History of Nebraska - Chapter 34-A



Page 703

CHAPTER XXXIV 
THE BAPTIST DENOMINATION IN NEBRASKA -- CATHOLIC CHURCH IN OMAHA AND 
NEBRASKA -- SOUTH PLATTE CATHOLICISM AND THE LINCOLN DIOCESE -- CHURCHES 
OF CHRIST (DISCIPLES) -- PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH -- UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH -- 
REFORMED CHURCH IN THE UNITED STATES -- UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH -- 
UNITED DANISH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF AMERICA -- LUTHERAN CHURCH -- 
EPISCOPAL CHURCH -- EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN SYNOD OF MISSOURI, OHIO, AND 
OTHER STATES -- SEVENTH DAY ADVENTISTS -- GERMAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL 
CHURCH -- METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH AMONG THE SWEDISH PEOPLE OF 
NEBRASKA - EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN SYNOD OF NEBRASKA -- METHODIST EPISCOPAL 
CHURCH -- CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH


THE BAPTIST DENOMINATION IN NEBRASKA
BY REV. R. R. COON

   "One soweth and another reapeth. First the blade, then the ear, then 
the full grain in the ear." These two recorded words of the Master very 
properly are expressive of the work of Baptists in Nebraska. The first 
refers to the workers, in order; the second refers to the work, in order. 
The early workers were permitted to see but scant results of the labor it 
was given others to know; and the growth of that work is equally true and 
applicable to efforts in a larger field. Judson labored in Burmah six 
years before Christnu Paul became the first Burman convert. Moses Merrill 
preached in Nebraska from 1833 to 1840, the time of his death, and other 
missionaries toiled for years before the first Baptist church was 
organized in 1855. Like foundations of a great building the work is slow, 
unseen but fundamental.


ORIGIN OF THE STATE CONVENTION

   Pursuant to a call originating in a ministerial conference at Bellevue, 
January 30, 1867, delegates of Baptist churches met at Plattsmouth 
September 16 to consider the propriety of organizing a Baptist general 
association. The following brethren were duly accredited delegates from 
the churches, ministers: J. W. Taylor, E. D. Thomas, I. C. Jones, L. B. 
Wharton, W. J. Kermot, E. W. Hall, D. R. Goff and A. C. Miller; and 
laymen: I. Hickey, J. W. Caruthers and John Jackson. The name of Rev. J. 
M. Taggart is not in this list but evidently he was present as he "moved 
that a committee be appointed to revise the constitution and report at an 
adjourned meeting to be held at Bellevue November 12; at which time and 
place the general association (now state convention) was fully organized, 
with Rev. W. J. Kermot, president, and Rev. E. W. Hall, secretary." The 
above is taken from printed minutes of these meetings in the files of the 
convention historian; perhaps the only one available.

   It was fortunate for Baptist interests that a man of the ability and 
character of Rev. J. M. Taggart was among the early pioneers and 
foundation builders. Coming to Nebraska in 1856, for a quarter of a 
century his guiding hand and molding spirit were seen and felt during an 
important and formative period. He was a recognized leader. His counsels 
were sought in the affairs of state. He was a member of the state assembly 
and would probably have been elected a United States senator had he given 
his consent to the proposal. Some of his addresses are on file with the 
State Historical Society.


CONVENTION PROGRESS 

   "First the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear." In the 
sixty years of the

Page 704 

endeavors of Nebraska Baptists we see first a few bold pioneers blazing 
the way in the prairies primeval, the unsettled plains of the territory. 
Later years show organized effort and steady active growth, with the 
widening field and increase of laborers and magnificent and permanent 
results following. This appears clearly as, decade by decade, we review 
the three score years of Baptist history. Considering the work as 
beginning in 1856, we have at the end of the first ten years in 1866 -- 
estimated -- 14 churches, 16 ministers, 40 baptisms (that year) and 400 
members; in 1876: 125 churches, 55 ministers, 243 baptisms and 3500 
members; in 1886; 157 churches, 106 ministers, 662 baptisms and 6835 
members; in 1896: 240 churches, 111 ministers, 1230 baptisms and 14,600 
members; in 1906: 223 churches, 126 ministers, 1206 baptisms and 17,384 
members; in 1916: 195 churches, 129 mimisters [sic], 1998 baptisms and 19,
300 members. The work started, at the forming of the first association, 
with 7 churches, 3 ministers and 79 members. "The little one has become a 
thousand."

[image caption: SITE OF THE OLD MERRILL MISSION On north side of the 
Platte River about six miles from its mouth. The chimney is all that 
remains of the original building]

   "The object of the Baptist Convention," as its constitution states, 
"shall be to conduct missionary work in Nebraska . . . and in all 
legitimate ways promote the interests of Christ's kingdom." In the 
denominational polity the state missionary is the leading and active 
executive officer of the state convention. His position and influence are 
somewhat similar to that of the pastor of a church. The state board of 
directors are his advisers and supporters, as deacons and trustees for the 
pastor. Thirteen have served as state missionaries. We give their names, 
with the years they served: G. W. Freeman, 1869, J. N. Webb 1870-79, E. H. 
E. Jameson 1878-80, W. R. Connelly 1881-82, J. W. Osborn 1883-87, J. J. 
Keeler 1887-94, A. W. Clark 1895-97, F. M. Williams 1898-99, C. W. 
Brinstad 1900-05, C. J. Pope 1906-08, Wilson Mills 1909-10, Fred Berry 
1911-15 and Ray E. York 1916.


MISSIONARY LEADERS 

   During the missionary leadership of Rev. J. N. Webb and Rev. J. J. 
Keeler rapid growth and solid prosperity marked the progress of

Page 705

the denomination. Not only were they eminently qualified for the position 
but able and willing. They continued in office longer than any others, and 
this gave added weight and value to their services. This fact in part 
explains their success. Thirteen held that office in the fifty years of 
state convention work; of that time these two were in charge nearly one-
third of the time. Here, as often, it is true, "permanence is a virtue." 
The administration of Rev. J. J. Keeler is worthy of special mention in 
any history of Nebraska Baptists. During this time -- from 1887 to 1894 -- 
the work of the denomination passed from the formative period and became 
more thoroughly established. It was a time of real advance in almost every 
respect. The records indicate this notable progress: increase of churches, 
(during his administration) thirty-five percent; of pastors, forty 
percent; "the years of his service as state missionary have been the most 
important in the history of the convention." Mr. Keeler came to Nebraska 
in 1880 directly after his graduation from Morgan Park, Ill., Theological 
Seminary, and his entire ministry of twenty years was in this state. He 
died in Grand Island in 1899.


IMPORTANT MEETINGS 

   Several gatherings of historical significance have been held by 
Nebraska Baptists. The twentieth anniversary of the First Nebraska 
Association was celebrated at Nebraska City, June 25-27, 1878; a large 
gathering of Baptists in the state and of leading ministers from other 
states. The Rev. J. M. Taggart presided, the only minister present who had 
membership ninety percent; of missionary contributions, 100 percent; of 
baptisms, 175 percent. The number of baptisms the last year of his work 
was 1568, a number not equaled in the history of Nebraska Baptists until 
the year 1916. His work will be remembered as one of faithfulness, wisdom 
and self-sacrifice. In the report of every year we find the expression, 
"fifty-two weeks of service." In resolutions of high appreciation passed 
by the state convention it is stated: helped the organization twenty years 
before.

   He presented a historical paper "which contained much that is valuable 
of early Nebraska history, as well as a full history of denominational 
work, and should be preserved in printed form," a later writer states. The 
second prominent gathering of a historical nature was held in York, 
October 27-31, 1887. At this meeting Rev. J. W. Osborn gave a historical 
address, a summary of the work of Baptists in Nebraska from the beginning 
thirty years before, especially reviewing the twenty years of convention 
history. This appeared in full in the state convention minutes; a treasury 
of facts of the thirty years' history. Another meeting of historical 
significance was held in Hastings, October 14-18, 1916, the fiftieth 
anniversary of the state convention. As we have seen, the convention was 
organized in Bellevue and held its first anniversary in Nebraska City, but 
instead of meeting at either of these places Hastings was selected as a 
very central point. The occasion and special announcements drew a large 
delegation, twice as large as the attendance of any previous anniversary. 
Prominent speakers from out of the state gave strength and dignity to the 
program. The president was D. M. Amsberry, of Broken Bow, who for nearly 
fifty years has been a leader in denominational work in the state. The 
sessions of peculiar interest, and fitting for the time, was that in which 
former state missionaries, C. J. Pope, Wilson Mills and Fred Berry gave 
reviews of the work during their administrations. This was the "Golden 
Jubilee" of Nebraska Baptists. The seven churches had multiplied into one 
hundred and ninety-two, the four pastors to one hundred and fifteen and 
the seventy-nine members into twenty thousand six hundred and fifty. The 
published minutes of this meeting and a record of the year's work form a 
volume of two hundred and twenty-five pages. 


DENOMINATIONAL PAPERS 

   In the records of the earliest Baptist associations may be found a 
resolution something like this: "Resolved that every Baptist family should 
take some denominational weekly."

   The general missionary, Rev. Taggart, made

Page 706 

this statement to show that the resolution was not far from being 
realized: "I have found in my visits throughout the state, a Baptist paper 
in nearly every Baptist family"; a statement quite as remarkable as 
commendable. Several denominational papers have been published depending 
chiefly on Nebraska for patronage and support. The first of these as far 
as appears, was the Nebraska Visitor, edited by Rev. George Sutherland and 
published at Gibbon from 1880 to 1882. In matter and form it was all that 
could be expected or desired. It had a circulation of eleven hundred when 
Baptists in the state numbered only four thousand five hundred. In this 
paper was published perhaps the best record of the early history of 
Nebraska Baptists, prepared by Rev. J. M. Taggart; a series of twelve 
articles on "First Things in Nebraska." Mr. Sutherland moved to Kansas in 
1882 at which time the paper merged with the Western Baptist, Rev. L. H. 
Holt, editor, who continued the circulation in Nebraska for some time. In 
October, 1906, at the state convention at Friend appeared the Inter-State 
Christian Herald, a paper having strong editors at Detroit, Chicago, and 
Minneapolis, R. R. Coon being editor for Nebraska. This was energetically 
pushed, the state generally was canvassed by the editor and his helpers 
and about fourteen hundred subscribers were secured, continuing four 
years. This and the

[image caption: FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, OMAHA Under construction, at 
Fifteenth and Davenport streets, 1869. The building at the left was used 
as a place of worship while the church was being built]

Nebraska Visitor in earlier years, gave ample opportunity for state news 
and announcements; either could have helped materially in advancing 
denominational interests in the state. At present this demand must be 
supplied from Pella, Iowa, Chicago and the far east. All are unable by 
distance or other causes to give the best service; and perhaps all have 
less circulation in the state than had either paper referred to above. The 
monthly Bulletin, now in its seventh year, answers a good purpose, chiefly 
as a monthly exponent of the State Board. The matter of denomination 
weeklies, with all denominations, is a problem yet in the solving.


FIRST YOUNG PEOPLE'S CONVENTION

   Among the events in the Christian world that marked the close of the 
nineteenth century the young people's movement is prominent. The Christian 
Endeavor Society, founded in 1881, was opportunity for the young people of 
the church; it gave wise direction to their activities, It was a call, a 
summons from above, and it fell upon waiting ears and responding, 
multitudes of youth awoke to duty "for Christ and the Church." The young 
people's day began to dawn. The best possible plan is for young people to 
work under and in their respective denomiantions [sic], and so it is 
natural that organizations for them should there be formed. In Nebraska the

Page 707

first Baptist Young People's state organization was formed, at the time of 
the regular state convention, on October 29, 1889, at Grand Island. After 
a suggestive program on the topic: "Our Denominational Need of Young 
People," Rev. L. W. Terry, pastor of the entertaining church, offered a 
plan for the organization of a Baptist Young People's state convention. It 
was accepted with enthusiasm and a permanent organization was at once 
effected; the first in existence. The Rev. T. B. Hughes was made 
president, Rev. J. O. Staples, vice-president, and Miss Lottie Zediker, 
secretary. Forty-eight delegates were present from thirty-two churches. A 
constitution was then adopted that seemed to serve as a model for those 
after-ward accepted for church, state, and nation. This meeting was held 
six months before the informal meeting in connection with the national 
anniversaries in Chicago, in May, 1890; a year before the founding of the 
young people's paper The Loyalist, and nearly two years before the first 
B.Y.P.U. national gathering in Chicago in July, 1891. At the first 
anniversary of this convention, in October, 1890, nearly forty societies 
were reported. Two resolutions were passed at that time: one recognizing 
"The Loyalist the first Baptist Young People's paper published in the 
country," just founded in Chicago, and one "favoring young people's 
organizations in church, association, state, and nation." With this 
beginning the Baptist Young People's Society has had a growth most 
remarkable, comparable to that of the Christian Endeavor Society.


