with social media the church started a Facebook page and a web page. Outreach to our community included block parties during the summer of 2014. Movie parties for kids were held several summers and during Christmas break.

Physical changes included painting the church exterior and installing a handicap door opener in 2013. We also replaced the outdoor sign and replaced the copy machine.  A new chair lift that flows from the top floor to the basement was installed in 2016. New furnaces and air conditioners were installed in 2017.  Ten (10) new light-weight tables were purchased for the basement in 2018.

After 62 years of serving our congregation and community the Galleymates disbanded in 2018. The Galleymates requested and the Session approved to use their remaining funds to purchase new paraments for the sanctuary.  Due to age and dwindling numbers the choir also decided to cease singing on Sunday mornings. 

Our bylaws were updated to change the number of Session members from six (6) down to four (4) and to change the number of Trustees from nine (9) down to six (6). 

We are one of 49 churches in Homestead Presbytery.  Our church’s membership on December 31, 2018 was 38. 

Our congregation continues to be faithful in our giving to denominational special offerings as well as other local and global mission giving.  We support Camp Calvin Crest annually.

We remain faithful to God, our strength in ages past and our hope in the future.

History updated in 2019 by Wendy Wait

MINISTERS WHO HAVE SERVED

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF GRESHAM

E. C. Haskell	John Glassey
J. C. Cunningham	Wayne Porter
B. F. Sharp	Hollingsworth
W. F. Watson	James Green
W. F. Matson	Rex Knowles
F. A. Mitchell	Larre Eschliman
W. H. Parker	Jessie Patrick
C. F. Koehler	Kenneth Fells
E. S. Chaffee	Robert Stevenson
A.S. Hutcheson	Vernon Pearson
J. H Salsbury	Earl Byleen
M. P. Elder	Don Hale
C. F. Hullhorst	J. Dallas Gibson
E. B. Whitney	Lance Wonders
W. H. Hunter	Terry Graham
J. R. Wall	Ted Dillow
W. H. Strate	Wallace Easter
O. B. Proett	Noel DeKalb
Willard Payne	JayDee Scamehorn
John Shell	Connie Stone
Richard Shapland	John Nellessen
Lee Huebert

50 + YEAR MEMBERSHIP RECOGNITION

	In 2019 current members will reach the listed membership milestones.
Fred Branz	72 Years
Douglas Dey	72 Years
Roger Dey	67 Years
Delilah Dey	64 Years
Jennie Romohr	64 Years
Janis George	63 Years
Patricia Chapman	63 Years
Ramona Lux	61 Years
Shirley Rhodes	60 Years
Peggy Diller	58 Years
Charles Lux	57 Years
Patricia Branz	56 Years
Wenda Wait	56 Years
Edward George	56 Years
Dorothy Farley	54 Years
Monte Romohr	52 Years
Dan Noble	52 Years