First Christian Church (DOC) - Ashland NE;
Some of the congregation's history:
R.C. (Robert Clark) Barrow and D. R. (David Roberts) Dungan, prominent evangelists of the early 1880's, were instrumental in establishing this congregation; known then as the Ashland Christian Church in 1883;
later to renamed the First Christian Church of Ashland (NE). (1961)
(See name(s) change information below.)
The officers listed at the dedication of the new building (April 1885) were:
(see pictures of "new building" to the right)
Elders - Samuel Bryan and B.F. Whitney; Deacons - L.K. Bell, J.H.Marsh, Timothy Johnson and J.E. Orange; Trustees - J.C. Railsback, L.K. Bell and J.E.Orange;
Clerk - G.V. Argabright. Narcissa Snell presided at the organ for the dedication.
The minister was David Hustand
The opinion of many is that the most outstanding service was rendered by Rev. C. A. Huyck, who remained steadfast through many difficult years of the Church's life. Reverend Huyck was identified with the congregation from 1891 unitl his death in 1914. During that time he rendered uninterrupted service either as Adult Bible Class teacher or Pastor of the the Church.
The following ministers have served the Church with distinction and honor: David Hustand, H.D. Williams, J.A. Battie, O.H. Derry, Monroe, Henry, L.A. Hussong, Kirschstein, J. Edward Cresmer, R.A. Schell, C.A. Huyck (1891-1914) , Frank E. Jones, W.W. Divine, H.A. Lemmon, James W. Hilton, O.H. Derry, Samuel Gregg, Bert Wilson, Clarence E. Lemmon, Ben E. Ogden, L. E. Snapp, J.K. Shellenberger, L.H. Bicknell, P. G. Dennis, Lowell A. acFarlane, M.R. Willson, L.B. Stevenson, Ralph Dyer, H.H. Utterback, B.F. Parnell, C.M. (Marlon) Foust, Milan Hamilton, Ronald Irons, E. Phil Dubbs & Phillip L. Hayes.
(there are some gaps in the names of pastors who have served FCC from Pastor Phillip L. Hayes forward;
to be corrected soon)
Some recent names added are:
David Conway, interim's Rev. Dr. Raleigh J. Petersen, Jr. (Dean Emeritus of Cotner School of Religion; who celebrated his 65th year of ministry on 24 JUN, 2007), Virgil Willits and called Pastor Chris Franklin.
Rev. Roy Paterik served for approximately 9 years, until October of 2006.
Rev. Nancy Gillett served from December 2006 until 09 September 2007.
Rev. J. Milton Bryarly began his service as Interim Pastor on 23 September 2007.
The Church has been served by many noble women during her time:
The Ladies Aid Society was organized in 1896, with Mrs. F.E Marcy as first president. Her term of office lasted 10 years. During this time, the ladies bought the property and home just west of the church, presenting this gift to the congregation for their minister. This home became the first parsonage.
(no record is currently available as to when that parsonage was actually constructed, however, we do know that it was purchased on March 31, 1902 from Mr. & Mrs. Walter J. (Katharine) Waltmire by the Board of Trustees of the Church of Christ (previous name of First Christian Church) for the sum of 1,500.00.
The home was sold 58 years later to Gail Smith for $575.00. It was moved over 4 blocks, in order to make room for the planned new Christian Education building. The home was renovated and the 1983 resident was Wayne Decker. The home is still occupied today as a residence at 1717 Furnas Street.)
Mrs. J.M. Moss followed Mrs. Marcy as president. She served for 16 years. Many other women served shorter terms.
The Women's Missionary Society was organized April 9, 1891 by Mrs. W.A. Collins, state secretary. The officers chosen were Mrs. A.P. Camp, president; Mrs. C.W. Fuller, vice-president; Miss Addie Marsh, secretary; and Mrs. F.W. Murphy, treasurer.
The Society has rendered a great service to the church by emphasizing the world-wide call of evangelism.
The Aid Society and the Missionary Society functioned as separate organizations until 1932; when they merged under the name of Women's Council. Mrs. Dean Mac Farlane was first president.
In June of 1950, it voted to change the name to Christian Women's Fellowship, as it is known today. Mrs. Josephine Ziegenbein was the first president; Mrs. Flora Olson was recording secretary.
Early 1956 - Sanctuary remodeled:
Paul Wild and Richard Goings built the new alter railing and new steps to the platform.
NAME CHANGE of our church:
A Quit Claim Deed, dated June 16, 1961, changed the name(s) of the owner of the Church of Christ of Ashland - also known as the Church of Christ of Saunders County, Nebraska to the First Christian Church of Ashland (NE).
July 18,1971 - New organ and PA system
Rev. Ronald Irons presided over the dedication of the new public address system and the new Conn electronic organ - both replacing older equipment.
2006: Covering & preservation of the historic stained glass windows was completed.
2008: The former Perry Couch property, just west of the church, was purchased. The home was donated and razed by the Ashland Fire Department on June 7th as a training exercise, to make room for more parking and later expansion.
Fathers Day - June 15, 2008: 2 beautiful silver flower vases, a memorial gift in memory of the late Jack Williams, were received and dedicated from the Brenda Williams family.
Acknowledgements:
We acknowledge and are very grateful to:
The Committee, Volunteers and Authors' of: The First 100 Years First Christian Church (1883 to 1983)
Some of those include (alphabetically):
Lillian Bailey (Chair), Faye Cline, Janice Dill, Lela Glade, Virginia Wild and Rev. Phillip L. Hayes, Pastor.