SINGLE COLLECTING AGENCY 

   Nebraska Baptists have led in stimulating systematic beneficence. They 
have formulated and put into successful operation what is called the 
"Nebraska Plan," the "Single Collecting Agency" for various denominational 
interests. Formerly too often soliciting for a cause would be by an appeal 
from some agent annually and a chance collection. Then the "Wheel Plan" 
came, a decided improvement but imperfect as a system. On October 5, 1910, 
in connection with the state convention that met in Grand Island a 
committee met and worked out a plan since known as the "Single Collection 
Agency." Its object is to unify all missionary work of beneficence, to 
give more time for missionary instruction and to push the "every member 
canvass." It recognizes the great fact that all missions are one; and aims 
to build up permanently a system of unified proportionate giving in all 
our churches. It also saves expense by combining the missionary and budget 
interests in one

[image caption: FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, OMAHA After completion]

office and under one secretary. This was in every way a new scheme in the 
matter of Christian beneficence. Its promoters traveled a way before 
untrodden. They blazed a path through an untried field where no marks of 
pioneers were to be seen to guide. The Rev. John W. Merrill is said to 
have first advanced the thought of such a plan, seconded by Drs. 
Sutherland and Pope. It was left, however, for Dr. Wilson Mills to put it 
into actual working order. He was the first state secretary for unified 
beneficence, serving from November, 1910, to April, 1916; he was succeeded 
by Rev. C. H. Bancroft. Has the plan

Page 708

[image caption: REV. GEORGE SUTHERLAND]

Page 709

been successful? We quote from a recent statement furnished us by the 
first secretary, Dr. Mills: "This new plan from the very first struck the 
right note with almost all of our churches, and from that day on has been 
remarkably successful in advancing all the contributions of the churches 
for the cause of Christ. We had enough criticisms to make the work 
interesting and permanent. It was not long before Wisconsin, Michigan, 
Iowa, Indiana and Illinois adopted the plan, and at present it would seem 
that some such plan will be recommended by the Northern Baptist Convention 
for all states." To this we add this word from Mr. Bancroft, the present 
secretary: "The contributions of our churches have increased between four 
and five hundred percent since this plan has been in operation, very 
largely owing to the new method of work." The states and the nation are 
adopting the "Nebraska Plan."


FOREIGN MISSIONARIES 

   This state has been preëminently a Baptist missionary field, and is 
yet, to a great extent. It has not been, however, indifferent to world-
wide calls for Christian service; it has become a missionary force. Thirty-
eight years ago, in 1881, the first foreign missionary was sent abroad 
front Nebraska, and up to this time thirty-eight have gone to labor beyond 
the seas; a few were compelled to return, a few have changed earthly toil 
for heavenly rest, but the large majority are at work. Among the first to 
go were Rev. and Mrs. E. A. Carson, of Gibbon. They labored in Burma with 
little interruption from 1885 until Mr. Carson offered up his life on the 
field April 7, 1908. Now she alone, with true missionary spirit, is 
bringing the Light of the world to those in darkness. In the stately copy 
of the state minutes for 1917 one page is given to a mere list of our 
missionaries abroad headed: "Nebraska Baptist Honor Roll; our Contribution 
in Life to Missionary Service beyond the Seas." The page closes with this 
statement: "Nebraska Baptists, fifty years ago, contributed $13.00 to 
Foreign Missions, last year's contribution was $13,000.00." In the list 
there given one has gone to the Philippines, three to China, four to 
Africa, five to India, six each to Assam and Japan, and thirteen to Burma, 
the original Baptist mission field in the East. The total of years of 
service given by these thirty-eight missionaries is 350 to 375 years; the 
result of their labors is known above. 


HISTORY IS BIOGRAPHY 

   Thomas Carlyle made this statement: "History is condensed biography in 
its last analysis, being only men and women disclosing themselves through 
action." In that history of the church, at once of greatest antiquity and 
of greatest authority, the Book of Acts, that "continuous rolling scroll 
of human life," we have a record of only a generation of years, and 
without a comparison for brevity. But in those twenty-eight short chapters 
that could be read at a sitting are mentioned hundreds of names of men and 
women; actors in those early years. In these pages it is permitted to 
mention names that shine as bright, having wrought for the evangelization 
of the mighty West, of which Nebraska is a part.


A FEW NAMES

   In the ranks of Nebraska Baptists have been men high in position and of 
strong influence. President E. B. Andrews as educator and author, was well 
known throughout the country; he was for eight years chancellor of the 
State University. Thomas J. Morgan, D. D., was president of the State 
Normal School at Peru in early years. Later he served a number of years as 
secretary of the American Baptist Home Mission Society. Hon. William O. 
Hasting, since 1876, has been prominent as author and instructor in the 
legal profession. He is dean of the law school of the State University. 
The Rev. Julius A. Leavitt, D.D., educator and lecturer, is state 
superintendent for the Society of the Friendless. As lawyers may be 
mentioned the names of H. H. Baldridge, L. D. Holmes, John R. Webster, of 
Omaha, and Hon. G. M. Lambertson, of Lincoln; business men, I. W. and J. 
V. Carpenter, M. G. McLeod, of Omaha; C. A. Schappel, of Pawnee City, nine 
years president of the state convention; William Saxton, of

Page 710

[image captions: GRAND ISLAND COLLEGE CAMPUS. VIEW OF GRAND ISLAND COLLEGE]

Page 711

Edgar, ten years treasurer of the convention; and D. M. Amsberry, of 
Broken Bow, recently elected secretary of state. Active in temperance and 
other reform work have been Rev. C. E. Bentley, of Surprise, H. F. Carson 
and Rev. S. Z. Batten, D.D., of Lincoln, the latter author of several 
critical works and chairman of the social service committee of Northern 
Baptist Convention and the same of the Baptist World Alliance. He is now 
leading a strenuous reform work in Philadelphia. Rev. J. W. Conley, D.D., 
eight years pastor of the First Church, Omaha, now of Fresno, California, 
is the author of several popular and critical volumes. The Rev. H. O. 
Rowlands, D.D., nine years pastor at Lincoln of the First Church, is 
prominent as a thinker and writer. Rev. E. V. Jorden, Ph.D., was pastor at 
Grand Island, seat of the denominational college, for ten years, a strong 
pastorate. During this time he solicited large amounts for the college, a 
gratuitous work. He also returned to Grand Island in 1916, becoming 
president of the college there. Some workers will be well remembered 
because of their long years of service in the state. Of these, Rev. F. K. 
Tyson must be mentioned. For twenty-five years his labors bore rich fruit 
in many fields, familiarly known as the pioneer home missionary. Of his 
biography, recently published, Dr. Bruce Kinney says: "No man is more 
worthy to have his deeds preserved to posterity." One who knew him well 
said: "Like Abraham Lincoln he was called from the common walks of life 
and was a self-made man." The Rev. O. A. Buzzell began his work here in 
1873. A faithful toiler in the home field for a generation, he gave two 
daughters as foreign missionaries. Rev. B. Bedell was for nearly twenty 
years pastor at the educational center, Peru; the longest regular 
pastorate of our churches in the state, we believe. Rev. I. D. Newell was 
pioneer worker, organizer of churches, pastor, missionary director, and 
finally recorder of events as convention historian. We are tempted to 
linger here a little and quote a few lines from a printed sketch of his 
work; they will be as interesting to the reader as they are typical of 
pioneer life in the seventies: "Mr. Newell, educated in Shurtleff College 
and Crozer Theological Seminary, located a pioneer missionary in Glenville 
in 1872, driving from Upper Alton, Ill., in a spring wagon. His field was 
Clay and Adams counties, from Sutton on the east to Juniata on the west. 
For a year he traveled on foot, often walking 26 miles to an appointment; 
and at times the shades of night closed in on him far from any house and 
he slept in his blanket on the ground. In these years of service he 
organized several churches; Juniata in '72, Hastings in '73, Glenville in 
'79 among them. School houses, railroad depots, new store rooms and 
private homes furnished preaching places . . . Because of her prominence 
and efficiency as a worker and her early experiences and sacrifices Mrs. 
Newell may be mentioned. Often, with her young babe, she stayed alone 
night and day while her husband was away on a preaching trip, during which 
time she would see no living person except her child." Mr. and Mrs. Newell 
were both children of pioneer preachers in Illinois. They seemed to 
inherit the missionary spirit, and transmit it to their children, one of 
whom is now president of the state convention and another associational 
secretary of woman's home mission work.


GRAND ISLAND COLLEGE 

   At the first organized gathering of Baptists in Nebraska, May 28, 1858, 
a resolution was passed looking to the establishment of an institution of 
higher learning. More than thirty years passed before definite action was 
taken, when the offer of the city of Grand Island was accepted. For a 
quarter of a century this institution has been the most valuable asset, 
the most efficient factor, the most uplifting force for public welfare the 
denomination has possessed in the state. Thousands of young men and women 
have gathered in its halls; its determining influence for good on this 
large body of youth, who have gone out to make society, is beyond 
estimate. Its scholarship has been of a high grade. The first year the 
Rhodes scholarships were offered this institution was the only college or 
university in Nebraska that passed all the candidates who took the Oxford 
examination. Its

Page 712

graduates are readily accepted by the higher universities; and a good 
number have master's and doctor's degrees from the University of Chicago. 
Public speaking is made prominent. In the last ten years its orators have 
taken first place five times in state oratorical contests. In the halls of 
the main building, silent now as its students have entered military 
service, is hanging a banner showing seventy-nine stars; four of them are 
gold, a mute but eloquent witness to the spirit of loyalty of its 
students. We have not space here to tell its story; in fact no pen can 
write that story. It is told by the privations and toils of its leaders 
and instructors; by the gifts and sacrifices of its friends and patrons; 
by these we read the story of its early struggles, its heroic labor, its 
noble achievements. A financial campaign has begun for the securing of 
$250,000 endowment for the college. President Jorden and his helpers have 
collected in cash and pledges about $40,000 of that amount.

   As we close this sketch the canvass for endowment is being pushed 
energetically by the educational commission of the state convention, led 
by Rev. Ray E. York, secretary of the convention. In addition to this, $50,
000 to $60,000 will be expended on the property in repairs and 
improvements. The future is bright with promise that in the years to come 
the college will continue a factor for great usefulness, and in its 
further development will bring yet larger gifts of mental and moral worth 
to the denomination and the state.

   In closing this brief review of Nebraska Baptist work it is well to 
remember the hardships they endured and the difficulties they overcame who 
labored here in these first sixty years. The Civil War, the grasshopper 
scourge of 1873, the unprecedented drought of 1893-1895 were events that 
brought weakness and disaster to the forces of the churches. Thousands 
were driven back to eastern homes or elsewhere, necessitating the 
abandoning of scores of churches, many of them never to be revived. As a 
natural sequence it was doubly difficult to secure ministers to lead the 
work, especially to get competent men to man needy and important fields. 
Another fact or condition that proved a hindrance to denominational 
growth, a fact that still exists, is the shortness of the ordinary 
pastorate; a practice too easily allowed in Baptist government. By a study 
of tables in the state annals it is clear that pastorates of a year or 
two, because of their brevity, show very meager results in permanent up-
building of the churches. The. principle holds true with regard to the 
general missionary of the state, the leader and executive of the work. 
Here very clearly long administrations have been marked by the largest. 
results, per annum. Unity of purpose and action, however, have been with 
Baptist workers in Nebraska during these three score years; and it is our 
privilege to recall with just pride what is history today, and to look 
forward with confidence to the future. But our confidence should be 
tempered by humble endeavor.

   In the halls of All Soul's College, Oxford, is an old sun-dial bearing 
this inscription from the poet Martial: "Percunt ct Imputanter," tersely 
translated: "Spent, but Charged," or as more freely given in Webster: 
"(the hours) passed will be charged to your account." That dial was framed 
by Christopher Wren, who, after the great fire of London, built from the 
ashes the cathedral of St. Paul's with, many other structures. For two 
centuries that dial by its inscription has reminded students that hours 
passed idly by will be accounted for on some examination day. The examples 
and memories of those who nobly lived and toiled and victoriously went to 
their reward must be considered in the accounting. Past records point to 
present duty and properly studied may prepare for future responsibilities. 
Our fathers labored for the good of society and the state, intellectually, 
morally, and religiously. A review of this calls for sincere appreciation 
of the set-vice of these pioneers and their successors in their day, as 
well as a. lively sense of the Divine Presence. and "the good hand of our 
God" ever directing the work and the workers.


CATHOLIC CHURCH IN OMAHA AND NEBRASKA
BY REV. PATRICK V. M'CARTHY

   If it be true that Quivera was situated within the present boundaries 
of Nebraska, it follows that the Rev. John de Padilla, Fran-

Page 713

ciscan friar, and native of Andalusia, Spain, was the first Christian 
clergyman to officiate within the limits of our state, and Nebraska enjoys 
the distinction of being the last resting place of the first Christian 
martyr of the North American continent. Father Padilla accompanied 
Coronado to Quivera in the year 1541. As the territory did not afford the 
worldly riches expected, the disappointed Spaniards returned in disgust to 
New Mexico. Padilla, however, saw something in Quivera more precious in 
his sight than treasures of silver and gold -- the souls of the benighted 
natives -- and as a consequence he determined to return and attempt to 
convert the people. Taking with him some Quivera Indians as guides, and 
accompanied by Andrew del Campo, a Portuguese, a negro, and two Zapoteca 
Indians of Michvocan, he set out on his missionary journey from New 
Mexico, in the month of April, 1542. Arriving at Quivera, he departed 
thence to visit a neighboring Indian tribe, but on the way he was attacked 
by a roving band of savages and killed.

   From 1670 to 1776 the region now called Nebraska was under the 
ecclesiastical jurisdiction of Quebec. From 1777 to 1787 it was subject to 
the diocese of Santiago de Cuba. Subsequently it fell again under the 
control of the French ecclesiastics. In the year 1851 Nebraska and Kansas 
formed what was known as the "Vicariate Apostolic of the Territory East of 
the Rocky Mountains." On the 6th of January, 1857, Nebraska was 
established as a separate and relatively independent vicariate apostolic. 
October 2, 1885, the diocese of Omaha was erected, and included Nebraska 
and Wyoming. The first vicar apostolic of Nebraska was Rt. Rev. James 
O'Gorman, titular bishop of Raphanea, consecrated May 8, 1859, died in 
Omaha, July 4, 1874. The second vicar apostolic of Nebraska was Rt. Rev. 
James O'Connor, titular bishop of Dibona, consecrated August 20, 1876; 
appointed first bishop of Omaha. October 2, 1885; died in Omaha, May 27, 
1890. The second bishop of Omaha is the present incumbent, the Rt. Rev. 
Richard Scannell, consecrated bishop of Concordia, Kansas, November 30, 
1887, transferred to Omaha, January 30, 1891.

   The present chancellor of the diocese is Rt. Rev. A. M. Colaneri, V. G.

   Until the arrival in Omaha of the Rt. Rev. James O'Gorman, the few 
Catholics in the territory of Nebraska were under the spiritual 
jurisdiction of the Rt. Rev. J. B. Miege, S. J., whose residence was at 
Leavenworth, Kansas. The first official report of the vicariate of 
Nebraska appears in Sadier's almanac for the year 1860. This report is 
very brief and meager. It is as follows: "Bishop, 1; priests,

[image caption: RT. REV. JAMES M. O'GORMAN]

4." Of these priests one was a Benedictine, another a Jesuit, and the 
remaining two secular.

   The report for 1861 runs as follows: "Secular. priests, 4; priests of 
religious orders, 4; priests on the mission, 4; total number of priests, 
8. Stations 8; churches, 1. Churches in course of erection, 3 or 4; 
clerical students, 1; Catholic population, including Indians, about 7000." 
In 1865 the vicariate of Nebraska comprised the territories of Nebraska, 
Dakota, and Idaho. The report for that year is as follows: "Priests, 7; 
churches, 5; churches building, 2; chapels, 5; stations, 19;

Page 714

clerical students, 7; convent, 1." The vicariate of Nebraska in 1867 was 
composed of Nebraska, Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming. The report for the 
year showed: Priests, 10; churches, 7; churches in course of erection, 2; 
chapels, 3; stations, 17; clerical students, 3; convent 1. This report 
states that of the church edifices "except two, our churches are all built 
of wood, some of rough logs." In 1868 there were in the vicariate: 
Priests, 10; churches, 7; churches building, 2; chapels, 3; stations, 17; 
clerical students, 3; convents, 2. The report for the following year gives 
the number of regular priests, 6; secular priests, 13; churches, 15; 
churches building, 2; stations, 22; convents, 2. By the report for 1870 
the vicariate, then composed of Nebraska, Montana, Wyoming, and part of 
the territory of Dakota, was as follows: Regular priests, 6; secular 
priests, 15; churches, 20; stations, 45; convents, 2. In the year 1885, 
when Omaha was made an episcopal see, the new diocese embraced the state 
of Nebraska and the territory of Wyoming. The report for that year is 
interesting as showing the progress made from the year 1870. It is as 
follows: Bishop, 1; priests, secular, 59; priests, regular, 22; religious 
communities, men, 3; members, 41; women, 8; members, 163; clerical 
students, 25; parishes, 64; missions with churches, 147; missions without 
churches, 69; chapels, 12; monasteries, 2; convents, 2; hospitals, 3; 
orphan asylum, 1; orphans, 22; academies, 7; pupils in academies, 606; 
college, 1; students in college, 180; parochial schools, 22; pupils in 
parochial schools, 1,911; marriages, 486; baptisms, 2,881; families, 10,
179; Catholic population, 58,395. In 1888, the year following the 
diminution of its territory, when the diocese of Omaha comprised that part 
only of the state of Nebraska north of the south shore of the Platte 
river, the following report was made: Priests, secular, 44; priests, 
regular, 17; school children, 2,680; marriages, 336; baptisms, 2,070; 
deaths, infants, 405; adults, 303; families, 7,064; Catholic population, 
41,320. For the year 1900 the diocese of Omaha, with the same limits as in 
1888, gave the following report: Diocesan priests, 95; regular priests, 
23; parishes, 84; church edifices, 152; university, 1; colleges, 2; 
students, 325; academies for young ladies, 6; females educated in higher 
branches, 376; parochial schools, 38; Pupils in parochial schools, 3,008; 
orphan asylum, 1; orphans, 86; industrial and reform school, 1; inmates of 
industrial and reform school, 80; total young people under Catholic care, 
5,989; hospitals, 3; baptisms, 2,689; marriages 541; burials, 680; 
families, 10,390; Catholic population, 65,175.

   Were it possible for Coronado and the venerable Father Padilla to 
return to life and go once more in search of Quivera how strange the scene 
that would meet their wondering

[image caption: FIRST CATHOLIC CHURCH BUILDING IN OMAHA]

gaze! The one would encounter a manifestation of worldly wealth and 
progress such as had never entered into his most glowing dreams. The other 
would find the ancient faith which he loved more than his life, strong, 
vigorous, and progressive, careless and indifferent as regards royal smile 
or frown, disenthralled, rejuvenated, and as pure and free as the air of 
Quivera.

   The history of the Catholic church in Nebraska is certainly interesting 
to the citizens of that faith dwelling within our borders; but it is to 
the history of the church in the city of Omaha that many will turn with 
the fondest attention. There are men and women still resident in Omaha who 
were present at the first mass ever celebrated on the site, now covered 
with stately public and private buildings, of Nebraska's metropolis. As 
one lady who was present on the memorable occasion

Page 715

expresses herself: "It was a bright, warm work-day, the 14th or 15th of 
May, 1855." The priest, the Rev. W. Emonds, who is yet amongst the living, 
and now a resident in Oregon, was brought from St. Joseph, Missouri, by 
Jere Dee, who had gone thither for supplies. The following correspondence 
is interesting as it settles a dispute which at one time was somewhat 
active:

OMAHA, NOV. 20,1878.
Rev. Father Emonds:
   MY DEAR SIR -- As some parties here are inclined to discredit my 
statement regarding matters and things connected with the location; etc., 
of our old church, and especially the house and place where you first 
offered up the holy sacrifice of the mass, I will ask you to write and aid 
me in settling that question.
Yours,THOMAS O'CONNER.

ST. JOSEPH'S INSTITUTE.
IOWA CITY, IOWA, November 25, 1878.
Mr. Thomas O'Conner, Omaha:
   DEAR SIR -- April or May was the month when the first mass was said in 
Omaha, rather think May, 1855,-- you ought to know. It was in the court 
room of the old state house, built of brick -- about the only brick 
building in the capital -- not far from the raised ground joining the 
river. Governor Cuming assigned us lots, a part of a so-called park. We 
commenced digging the foundation. Some folk objected to have the park thus 
disposed of. We kept on digging, notwithstanding pistols being threatened. 
This ground, I think, was nearer the river bank, on the raised ground.
Yours in Jesus and Mary,
W. EMONDS.

   Father Emonds did not remain to see Omaha's first Catholic church 
built. He was called away, and the building was abandoned even before the 
foundation was laid. In the spring of 1856, however, contracts were made 
for the building of the new church edifice. Two lots were donated by the 
Nebraska and Iowa Ferry Co. The building was to be of brick and 24 x 40 
feet. The stone foundation was laid by James Ferry, still a resident of 
Omaha, and Mr. Jenkins. The brick work was done by Bovey & Armstrong. 
While the church edifice was building Rev. Father Scanlan of St. Joseph, 
Missouri, arrived in town and celebrated the second mass in the parlor of 
the residence of Acting Governor Cuming, Nineteenth and Dodge streets. 
When it was completed the new church was dedicated by the same Father 
Scanlan, and was named St. Mary's Church. To Messrs. Ferry, O'Conner, 
Murphy, and Mrs. Cuming, wife of the acting governor, is due the credit of 
having started the subscription list and of having managed the 
construction of the building. Father Scanlan remained only a few weeks 
after the dedication of the church, and was

[image caption: RT. REV. JAMES O'CONNOR, D.D.]

succeeded by Father Kavanaugh, who came from Illinois, but who remained 
only three months. In the fall of 1858 Father Cannon, a Benedictine, was 
installed as the first regular pastor of St. Mary's. In the latter part of 
May, 1859, Rt. Rev. James O'Gorman came to Omaha as vicar apostolic of 
Nebraska. The new bishop found only two clergymen in Nebraska, charged 
with the spiritual interests of about 300 families scattered along the 
river counties. He was undecided for a time where to reside, and 
inducements of the most tempting kind were held out to him by the citizens 
to determine him to decide in favor of Omaha. One offer was the promise to

Page 716

donate sixty-three full city lots to the church. This offer the bishop 
declined, but finally he decided to take up his residence in Omaha.

   Father Cannon was succeeded as a pastor of St. Mary's by the Rev. 
William Kelly, now of Omaha, who was ordained a priest in the church on 
the 25th of June, 1859, and thus enjoys the distinction of being the first 
man to be ordained on Nebraska soil. Some of his successors were Fathers 
Dillon, Laurence, McMahon, Hayes, Daxacher, Curtis, Groene-

[image caption: RT. REV. RICHARD SCANNELL, D.D.]

baum, and Egan. The old church was plain to an extreme, being devoid of 
ornamentation interiorly as well as exteriorly. A simple wooden cross on 
the western gable indicated the nature of its uses. After the completion 
of St. Philomena's church, Ninth and Harney streets, in March, 1867, the 
old church became a parochial schoolhouse. In the early part of the year 
1882, on the breaking out of the memorable "dump riot," which excited 
Omaha for several weeks, and which led to the calling out of the state 
militia and a large part of the regular army, the old church was turned 
into a barrack for the militia, and when the trouble of the riot had 
disappeared was taken possession of by the Burlington & Missouri R. R. R. 
Co., and shortly afterward was totally removed. Thus disappeared Omaha's 
first Catholic church edifice.

   In the year of 1901 Omaha and South Omaha possessed fifteen Catholic 
church edifices, ten parochial schools with an attendance of 1,858 pupils, 
one university, one hospital, four academies for young women, one 
industrial and reform school for fallen women, three convents, and one 
monastery. The Catholic population of the city was estimated to be about 
18,000.

   The Sisters of Mercy were the first religious community to take up 
their residence in Omaha. They came from New Hampshire, and of after a 
long and dangerous journey by way of St. Joseph, Missouri, arrived in the 
city on October 21, 1864. Theirs is the credit of having started and 
managed Omaha's first hospital -- St. Joseph's. The Sisters now devote 
their time and labor exclusively to teaching in their two academies and 
the parochial schools of the city, and to the care of the orphans.

   The second religious community to appear in Omaha were the "Poor
Clares," of the order of St. Francis. Their work is chiefly prayer, and 
the practice of evangelical poverty. They took up their abode in the city 
August 15, 1878. The next religious society to arrive were the Sisters of 
St. Francis, who, since April 17, 1880, have had charge of St. Joseph's 
Hospital. They were followed August 28, 1881, by the Ladies of the Sacred 
Heart, a teaching society of French origin. The Sisters of the Good 
Shepherd came April 4, 1895, and have charge of the industrial and reform 
school for fallen women.

   The Jesuit Fathers -- Society of Jesus -- came to Omaha in the year 
1878, and have had charge ever since of Creighton college and university. 
The Franciscan Fathers took charge of St. Joseph's church, Omaha, in the 
year 1895, and in connection therewith have built a large monastery. In 
the year 1879, through the efforts of the Rt. Rev. James O'Connor, the 
Irish Catholic Colonization Society bought several large tracts of land in 
Greeley county, Nebraska. Since that date Greeley county

Page 717

has been rapidly settled, and at the present time there are two large 
Catholic communities within its limits. With very few exceptions the 
Catholics who have settled in Greeley county have prospered to a marked 
degree.

   Since the year 1894 Omaha has received a large number of Syrian 
Catholics. These strange people, who come from the neighborhood of Mt. 
Lebanon, and who are certainly lineal descendants of the first gentiles 
converted to the Christian religion, have been organized and now form a 
congregation by themselves. They have a priest of their own, a Syrian, 
Rev. E. Aboud, and are making arrangements for the erection of a church 
edifice.

   As will be seen from this brief sketch, the Catholic church is deeply 
and widely rooted in the state of Nebraska. Its progress has been as rapid 
and as marvelous in its way as that of the state at large. The good 
Catholic earnestly hopes and prays, of course, that his church will 
continue to grow and prosper. He takes pride in the fact that he has 
helped to found and build up an institution that will endure as long as 
the state itself -- a monument, more durable than brass, of his self-
sacrificing devotion to the faith of Jesus Christ. As life's eve 
approaches and the shadows begin to fall, he derives sweet consolation 
from the fact that he has been a strenuous participant in the temporal and 
spiritual edification of the state. As he is conscious of having done 
everything in his power to do, in order to provide for the happiness of 
his posterity here and in the never ending hereafter, he feels prepared to 
sing his "nunc dimittis" in confidence, and leave to younger and stronger 
hands the work of making our beloved Nebraska the paragon amongst states 
of every excellence possible.

[image caption: GRETNA CHURCH]

   The little village of Forest City is located on a high plateau about 
two miles east of the conjunction of the Platte and Elkhorn rivers. A 
beautiful valley, well watered and timbered, extends north and south from 
the village, and it was in this valley that many of the early settlers of 
Sarpy county made their homes. Many of these pioneers were Catholics from 
the Emerald Isle. The Irish people are strong adherents of holy mother 
church, and the teachings of St. Patrick abide with them in whatsoever 
clime their lot may be cast. It follows, then, that these early settlers 
did not forget the early teachings received in their native land. The 
Catholic priest is also solicitous for the spiritual welfare of the 
faithful; therefore the children of St. Patrick located at Forest City 
were not left without the consola-

[image caption: REV. ANTON BIRNBACH]

tions of religion. The Catholic priest, with true missionary zeal, sought 
out these people and brought to them the comforts of holy church. The 
names of the priests who ministered to the people of Forest City are 
Fathers Cavanaugh, Cannon, Dillon, McMahan, Daxacher, Kelly, Bohne, 
Curtis, Groenebaum, Lonergan, Keenen, Bernerd, Martin, Emblen, and 
Wallace. The five last mentioned were resident patsors [sic], the others 
paid only periodical visits. The first church was a log structure, built 
by Father McMahan in 1859. The logs used in the construction of the church 
were

Page 718

donated and put in place by the members. John Thomas, Anthony Thomas, 
William Morrison, and Bernerd Monahan did the building. This Church was 
used for about ten years, and then replaced by a larger and better 
building. In the summer of 1869 Father Lonergan built a substantial frame 
building 30 x 60 feet in size, the membership at this time being about 186 
souls. This church was used for twenty-six years and became known far and 
wide. In those days Forest City was fifteen miles from a railroad, and 
although called a city it possessed very few of the characteristics of a 
city. Its buildings consisted of the church, a schoolhouse, a general 
store, and the postoffice, the residences being extremely few in number. 
In the summer of 1886 the Burlington R. R. Co. built the Ashland shortline 
from Ashland to Omaha, and the town of Gretna was located two and one-half 
miles northeast of Forest City. The birth of Gretna marked the decline and 
fall of Forest City. Shortly after the town of Gretna was established it 
became necessary to erect a new pastoral residence and for this purpose a 
block of land in Gretna was purchased by Father Wallace, the purchase 
price being $150. This block is on the most commanding site in Gretna, and 
on September 1, 1890, ground was broken for the new residence. It was 
completed in January, 1891, and Father Wallace moved into it the following 
month. Mass continued to be said in the old church at Forest City until 
Easter Sunday, 1895. On May 1, 1894, work

[image caption: ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH, FOREST CITY (GRETNA) Built in 1869]

was commenced on the new St. Patrick's Church at Gretna, and completed in 
March, 1895. It was solemnly dedicated on April 17, 1895, by Rt. Rev. 
Bishop Scannell of Omaha, and the dedication was an event long to be 
remembered. The ceremonies were participated in by a large part of the 
residents of Sarpy county. The dedication mass was celebrated by the 
pastor, Rev. J. V. Wallace. Rev. George J. Glauber, of St. Mary Magdelene 
Church, Omaha, was deacon; Rev. D. W. Moriarty of St. Agnes Church, South 
Omaha, subdeacon; Rev. S. F. Carroll, of St. Philomena Cathedral, Omaha, 
master of ceremonies; and Rev. J. E. English, of St. Bridget's Church, 
South Omaha, assistant priest. Rev. M. J. Barrett, of St. Francis Borgia's 
Church, Blair, preached the dedicatory sermon; and Rev. John Smith, of St. 
Patrick's Church, Omaha, and Rev. J. Daxacher, of St. Joseph's Hospital, 
Omaha, were deacons of honor. After mass a class of twenty-six received 
the sacrament of confirmation. The church and house occupy the most 
commanding site in Gretna. The church is gothic in style and cost $9,000. 
The house cost $2,700. In 1859 the membership of St. Patrick's Church 
consisted of sixteen families. At the time of the dedication of the new 
church at Gretna the membership included about sixty families, or about 
300 souls.


CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY

   The history of this college may be briefly

Page 719

outlined as follows: Mr. Edward Creighton, after whom the college is 
named, had proposed in life to form a free institution of learning, but 
died intestate on November 5, 1874, before making provisions for the 
fulfilment of his project. His wife, Mrs. Mary Lucretia Creighton, 
inheriting both his fortune and his noble purpose, determined to carry out 
her husband's wish, but did not live to behold its realization. Her death 
occurred on January 23, 1876. In her last will and testament, dated 
September 23, 1875, she made, among others, the following bequest:

   Item: I will and bequeath unto my said executors the further sum of one 
hundred thousand dollars to be by them received, held, kept, invested and 
reinvested in like manner, but upon the trusts nevertheless and to and for 
the uses, intents and purposes hereinafter expressed and declared of and 
concerning the same, that is to say, to purchase the site for a school in 
the city of Omaha, or within . . . miles thereof and erect proper 
buildings thereon for a school of the class and grade of a College, 
expending in the purchase of said site and the building of said buildings, 
and in and about the same, not to exceed one-half of said sum and to 
invest the remainder in securities, the interest of which shall be applied 
to the support and maintenance; and the principal shall be kept forever 
inviolate. When said buildings shall be ready for occupancy for such 
school, the said executor shall convey all of said property, including 
said site, building and securities, to the Rt. Rev. the Bishop of the 
Roman Catholic Church having jurisdiction in Omaha and his successors in 
office, upon trusts to be aptly expressed in the deed of conveyance 
securing said property to the purposes aforesaid. The said school shall be 
known as The Creighton College, and is designed by me as a memorial of my 
late husband. I have selected this mode of testifying to his virtues and 
my affection to his memory, because such a work was one which he in his 
lifetime proposed to himself.

   Acting on this bequest, the executors, Messrs. John A. Creighton, James 
Creighton, and Herman Kountze, purchased the present site and proceeded to 
erect what is now called the main building. The entire property and 
securities were duly conveyed by the executors to the Rt. Rev. James 
O'Connor, D.D., bishop of Omaha, July 1, 1878.

   Under and in pursuance of "An act of the legislature of the state of 
Nebraska (February 27, 1879) to provide for the incorporation of 
universities under certain circumstances, Rt. Rev. James O'Connor, D.D., 
vested the entire property and securities of The Creighton College in a 
corporation, designating the legal title of said corporation to be The 
Creighton University, and appointing five members of the Society of Jesus 
to constitute

[image caption: REV. JOHN V. WALLACE]

the board of trustees. The Creighton University was thus incorporated on 
August 14, 1879.

   By deed of trust executed on December 4, 1879, the Rt. Rev. James 
O'Connor, D.D., conveyed all the property and securities of The Creighton 
College to the above-mentioned corporation, The Creighton University. By 
this conveyance the entire trust passed from the Rt. Rev. Bishop and his 
successors to The Creighton University and its successors, the trust to be 
held and administered upon the same terms and conditions and for the same 
purposes, for and under which it was originally bequeathed by Mrs. Mary 
Lucretia Creighton The position, therefore, of The Creighton

Page 720

University relative to The Creighton College, its property, and 
securities, as derived from the bequest of Mrs. Creighton, is that of 
trustee for The Creighton College.

   The funds invested for the support of the college had been increased 
from the division of the residue of the estate of Mrs. Mary Lucretia 
Creighton, so that when The Creighton University accepted the trust, the 
endow-

[image caption: REV. MATHEW P. DOWLING, S.J.]

ment fund amounted to about $147,500. This fund, according to the original 
bequest and the terms and conditions of the trust, must be invested in 
securities in perpetuity, the interest alone to be used for the support of 
the faculty and the maintenance of the college. To those who are familiar 
only with the million dollar endowments of other universities and 
colleges, an endowment of $147,500 must appear a very modest sum. Even to 
those experienced in the management of Catholic colleges, it must seem a 
hazardous undertaking to build up and develop a free college on a 
financial basis of nothing more than the annual interest of $147,500. But 
the Jesuits, like most of the teaching orders of the Catholic church, 
receive no salary for their labor, and though in this particular instance 
they fully realized the financial difficulties, they consented to face 
them. In this, no doubt, they were animated by the hope of seeing restored 
one of the chief glories of their history, namely, the bestowal of 
gratuitous education, such as was given by their predecessors in the older 
and more fortunate days of the order, when all Jesuit colleges and 
universities were endowed and free institutions. The venture has thus far 
met with unexpected success, thanks to good friends, and in particular to 
John A. Creighton and his lamented wife, both of whom generously seconded 
the noble purpose of the original founders, and by large benefactions 
carried oil the good work to a development which, without their 
munificence, would have remained an impossibility.

   The college, located on Twenty-fifth and California streets, commands 
an excellent view of the city and surrounding country. The grounds cover 
all area of six acres, and with the buildings of the classical department 
of the university represent a value of $140,000.

   The main building was begun in 1877 and completed in 1878. It is built 
of brick trimmed with limestone. There are three stories and a basement, 
with a frontage of 56 and depth of 126 feet. The facade is surmounted by a 
tower 110 feet high. This building is at present devoted entirely to 
college purposes.

   The library, which had only 1,000 volumes in 1899, now contains about 
17,000 volumes, among which are many works of considerable antiquity and 
value. It is a free library.

   In 1883, the scientific department of Creighton College was established 
and richly furnished by John A. Creighton with a complete chemical, 
physical, and astronomical outfit.

   The astronomical observatory received its full development in 1886, 
when the present observatory was erected on the brow of the hill north of 
the college. The cost of its erection was largely borne by John A. 
Creighton and John A. McShane.

   In the same year, 1886, the gift of a city

Page 721

lot, valued at $15,000, enabled the trustees to secure by exchange, after 
the payment of a bonus of $2,000, a much needed house and lot adjoining 
the main building on the northeast.

   The college chapel, popularly known as St. John's Church, is situated 
to the southwest of the main building, facing California street. The 
cornerstone was laid by Rt. Rev. James O'Connor, D.D., on June 27, 1887, 
and the church was dedicated by the same prelate on May 6, 1888. The style 
of architecture is English Gothic. The church is built of Warrensburg 
sandstone, and is at present 112 feet in length by 75 feet in width. The 
plan, however, contemplates a building 184 feet long with a width at the 
transept of 138 feet. John A. Creighton subscribed $10,000 towards the 
erection of the church; the rest of the requisite funds, about $35,000, 
came from a sale of property belonging to the Jesuit fathers in their own 
right. The main altar is the gift of John A. McShane; the side altars were 
presented by John A. Creighton; the organ was donated by Mrs. John A. 
Schenk.

   The south wing of the present college building was begun in the fall of 
1888, and was ready for occupation the following spring. Mr. and Mrs. John 
A. Creighton contributed $13,000 towards its erection; the rest of the 
cost was covered by the interest fund of the college. The wing is built of 
brick in the same style of architecture as the main building, and has a 
length of 90 feet and a depth of 36 feet.

   In 1888, Mrs. Sarah Emily Creighton, wife of John A. Creighton, 
bequeathed to the Creighton University some business property on Douglas 
street for the use of the Creighton College, according to the same terms 
and conditions as were designated in the bequest of her sister, Mrs. Mary 
Lucretia Creighton.

   Among the student societies for religious culture are the following: 
The Sodality of the Immaculate Conception, the Apostleship of Prayer -- 
League of the Sacred Heart, and the St. John Berchmans Sanctuary Society. 
Other societies are the Creighton Oratorical Association, the Creighton 
Literary Society, the Creighton Dramatic Circle, the Student's Library and 
Reading Room Association and the Creighton University Athletic Association.


FOUNDATION OF THE JOHN A. CREIGHTON
MEDICAL COLLEGE AND HOSPITAL

   In 1892 John A. Creighton signified his willingness to found the 
medical department of Creighton University. To carry out his idea, the 
board of trustees held a meeting May 3, 1892, and unanimously resolved to 
establish the "John A. Creighton Medical College" as a department of the 
university. This action was taken in virtue of an act of the legislature, 
passed February 27, 1879, giving the university authorities power to 
"erect within and as departments of said institution, schools and colleges 
of the arts, sciences, and professions, as to them may seem proper." The 
funds necessary for maintaining the college, until it was on a paying 
basis, were guaranteed by the founder. Thirty-six students, representing 
six states, were registered the first year; and the number kept steadily 
increasing till the present time. It was the first institution in this 
section to require a four-years course in medicine.

   Pending the erection of a commodious structure, the college found a 
temporary home at Twelfth and Mason streets, in the old St. Joseph's 
Hospital, which had been vacated on the completion of the Creighton 
Memorial Hospital, at Tenth and Castellar streets.

   This magnificent hospital was founded in 1888 by Mrs. Sarah Emily 
Creighton, who bequeathed to the Franciscan Sisterhood $50,000 towards the 
construction of a building. Mr. Creighton took up as a labor of love the 
project initiated by his noble wife, and determined to make it a worthy 
memorial of her. Besides donating the ground on which the edifice stands, 
he added threefold to the amount of the original legacy, insuring thereby 
the construction of the best and most complete hospital in the West.

   By an arrangement made with the Sisters in charge of the hospital, 
through the good offices of the founder of the medical school, all 
clinical material and advantages have from the beginning been reserved and 
will continue to be devoted in perpetuity to the exclusive use of the 
faculty and students of the John A. Creighton Medical College.

   Though the temporary quarters of the college furnished all the 
facilities essential for

Page 722

practical teaching, it soon became evident that something better was 
needed to meet the requirements of the rapidly increasing number of 
students. It has long been the cherished wish and intention of John A. 
Creighton to build a permanent home for the department of medicine and 
thus unite the two institutions, the Creighton University and the 
Creighton Memorial Hospital. Through his liberality such a building was 
completed and ready for

[image caption: D. C. BRYANT]

use in October, 1898. The building is situated on the northwest corner of 
Fourteenth and Davenport streets, where it stands a monument to its 
founder, an inspiration to the medical profession, and an ornament to the 
city. The building, furniture, and equipment cost about $70,000, without 
counting the value of the ground. After the completion of the college, an 
operating building, with a large amphitheater, the only one in the city, 
was erected in connection with the hospital for the use of the professors 
and students, at a cost of $10,000.

   The medical college building is located on the comer of Fourteenth and 
Davenport streets, five minutes' walk from the important business district 
of the city. Two street car lines pass in front of the building, one of 
which connects directly with the line running to the St. Joseph's 
Hospital. The college building has a basement and three stories, with a 
central extension, making that part four stories in height.

   The ground surface covered is 132x66 feet, with an east frontage of 132 
feet and a south frontage of 66 feet.

   The design of the exterior of the building, being a modern adaptation 
of the Italian Renaissance, deals with the basement as the base, the first 
story as the pedestal, the second story as the shaft, and the third story 
as the frieze of the monument, the whole being crowned with. a cornice, 
which in turn is ornamented with dentals and consoles. From the very start 
the John A. Creighton Medical College enjoyed a high standing. The number 
of students, representing six or seven western states, has steadily 
increased from fifty until in 1905 it had reached 650. To Dr. D. C. 
Bryant, dean of Creighton Medical College, belongs much of the credit for 
the marked success of that institution. Dr. Bryant has been ably seconded 
by such eminent medical men of the Nebraska metropolis as Drs. J. S. 
Foote, J. P. Lord, W. O. Henry.


SOUTH PLATTE CATHOLICISM AND THE LINCOLN DIOCESE
BY REV. MICHAEL A. SHINE

   That part of Nebraska lying south of the Platte river, covering an area 
of about 23,844 square miles, was erected into the Catholic Diocese of 
Lincoln on August 2, 1887. It is interesting to trace the gradual 
evolution of this territory from an unknown region in 1493 into a 
prosperous diocese in 1887.

   On June 25, 1493, Pope Alexander the Sixth published a bull erecting 
"those lands and islands which have been recently discovered in the 
western regions and the Oceanic Sea, as well as those that may yet be 
discovered," into a vicariate apostolic, and appointing Rev. Bernard Boil, 
the provincial of the Franciscan, in Spain, as vicar apostolic.

   Nevertheless, the authority of this vicar was

Page 723

disregarded by the bishops of Spain, France, and England, who exercised 
their jurisdiction over the respective parts of America, under the control 
of their governments, until after the Declaration of Independence and the 
establishment of an American hierarchy. Hence this region of Nebraska was 
theoretically under the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of Spain from 1493 to 
1682, when it came under the rule of the bishop of Quebec, and so remained 
until 1776. For the next five years it was subject to the bishop of 
Havana, Cuba. In 1781 Rt. Rev. Cyril de Barcelona was consecrated 
auxiliary bishop of Havana. He resided in New Orleans, and his 
jurisdiction extended over the Louisiana Territory and the Floridas until 
1795, when he was succeeded by Bishop Louis Penalvert, who also resided in 
New Orleans until 1802. Then France exercised jurisdiction until 1805, 
when Archbishop John Carroll of Baltimore was appointed as administrator, 
his authority ceasing in 1815. From that time the bishop of New Orleans 
ruled until 1827, when it came under the jurisdiction of St. Louis. In 
1850, Rome established the "Vicariate Apostolic of the Territory East of 
the Rocky Mountains." This vicariate included all territory west of the 
Missouri river to the Rocky mountains, and from the southern boundary of 
Kansas to the British possessions. Rt. Rev. John B. Miege, S.J., was 
appointed vicar apostolic.

   In 1857 Kansas was cut off, and the remaining part was erected into the 
vicariate of Nebraska. This vicariate was gradually trimmed down until 
1885, when, comprising Nebraska and Wyoming, the diocese of Omaha was 
erected. Two years later, in 1887, took place the establishment of the 
present diocese of Lincoln. Its history is no less interesting. If 
Coronado's expedition entered the present state of Nebraska, it must have 
been somewhere within the limits of the Lincoln diocese. However, the 
first authentic records we have of Catholic priests ministering within the 
present borders of Nebraska, and of the Lincoln diocese, are those of the 
Jesuit Indian missionaries. Many of the early traders and trappers who 
dwelt in these regions had been baptized as Catholics, but, being far 
removed from churches and priests, they retained only the name and some 
traditions.

   The Jesuit Fathers, Peter John De Smet and Christian Hoecken, visited 
and baptized among the Indians living along the Missouri river. Father De 
Smet, in a letter dated De-

[image caption: REV. MICHAEL ALLEN SHINE]

cember 16, 1839, writes, "A few days ago I also baptized two young 
Omahaw's, from 18 to 20 years old. One of them was the son of Opetanga 
(the great dog) Chief of his tribe, and nephew to the famous Blackbird." 
In 1840 Father De Smet accompanied Captain Drips and the American Fur 
Company's caravan up the Little Blue river, through the present Jefferson, 
Thayer, Nuckolls, Clay, Adams, and Kearney counties, to the Platte river, 
thence along the south shore to where Julesburg, Colorado, now is, crossed 
the river there, and proceeded through Wyoming to Oregon. He saw Chimney 
Rock on May 31,

Page 724

1840. He returned in the fall along the Missouri river from Fort Benton. 
He passed through Nebraska again in 1841, with Fathers Point, Mengarini, 
and three lay brothers. On these journeys Father De Smet met several 
tribes of Indians, but it is not known, at present, whether he baptized 
any of them.

   In 1843 the Jesuit fathers, Peter Devos and Adrian Hoecken, passed over 
this route and were the first white men to discover and travel over the 
famous "short route" to Oregon, for which another person has received the 
credit.

   In 1848 Father De Smet journeyed on horseback for ten days from 
Bellevue to the mouth of the Niobrara river, meeting the Ponca Indians 
there, to whom he gave religious instruction and baptized their children. 
He also met a band of Sioux Indians returning with thirty-two scalps of 
old men, women and children, taken in an attack on the Omaha's camp, while 
the warriors were off hunting. Then, following what is now the northern 
boundary, Father De Smet penetrated as far as the northwestern corner of 
the present state, visiting the various tribes, until October, 1848, 
instructing them and baptizing their children.

   In 1851 he was present at the "Great Indian Council" held on the plains 
at the junction of the Horse river and the Platte in Scotts Bluff county. 
There he celebrated mass in the presence of the United States army 
officers and about 10,000 Indians on Sunday, September 14, 1851, and the 
same day he baptized twenty-eight half-blood children and five adults. 
During his stay here he also baptized 239 children of the Ogallalas, 305 
of the Arapahos, 253 of the Cheyennes, 280 of the Brule and Osage Sioux, 
56 in the camp of Painted Bear, and 56 half-bloods. Returning along the 
Platte river he baptized five more half-bloods at the trading houses at 
Robidoux. From Fort Kearney he took the southern course, across the 
present Lincoln diocese, down the Little Blue river into Kansas, 
accompanied by Major Fitzpatrick, U.S.A., and six Indian deputies on their 
way to Washington, D.C.

   In 1858 Father De Smet passed over this route again as chaplain for the 
Seventh Regiment of regulars under Colonel Morrison, on their way to 
subdue the Mormons in Utah. Of this journey Father De Smet says: "I had 
frequently the consolation of celebrating the holy sacrifice of the mass, 
early in the morning, and on each occasion a large number of soldiers 
devoutly approached the Holy Table." He undoubtedly said mass at Fort 
Kearney, and perhaps at Cottonwood Springs. At the former place he 
baptized 208 Pawnee children, and at the Springs all the children in 
thirty lodges of Ogallalas. He returned by this same route shortly 
afterwards. The remnants of the once numerous tribes that formerly roamed 
over Nebraska's prairies are still under the religious care of the Jesuits.

   Bishop Miege, S.J., in his report to the "Catholic Almanac and Laity's 
Directory" for 1854, says: "The Catholic population scattered over the 
vast extent of the upper country, now called Nebraska, may not fall short 
of 3,000. It is our earnest wish to visit the Indian villages, forts, and 
trading posts as soon as possible." This wish he partly carried out the 
next year, for he visited Omaha and Nebraska City, to look after Catholic 
affairs and see what prospects there were for new missions. At Omaha he 
called on Governor Cuming, who told him that "two lots had been reserved 
for a Catholic church, and that more could be secured if necessary." 
"Being well pleased" (writes the bishop), "with the site of Omaha, I 
promised to send there a priest as soon as possible, and meanwhile I 
requested Father Trecy of St. Johns (now Jackson) opposite Sioux City, to 
do what he could for Omaha." Before Father Trecy could respond, Rev. Wm. 
Emonds, of Iowa, on one of his missionary trips in May, 1855, celebrated 
the first mass in Omaha, and the Catholics began arrangements for the 
building of a church. The church was dedicated by Rev. Thomas Scanlan of 
St. Joseph, Missouri, in August, 1856, and in the following October it was 
placed in charge of Rev. John Cavanaugh, who also attended Nebraska City 
in November, 1856. He was succeeded in 1857 by Rev. Jere. Trecy, who 
attended here for a few months,

Page 725

and in August, 1857, Rev. Augustine Wirth, O.S.B., the famous Benedictine 
missionary, officiated in Omaha and Nebraska City.

   In September, 1857, Rev. Geo. H. Plathe of Iowa administered a few 
baptisms. Rev. Augustine Wirth attended here and Nebraska City again in 
February and March, 1858. Then Rev. James Powers of Missouri came here 
about twice a month until August, 1858. At this time Rev. Hugh P. Kenny 
had charge of Nebraska City, from at least August to November 30, 1858. 
However, the Benedictine Fathers from Atchison, Kansas, were the first 
priests to make regular and constant visits to the towns within the 
present limits of Nebraska.

   In August, 1858, Rev. Francis Cannon, O.S.B., a newly ordained 
Benedictine priest, took charge of Omaha, and from there attended 
Plattsmouth and Nebraska City until the arrival of Bishop O'Gorman in 
Omaha in the latter part of May, 1859. Then he removed to Nebraska City 
and attended Plattsmouth, Rulo, Brownville, and Falls City until the end 
of 1859, when he was recalled to his monastery.

   These missions were then looked after by

[image caption: ST. BENEDICT'S CHURCH, KEARNEY HEIGHTS, NEBRASKA CITY The 
first brick Catholic church erected south of the Platte river in Nebraska]

Rev. Casimir Seitz, O.S.B., from Atchison, Kansas, until the spring of 
1860, when Rev. Philip Vogg, O.S.B., visited them from Atchison. In order 
to serve better the constantly increasing Catholic population, Father 
Vogg, in the fall of 1860, took up his residence in Nebraska City, and 
commenced the erection of St. Benedict's brick church, on Kearney Heights. 
This was the first Catholic brick church erected in the South Platte 
country, and the second of its kind in the state. The cornerstone was laid 
by Rt. Rev. James O'Gorman, vicar apostolic of Nebraska territory, in 
September, 1860. Father Vogg established the mission of Dawson's Mills in 
1861, and shortly afterwards he was succeeded, on July 10, 1861, by Rev. 
Emmanuel Hartig, O.S.B., who completed the church building in Nebraska 
City, attended the missions already established, and founded new ones. 
Among these were Tecumseh, Palmyra, Salt Creek (now Lincoln), Aspinwall, 
Douglas, Elwood, Turkey Creek (now Steinauer), Auburn, and Arago. As there 
were no railroads here in those days, all these journeys were made on 
horseback in all kinds of weather.

   In 1861 Rev. Almire Fourmont, who was

Page 726

stationed at Columbus, made occasional visits to Fort Kearney and 
Cottonwood Springs, both of which were on the south side of the Platte 
river. His successors, Rev. Fathers Kelly, Erlach, and Ryan, also visited 
these places occasionally.

   In June, 1863, Father Fourmont was transferred to Rulo, and attended 
Brownville and

[image caption: VERY REV. EMMANUEL HARTIG, O.S.B.]

Arago for about a year, then he returned to France.

   In the fall of 1863 Rev. John Daxacher was stationed at Plattsmouth, to 
attend the neighboring missions, until February, 1864, when be was 
transferred to Omaha. Rev. Win. Kelly succeeded Father Fourmont at Rulo, 
where he erected a frame church. He was succeeded in March, 1867, by the 
Rev. John A. Hayes, and in April, 1867, the Rev. Fred Uhing was made the 
resident priest of Arago.

   In 1868 Rev. John Lonergan, who resided at Fremont, crossed the Platte 
river and established missions at Sand Creek and Mead in Saunders county. 
In the meantime Father Hartig, O.S.B., required the aid of an assistant 
for his rapidly growing and increasing missions, and consequently Rev. 
Pirmine Koumley, O.S.B., was sent to him in 1868.

   After the organization of the state and the selection of Lincoln as the 
capital, Father Hartig celebrated the first mass in the city proper, in 
1867, at the home of John Daly, a blacksmith, whose house stood on the 
present site of the Missouri Pacific depot, Ninth and S streets.

   In 1867 Governor David Butler donated three lots at the corner of 
Thirteenth and M streets for church purposes, upon which a frame church, 
30 x 50 feet, was erected and was attended by Father Hartig until August, 
1868. Then his assistant, Father Pirmine Koumley, O.S.B., came here once a 
month until February, 1869, when he was succeeded by Rev. Michael Hofmayr, 
O.S.B., another assistant, until September, 1869, when he became the first 
resident pastor.

   In 1870 another parish for English-speaking Catholics was organized in 
Nebraska City and placed in charge of Rev. John McGoldrick.

   In the year 1870 the five priests residing and having charge of 
missions south of the Platte river were the following: Revs. Emmanuel 
Hartig, O.S.B., and John McGoldrick at Nebraska City; Rev. Michael 
Hofmayr, O.S.B., at Lincoln; Rev. John A. Hayes at Plattsmouth; and Rev. 
Theodore Majerus at Rulo.

   In 1871 Rev. Wm. Kelly had charge of Lincoln, and as the Burlington 
railroad was building rapidly towards the west, he followed, because many 
members of the "construction gangs" were Catholics. During these visits he 
also established many missions along the route, as Crete, Exeter, Sutton, 
and Hastings. He also established the mission of Seward, besides attending 
occasionally to Plattsmouth, Louisville, Ashland, and Greenwood.

   In 1871, also, Rev. P. J. Erlach took charge of Rulo and missions. 
Father Hayes was succeeded in Plattsmouth in 1872 by Rev. Francis Bobal, 
who, besides, had charge of all the Bohemian missions in the state.

Page 727

In September, 1873, Rev. Ferdinand Lechleitner was appointed to Crete, to 
attend all territory west of Crete and south of the Platte river. Among 
the new missions which he founded were Fairfield, Fairbury, Red Cloud, 
Orleans, Lowell, Beatrice, Aurora, and Kenesaw.

   In May, 1874, Rev. John Curtis succeeded Father Kelly as pastor of 
Lincoln. On July 4, 1874, to the great sorrow of the vicariate, Bishop 
O'Gorman died and was interred in the cathedral. Rev. Wm. Byrne was chosen 
as administrator of the diocese. The following February, Most Rev. John 
Ireland, the present archbishop of St. Paul, Minn., was elected as. vicar 
apostolic, but at the earnest request of Bishop Grace of St. Paul this 
appointment was canceled and he was made coadjutor to Bishop Grace of St. 
Paul. In the meantime Rev. Thos. Bartle, O.S.B., succeeded Father Hartig 
at Nebraska City. Father Bobal was transferred to Omaha, Rev. John 
Jennette succeeding him at Plattsmouth, while Rev. John A. Hayes had 
charge of Falls City. Rt. Rev. James O'Connor was consecrated as vicar 
apostolic in August, 1876, and on his arrival in Omaha the Rev. Wm. Byrne 
was transferred to Lincoln.

   In July, 1877, Rev. Joseph Havorka was stationed at Linwood or Abie, 
Butler county, to take care of the Bohemians, while the Franciscan Fathers 
from Columbus looked after the other nationalities in the same county.

   In September, 1877, Rev. P. F. McCarthy was appointed first resident 
pastor of Tecumseh, and in November Rev. Thos. Donnelly took charge of 
Exeter and the missions in Fillmore and Clay counties. In January, 1878, 
Rev. B. Kueppenbender became resident priest at St. Stephens, with 
missions in Nuckolls, Thayer, and Jefferson counties. The following March 
Rev. Geo. J. Glauber was sent to Hastings, and attended all missions west 
and south of there, making his visits in lumberwagons and ox-carts. The 
same year Rev. F. Smutney was appointed to Wilber, for the Bohemians, and 
in July Rev. P. N. O'Brien occupied Seward, having charge of the missions 
in Seward, York, and Hamilton counties.

   In 1879 Rev. C. J. Quinn was rector at Lincoln and erected St. 
Theresa's Church. He was succeeded in 1880 by Rev. M. A. Kennedy, and the 
same year Rev. P. J. Erlach became pastor of Hebron.

   In 1881 Rev. J. B. Fitzgerald was sent to Auburn, Rev. James Simeon 
took charge of Hastings, while Rev. E. Hartig, O.S.B., returned from 
Kansas to Nebraska City, where he still resides. In 1882 Rev. J. A. 
Fanning became first resident priest at Orleans, in charge of all the 
missions along the Republican valley. The same year Rev. P. J. Boyle of 
Kearney attended Minden and a few other missions south of the Platte, 
while Rev. Aug. Rausch had charge of Wymore.

   In 1883 Rev. E. Rhullier was placed over the French congregation at 
Wheatland (now Campbell).

   In 1885 resident priests were sent to Beatrice, Plasi, Friend, and 
Grafton, while Rev. Thos. Cullen took charge of McCook and its missions, 
extending from Oxford, Nebraska, to Denver, Colorado.

   Such was the rapid development and progress of the church in the South 
Platte country that is was deemed advisable to erect it into an 
independent diocese in 1887. Rt. Rev. Thomas Bonacum, D.D., the first and 
present bishop of Lincoln, was born near Thurles, County Tipperary, 
Ireland, in 1847, was educated by the Christian Brothers, and at St. 
Francis, Milwaukee, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and in Europe. He was 
ordained priest in 1870 for the St. Louis diocese, where he labored with 
great success, and was consecrated the first bishop of Lincoln on November 
30, 1887, at St. Louis. He took possession of his see December 21, 1887, 
finding here twenty-nine priests, twenty-nine parishes, seventy-four 
missions, seventy-three churches, two academies for young ladies, with 197 
pupils, two parochial schools with 109 pupils, three religious orders of 
women with twenty-four members, and a Catholic population of about 17,000.

   Since the arrival of the bishop the prosperity and progress of the 
diocese have been very remarkable, in spite of the several crop

Page 728

failures combined with the great financial depression. In 1888 the bishop 
built an addition to the pro-cathedral, organized a new parish for the 
German-speaking Catholics of Lincoln, and erected St. Theresa's high 
school. The Buckstaff residence was secured for the Franciscan Sisters and 
transformed into a hospital. In 1893 the "Bishop's House," a beautiful 
brick residence with stone trimmings, was erected in the suburbs of 
Lincoln, and close by a magnificent orphanage is now being completed. The 
rectors of the cathedral have been Fathers Kennedy, Dunphy, Walsh, 
Loughran, Fitzgerald, Nugent, Roche, Nugent, Bradley, Reade, and Michael 
A. Shine, the present incumbent. In 1893 the Franciscan Fathers took 
charge of the German church, improved the property, and have a flourishing 
parochial school.

   In 1893, also, St. John Nepomuc's Church was erected for the use of the 
Bohemian Catholics, the priest attending from Plattsmouth.

   In March, 1904, the "Church of Christ" property, at the corner of 
Fourteenth and K streets, facing the state capitol, was purchased for $14,
000. The interior will be remodeled in accordance with Catholic 
architecture, and it will be known in the future as the Cathedral of the 
Epiphany.

   The Sisters of St. Benedict from St. Marys, Pennsylvania, were the 
first religious community to reside south of the Platte river, coming to 
Nebraska City in April, 1865, and opening an academy and day school there, 
which they still conduct. The next order, the Sisters of the Holy Child 
Jesus, from Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania, came to Lincoln in June, 1883, 
where they established an academy for young ladies, which is still 
flourishing. The third order, the Ursuline Sisters, from Peoria, Illinois, 
came to Crete in 1887, where they had charge of the school until 1889. In 
1890 they established themselves permanently in York, where they now 
conduct an academy and a hospital. They also have charge of schools in 
Lincoln, St. Stephens, and Falls City. In the fall of 1888 the Dominican 
Sisters from Sinsinawa Mound, Wisconsin, opened a school at Plattsmouth. 
In 1889 the Franciscan Sisters, from Lafayette, Indiana, took charge of 
St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Lincoln. The same year the Sisters of the 
Precious Blood, from O'Fallon, Missouri, took charge of the school in 
Crete. They also conduct schools in Beatrice and Roseland. In 1890 the 
Sisters of Charity from Dubuque, Iowa, took charge of St. Theresa's school 
in Lincoln. The Sisters of Notre Dame, from St. Louis, came in 1898, and 
have charge of the schools in Hebron and Lawrence. The Sisters of Loretto, 
who arrived from Loretto, Kentucky, in 1899, conduct schools in David City 
and Auburn.

   The statistics for 1905 show the rapid development and progress of the 
Lincoln diocese during the past eighteen years. They are as follows: 
Bishop, 1; priests, 64; churches, 124; missions, 34; chapels, 5; religious 
women, 128; academies, 3; parochial schools, 21; pupils, 1,829; hospitals, 
3; orphanage, 1; families, 6,000; Catholic population, 30,000.

   The foregoing sketch gives a "birds-eye view," as it were, of the 
important part that Catholics have taken, not only in the development of 
their church, but also in the material and moral progress of our dearly 
beloved state, Nebraska.


CHURCHES OF CHRIST (DISCIPLES)
BY WILLIS A. BALDWIN

   The search for data from which to write even a brief history of the 
Churches of Christ, -- otherwise known as Christian churches or Disciples 
of Christ,-- in Nebraska, has led the historian into many fields. The 
beginnings of the work of this religious body date back to the period when 
men were so busy subduing the desert and building homes in the face of 
hardships and dangers that they had little time to give to the 
preservation of records. This has made the sources none too abundant. 
However, the time is not so remote but that there remain many of the 
pioneers who lent their assistance in starting congregations that, 
deploring the sinful divisions afflicting the Body of Christ, should wear 
only the name of Christ, be governed by His will as revealed in the New 
Testament, and plead for the unity

Page 729

of all the children of God on the divine creed, "Jesus the Christ, the Son 
of God," and for the restoration of the apostolic Christianity, its 
doctrine, its ordinances, and its fruits. To have in essentials, unity; in 
opinions, liberty; and in all things, charity.

   The first sermon by a Christian preacher in the territory seems to have 
been preached by a man named Foster on the south side of the North Platte 
river at a point about due north of the present town of Ogalalla, on June 
15, 1845. This incidental sermon was some years in advance of any recorded 
effort to do permanent work. August 29, 1854, Richard Brown settled on the 
town site of Brownville. Joel M. Wood came in October of the same year. 
They organized the village which was named after Mr. Brown, many settlers 
coming from Holt county, Missouri.. Both men were staunch Disciples, and 
Mr. Wood, a preacher of some ability, began to preach in the growing 
village. "Father" John Mullis was associated in this work. In January, 
1855, the church was formally organized, being the first regular church 
organization in the territory. It was not till several years later that an 
effort was made to build a house of worship. This house was blown down in 
1866, which calamity scattered the congregation for a time. It was again 
revived and a new house built, which in the '90s was burned. Again they 
built, and are now occupying their third building.

   Mr. Wood and Mr. Brown were members of the first Territorial Assembly 
which met in Omaha during the latter part of the winter of 1854-1855. Mr. 
Wood took occasion to preach in that village while there. Ziba Brown, an 
Iowa preacher, delivered one sermon in the spring of 1857. During the 
winter of 1860-1861 Dr. Israel Swihart and W. A. Denton held a meeting at 
De Soto, twenty miles north of Omaha, and organized a small congregation, 
which has long since ceased to meet.

   In May, 1960, Charles P. Evans held a meeting in the home of Isaac 
Wiles near Plattsmouth, baptizing Mrs. Wiles in Four Mile creek. The next 
year James Connoran of Glenwood, Iowa, preached regularly once a month at 
Plattsmouth and in the Dikenberry schoolhouse, two miles south. An 
organization was effected at the schoolhouse.

   A systematic effort was made in the summer of 1861, by a coöperation of 
some of the churches in the western counties in Iowa, to establish the 
work firmly in the new territory. Partially supported by this coöperative 
movement, Charles P. Evans, David R. Dungan, and William A. Denton began 
to preach in the communities around Omaha, then a village with one brick, 
a few frame, and several sod houses. They planted small congregations at

[image caption: CHARLES P. EVANS]

Fontenelle, Papillion Creek, and Ireland's Grove, and preached at Bellevue 
and De Soto. In September of that year Dungan and Denton held a meeting in 
a store room on Douglas street, in Omaha. Five persons were baptized and a 
small organization effected. When the coöperation ceased in the fall of 
1861 the infant churches were left shepherdless, causing them finally to 
disband.

   In 1862, Mr. Connoran, who had continued to preach at and near 
Plattsmouth, held a meeting and organized a congregation at Rock Bluffs, 
about six miles below Plattsmouth on the Missouri river. He continued to 
preach for them afterward.

   In the fall of 1863 a coöperation meeting was held at Rock Bluffs at 
which five of the six churches in the territory were represented.

Page 730

   This meeting petitioned the American Christian Missionary Society at 
Cincinnati, O., for assistance to evangelize the rapidly developing 
territory. In response J. F. Berry of Washington, Illinois, was sent out 
by the general board in the autumn of 1864. Mr. Berry returned almost 
immediately to Illinois. Afterward the board appointed D. R. Dungan, who 
had settled in Plattsmouth and was engaged in teaching school and 
preaching at Platts-

[image caption: DAVID ROBERTS DUNGAN]

mouth, Rock Bluffs, and other places without remuneration. Notice of his 
appointment as missionary to Nebraska arrived the last of December, 1864. 
He began at once the great work that has endeared him to thousands of 
Nebraska Disciples.

   Mr. Dungan pushed west as far as Bell's Station on Salt creek, and in 
February, 1865, organized a church there that afterward became the nucleus 
of the Greenwood church. He followed C. P. Evans, who had visited Nebraska 
City early that year, finding many Disciples, and organized a congregation 
of forty-five members.

   In July, 1865, Robert C. Barrow of Missouri was also appointed as 
evangelist to the new territory, and he became at once a colaborer with 
Mr. Dungan. His first work was at Nemaha City. About these two men 
clusters very much of the early history of the Christian churches in 
Nebraska. Together they went from place to place, usually on horseback, 
preaching the gospel and establishing congregations. At times they labored 
in separate fields. Schoolhouses, dwellings, barns, and groves were the 
principal places of meeting. In privation and often in danger they toiled 
to plant the banner of Christ on these broad prairies.

   A second coöperation meeting was held at Brownville in the fall of 
1865. At this meeting Mr. Dungan was persuaded by J. B. Judd of Pawnee 
City to return with him to that place. A meeting was held, resulting in an 
organization. David Butler, afterward the first governor of the state, was 
converted and baptized at this time.

   In the winter of 1864-1865 G. R. Hand of Missouri held a meeting in the 
Congregational church in Omaha. For lack of a meeting place nothing 
permanent was done. Mr. Dungan served as chaplain of the third session of 
the legislature after the admission of Nebraska into the union as a state, 
in March, 1867. This session was held that spring. While so serving he 
raised funds and secured a half lot on Harney street between Fourteenth 
and Fifteenth. Alvin Saunders, the last territorial governor, gave an 
equal amount of ground beside it and $800 in money. Milan Hunt also gave 
$800, and these with other subscriptions taken were the beginnings that 
resulted in the erection of a house of worship. This building is still 
standing, though now used as a blacksmith shop. This house was dedicated 
by N. A. McConnell and the membership reorganized December 12, 1867. The 
following officers were elected: Elders, Milan Hunt, Governor Alvin 
Saunders, and Ira Van Camp. Deacons, Dr. S. D. Mercer, Wm. Stephens, and 
J. W. Rogers. John W. Allen appears to have been the first pastor. During 
the ministry of J. W. Ingraham, which began

Page 731

in 1878, the Harney street property was sold and a new house erected on 
Twentieth street and Capitol avenue. This building was the place of 
worship of this congregation until it was wrecked in October, 1902, by an 
immense audience gathered on Lord's day during the international 
missionary convention of the church which was being held at the coliseum. 
This convention was one of the largest and most successful of the great 
conventions of the church. At the communion service held on the afternoon 
of Lord's day fully 10,000 people were present. The First Church at Omaha 
now meets at Nineteenth and Farnam streets.

   In January, 1869, D. R. Dungan held several services in Lincoln. He 
found twenty-seven persons who had formerly been members of the Christian 
church, and on the 24th of that month they were legally organized. Michael 
Combs and Joseph Robinson were the first elders, and G. W. Aiken and J. H. 
Hawkins the first deacons. Lots were donated by the state on condition 
that a house be erected thereon. J. M. Yearnshaw settled in Lincoln in May 
and was a valuable help to the little church. A meeting was held at 
Crabb's mill on Salt creek in what is now Lincoln Park, July 3. Michael 
Combs preached. Subscriptions were taken for the erection of a house, and 
about $1,000 was pledged. The house, located on the corner of Tenth and K 
streets, was begun and finished in time for dedication on July 3, 1870. 
The dedicatory sermon was preached by J. M. Yearnshaw.

   D. R. Dungan became the pastor of the church in 1871, continuing for 
three years. A new house of worship was built on the corner of Fourteenth 
and K during the ministry of Charles B. Newnan. The cornerstone was laid 
July 3, 1888, by Allan R. Benton, the first chancellor of the State 
University, himself a Disciple. Misfortune and debt caused the loss of 
this handsome building about ten years later. The congregation owns a 
valuable site and meeting-house at Fourteenth and M streets.

   The church at Tecumseh originated in a meeting held by R. C. Barrow in 
the kitchen of Mrs. Mary Bivens, and she was herself the first convert. 
This was in June, 1866. In March, 1867, Mr. Barrow again visited the place 
and held a meeting in the schoolhouse. A church was organized on the last 
day of the month. Henry Sutherlin, James M. Thompson, and S. L. F. Ward 
were the first elders. A house was built in the fall of 1871.

   An incident occurring in connection with the establishment of the 
church at London, Nebraska, in February and March, 1866, indicates the 
high tension of feeling in the minds of the people, wrought by the war 
just closed.

[image caption: ROBERT CLARK BARROW]

Mr. Barrow began a meeting in a house belonging to the Methodists. The 
second Lord's day evening he was denied admission to the house on the 
ground that while his Christian standing was not questioned, he was a 
"runaway rebel from Missouri." Also that he had made speeches in the 
interest of secession. Excitement ran high. Trouble was averted by Mr. 
Barrow requesting a prominent member of the church to write to his home in 
Missouri for the facts. The meeting progressed and a church was organized. 
Later a house was built. This church has been largely reduced by removals.

   Congregations were established during these years at St. Deroin, Big 
Spring, Clifton, Mon-

Page 732

terey, and Larkin schoolhouse. These have all disappeared, but the 
membership has largely gone to enrich the newer churches formed in the 
railroad towns.

   Farther west a church was established by L. C. Bauer and Theo. Johnson 
at what is now Bower, January, 1870. A Christian colony organized in 
Cincinnati, Ohio, settled at Hebron in 1869. An Indian raid in this 
vicinity five years previous resulted in a massacre

[image caption: IRA VAN CAMP]

and several women were made captives. Another raid was made on the new 
village, but it was repulsed. L. J. Correll, who arrived there in the fall 
of 1869, went to Omaha and prevailed upon General C. C. Augur to send a 
detachment of soldiers to protect the people. Mr. Correll began to preach 
to soldiers and citizens. The first communion service was held in October, 
1869, and a congregation organized the next spring. L. J. Correll, C. J. 
Rhodes, and Jacob Hendershot were chosen elders.

   The first preaching by the Christian church at Beatrice was by Mr. 
Barrow in May, 1868. He baptized several persons. D. R. Dungan soon 
followed with a short meeting. In the fall of 1872 J. W. Allen held a 
meeting and organized the congregation. It has grown to be one of the 
largest and strongest churches among the Disciples in the state.

   In these early days the Christian preachers were, as they now are, the 
strong and outspoken opponents of the rum traffic. At Nemaha City a 
drunken rough attempted to drag T. K. Hanseberry from his place while 
preaching. A mob organized to kill him, but he escaped and lived to help 
drive the saloons out of Salem.

   During the two decades, 1870-1890, the work of discipling Nebraska 
progressed as rapidly as the means at hand would permit. The Nebraska 
Christian Missionary Convention kept up a more or less effective 
organization, aiding and directing the work. Money was scarce, and at a 
time when thousands should have been available, less than hundreds were at 
hand. Outside funds, never more than a few hundred dollars annually, 
ceased coming entirely for about half the period. Some unworthy men came 
in as preachers, creating disaster. In spite of these obstacles the work 
was so pressed that churches were organized and many houses of worship 
built in towns almost to the western border of the state. These were 
mostly on and south of the Platte river.

   The Nebraska Christian Missionary Society was a natural child of the 
coöperation meetings of the early years. It has been guided by D. R. 
Dungan, J. Z. Briscoe, J. A. Beattie, and others as presidents. R. C. 
Barrow served as secretary and evangelist for about twenty-five years. The 
society has aided perhaps two-thirds of the present churches in the state, 
besides organizing a number that have become inactive. In 1863 there were 
six congregations holding fairly regular meetings, with perhaps 300 
members, not a single preacher giving his entire time to the ministry. In 
1906 there are 196 churches with over 19,000 members, 135 preachers 
including ministerial students that preach, and 160 church buildings. The 
society employs evangelists for the purpose of assisting weak 
congregations and

Page 733

opening new fields. Annual conventions covering five to six days are held 
each year on the society's assembly grounds at Bethany, a suburb of 
Lincoln. These grounds have a fine summer pavilion or tabernacle and a 
well appointed dining hall. The last annual meeting enrolled over 2,000 
delegates and visitors. No legislative powers are vested in this assembly, 
and the subjects treated are largely missionary and educational. Z. O. 
Doward of Lincoln served his fifth consecutive term as president of the 
socity [sic].

   The Christian Woman's Board of Missions is the woman's missionary 
society of the church. Its head offices are at Indianapolis, Ind. The 
local organizations are known as auxiliaries and number 75, with 1,475 
members. The state organization was first considered in 1884, but was not 
effected till 1886. Mrs. C. L. Schell, Mrs. N. B. Alley, and Miss Nora 
Gage were among the first presidents. The early secretaries were Mrs. N. 
B. Alley, Mrs. Eli Fisher, and Mrs. Mary D. Aylsworth. The funds of this 
society are gathered systematically and are used for home and foreign 
missions, educational and orphanage work, and negro education and 
evangelization. The state board is supporting a family of missionaries in 
Porto Rico directly; besides different auxiliaries have special mission 
work in different fields. The president of this organization is Mrs. J. S. 
McCleery of Beatrice, and its secretary and organizer is Mrs. Calla Scott 
Willard of Bethany.

   The history of the educational work undertaken by the Christian 
churches is chiefly confined to two principal institutions: Fairfield 
College and Cotner University, the first located at Fairfield and the 
other in Bethany Heights, northeast of Lincoln.

   In 1878 Worthy T. Newcomb offered a resolution at the state convetnion 
of the missionary society, asking for the appointment of a college 
committee. Nothing resulted. Five years later at the convention R. C. 
Barrow introduced a like resolution, and Barrow, Newcomb, and O. C. 
Hubbell were appointed as such committee. A proposition to locate the 
school at Fairfield in Clay county was accepted, and school opened in 
September, 1884, in a temporary building, with C. W. Hemry as president. 
The institution was called the Fairfield Normal and Collegiate Institute, 
enrolling 26 students the first term. The second year 134 students 
matriculated and in the third year 137. Three courses of study were 
offered, -- classical, Biblical, and normal. In the third year a 
philosophical course was added. A permanent brick building was erected 
situated on a sightly eminence above the town,

[image caption: WILLIS ANSON BALDWIN]

with a campus of twelve acres. Owing to financial distress the college was 
reorganized in March, 1889, at Fairfield College. It was ultimately 
compelled to close its doors for lack of proper endowment, its last annual 
report to the state conventions being made in June, 1897. Its alumni have 
gone out into honorable places in the world's work, and many of its 
graduates and undergraduates are now successful ministers of the Gospel.

   At the annual state convention in 1887 a resolution was passed 
authorizing a committee composed of J. Z. Briscoe, E. T. Gadd, Porter 
Hedge, W. P. Aylsworth, G. E. Bigelow, J. B.

Page 734

Johnson, and W. W. West to "receive and accept propositions" looking 
toward the incorporation of a Christian university. This committee 
accepted donations of land aggregating 321 acres, lying northeast of 
Lincoln, and on February 14, 1888, articles of incorporation of the 
Nebraska Christian Educational Board were filed. The construction of a 
suitable building was begun which was finally completed in April, 1890, 
and fully paid for. This structure is a handsome and entirely modern 
building of Milwaukee pressed brick, and overlooks the city of Lincoln 
from a beautiful campus of twenty acres well set to trees, about four 
miles northeast of the postoffice. School was opened in the fall of 1889, 
in a private house, with William P. Aylsworth as its acting president. In 
1890 D. R. Duncan was, called to the presidency and served for six years. 
During this time the financial distress that came upon the country, 
crushing banks and business interests of all kinds, met the young 
institution in its first year and wellnigh ended its career. Its assets, 
in common with those of the business world, shrank in value, and notes 
accepted for the deferred payment on lots sold, the proceeds of which were 
used to construct and fit out the building, were defaulted in large 
amounts and came back for payment. The lots had so shrunk in value that in 
many instances not one-tenth of the purchase price could be realized on 
them. A mortgage on the building, campus, and dormitory was given for 
funds to meet these demands. Times grew worse. Men were failing in 
business everywhere. Courage and confidence were at the lowest ebb. It 
came to be practically every man for himself. The mortgage was foreclosed 
and the property passed into the hands of a trustee for the creditors. But 
in spite of these adverse conditions the school never failed to hold full 
year's sessions. In 1896 Mr. Dungan resigned and W. P. Aylsworth was 
chosen as chancellor. John W. Hilton, a graduate of the school, was called 
to be its financial agent in 1898 and sent into the field to raise a fund 
to redeem the property. After two years of labor and through the great 
generosity of the creditors in scaling down the original debt very 
largely, the university building, campus, and dormitory were deeded to the 
"Nebraska Christian University," an incorporation formed February 11, 
1901, and representing the Disciples of Christ in Nebraska, thus securing 
to the brotherhood of the state this handsome property, valued at over 
$137,000.

   The university has two colleges, liberal arts and medicine. It has also 
an academy, normal school, business school, school of eloquence, school of 
music, and school of art. The college of liberal arts offers four courses: 
Classical, sacred literature, philosophical, and normal philosophical.

   The medical college is situated in the city of Lincoln and is known as 
Lincoln Medical College. This school was opened September 15, 1890, in the 
university building, with Dr. W. S. Latta as dean. It has a four-years 
course and confers the degree of M.D., its diplomas being recognized by 
state boards of health. Dr. W. N. Ramey is the president.

   William P. Aylsworth, LL.D., is the chancellor of the university, and 
James A. Beattie, LL.D., is vice chancellor. The work of the school is 
growing steadily and its influence is widespread. Its alumni may be found 
in prominent fields of labor in business, education, and religion. Some of 
its graduates are in foreign fields as missionaries.

   A ministerial association is maintained by the ministry of the church, 
whose president is R. A. Schell of Hastings. It conducts an annual 
institute of two weeks, in which daily lectures are given by prominent 
religious teachers of the brotherhood.

   The intensely evangelistic spirit of the Churches of Christ makes it 
difficult to secure enough capable preachers to care for the congregations 
as they are organized, which has the effect of limiting the organization 
of new congregations. Yet the steady growth of the churches in the state 
keeps pace with the increase of membership in the United States, which now 
number over 1,200,000. Nebraska Disciples support all the missionary, 
educational, and benevolent enterprises of the brotherhood. It is the 
purpose and aim of

Page 735

the ministry to make the churches more and more efficient in producing the 
best class of Christians, thereby doing a large part toward raising the 
standard of citizenship in the state.

   In addition to the foregoing account of the history of the Christian 
Church (Disciples) in Nebraska it is fittingly spoken of as having three 
phases. The first of these phases is the history of the pioneer days and 
conditions. These efforts, as pioneer efforts of every kind must be, were 
largely individual. A man of conviction and energy, or women of zeal and 
devotion, in this place or that, inspired by a love of mankind and by 
enthusiasm for the Gospel of the Grace of God directed his best thought 
and efforts to the religious advantage of the community and for the good 
of the people within the circle of his influence. By such agencies 
foundations were laid and in many cases a vast amount of good was done. It 
was a time of seed-sowing by individual men and women. They went out one 
by one to sow the seed in anticipation of a rich harvest when an effort 
could be made by many uniting their means and strength for the 
accomplishment of great things.

   The second stage of this work in Nebraska was coöperative to the end 
that the work of the individual man or woman might not be in vain but 
rather that it might take on a larger and more productive form. This was 
seen when the people in different places began to ask the help of the 
general missionary society and when the people of one community began to 
plan with those of another to help the people of a third place. Out of 
this came the state missionary society, the state Sunday school 
organization, the state ministerial association, the Young People's 
Society of Christian Endeavor, the Women's Missionary Society and all the 
other agencies of Christian enterprise. In nearly all cases these 
organizations, in the beginning, had but one or two specific things to do. 
As time went on and many parts of the state were occupied the needs became 
more pronounced and also much increased in number. New fields opened, and 
the need for united efforts became more and more apparent. These two 
phases of the work have been so blended during the last thirty or forty 
years that a person cannot tell where the pioneer work in its individual 
phase ended and its coöoperative form took shape. The two have really 
developed together during all these years. Like all other things of the 
kind that which is today has been a growth from the seed which was cast 
into the soil yesterday.

   The general policy of the church in the state during the last twelve or 
fifteen years has worked itself out along three related but distinct lines:

   (1) A continuation of the work of evangelists to the end that the 
gospel might be preached in new places and, also, to aid weak churches to 
proclaim the riches in Christ. The special mission of the coöperation of 
the churches in this regard has been and is now to aid the weak churches 
to grow into self-sustaining and self-supported churches.
   (2) To help support ministers in regular church work in important 
places to the end that religious information may be carried to many and 
that the churches at such places may become self-supporting.
   (3) To widen, and at the same time to centralize the work of the whole 
church in the state, the district missionary societies are united with the 
state organization. Thus far in the development and in the practical 
results the coöperation seems to be a distinct advantage. The principle is 
carried to the extent of making the officers of the different district 
associations officers of the state missionary society. The officers of the 
missionary year 1918-1919. besides the officers of the districts are Clark 
Oberlies of Lincoln, president and William Oschger of Bethany, secretary.

   In June, 1911, Dr. W. P. Aylsworth resigned the office of chancellor of 
Cotner University. He retained his position as head of the department of 
sacred literature, which he has held since the opening of the institution 
for the enrollment of students in October, 1889. William Oschger of 
Vincennes, Indiana, was elected to fill the vacancy. In 1916 Mr. Oschger 
was followed by Charles Matt Erick-

Page 736

son of Detroit, Michigan. Mr. Erickson held the office only one year. Upon 
his resignation Andrew D. Harmon of Wisconsin was selected to fill the 
office. He is at this time (1919) president of the college.