| THE HISTORY OF |
| THE UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH |
| Murray, Nebraska |
| 1860-1960 |
| by Margaret Spangler Todd |
| |
| "According to appointment of the General Assembly of the United
Presbyterian Church made at Philadelphia in May 1860 I came a missionary to Nebraska Territory in July and commenced
preaching half time in Rock Bluff Cass County." Thus Rev. Thomas McCartney entered the first minutes in the Session
Records of the Rock Bluffs United Presbyterian Church. |
| The next item entered was dated August 18, 1860, reading: "By
arrangement with those who requested preaching August 18th was designated as the time for the organizing a church. And
on the day appointed, after a sermon from Matthew 11:29 the following people were admitted in full communion by assenting
to the pricinples of the church, to wit: Robert M. Latta, Letitia Latta, William L. Thompson, Hanna E. Thompson,
William H. Royal, Elizabeth Royal, David Storey, Jane Latta and Mary Latta." Also Robert M. Latta and W.L. Thompson
were, by ballot, chosen as ruling elders and the organization named "The United Presbyterian Congregation of Rock Bluffs." |
| The following Act of Legislature was approved January 4, 1861: "To
incorporate The United Presbyterian Church at Rock Bluffs City: Section I - Be it enacted by the council and the
house of representatives of the Territory of Nebraska, that Joh Latta, William H. Royal, David Storey, Robert M. Latta
and William L. Thompson and their associates and successors, the members of the United Presbyterian Church of Rock Bluffs
City, Cass County, be, and the same are hereby created a body politic and corporate, under the name style and title to remain in
perpetual succession with full power to plead and be impleaded, to sue and be sued, to receive, acquire hold and possess prpoerty,
real, person and mixed; to use, employ, manage and dispose of all such property as they deem proper for use and well being of
said church and in consistent with the provisions of said act, to elect such trustees and other officers and make such rules
and by-laws as they deem proper provided always, that they do any act or make any rule or by-law which shall in any way conflict
with t he constitution of the United States or doctrine or usages of the United Presbyterian Church of the
United States of America." |
| At first, divine services were held every alternate Sabbath in the village
school house. An acre of timber on the east side of the Missouri River was purchased to furnish the lumber for the church building
which was erected. The timber was worked up, brought across the river and the building was soon started. Practically all of the labor
was done by the members of the church. February 16, 1862 the church building was opened for public worship,
furnished and entirely free from debt. |
| Ordination and installation of the first elders was held Friday afternoon
February 21, 1862. R.M. Latta was clerk of the session. The first communion service held by the United Presbyterian denomination
was observed on February 23, 1862. The first children baptized were Kate Doom, James Thompson Latta, William Allison
Royal, John Glen Royal and Evelyn Lucretia Nash, this ordinance being held on Monday February 2, 1862. |
| The Sabbath School was organized by Rev. Thos. McCartney March 9, 1862,
the superintendent being W.L. Thompson. G.L. Seybolt was elected secretary and librarian. Teachers were R.M. Latta,
Letitia Latta, Hanna E. Thompson and Mathilda Nash with Rev. McCartney and William Gilmour teachers of the Bible class. |
| William and Lucy Ann (Thompson) Gilmour's great-grandson, Towner
Livingston is serving the Lord and the congregation as elder in our church at the present time (1960). The library was a gift of J.T. Pressley, and
25 copies of the "Youths' Evangelist" were procured for the Sabbath School by the proceeds of a magic lantern exhibition
given by Rev. McCartney. |
| The February 28, 1866 issue of the "Nebraska Herald" items the following, "The
U.P. Church of Rock Bluffs was the first church building of the kind to be erected in Cass County. The members have lately erected
a cupola and belfry in which they now have a bell weighing over 400 pounds." The session books record a called meeting to make
arrangements for paying off the debt incurred in building the cupola and addition. |
| Session record for Saturday, November 2, 1872: "Communion arranged for on
tomorrow. Expected Rev. Marion Morrisen with us, but are disappointed." This Rev. Morrisen was the grandfather of our
present pastor, Joe Barr (1960). |
| This church building served the people well and the congregation prospered for a time. In the
spring of 1878 the members and adherents of the U.P. Church held a meeting at the home of Anderson Root for the purpose of reviving
and reorganizing the congregation. |
| After some discussion it was decided to tear down the Rock Bluff U.P. building and remove it
to some central point on the prairie. Mr. James A. Walker of Fairview offered to donate one-half acre adjoining the land he had previously
donated to school district No. 56. The congregation was to assure Mr. Walker that they would always keep the lot well fenced. The
congregation accepted Mr. Walker's liberal offer and began plans for a church building. They decided to tear down the Rock Bluff church
building and rebuild on the Walker lot. A building committee composed of William Lloyd, A.B. Root, and S.G. Latta was
appointed. Before this building was completed the funds were exhausted and it was necessary to raise some money. |
| The Grandview Christian Church, west of Fairview, offered to loan the United
Presbyterians $200.00 for the use of the building half time. The offer was gladly accepted with the understanding that when the
United Presbyterian congregation was able to support a pastor whole time the Christian Brethren should release their claim and the
United Presbyterians would return the $200.00. |
| The first recorded communion service in the new building was held in November, 1878. |
| At a congregational meeting held January 7, 1879 at the home of A.M. Holmes and on motion
by Mr. Holmes, the name of the congregation was changed to Pleasant Hill United Presbyterian Church. Mr. Holmes was appointed to get a
sign board painted to be placed on the west end of the church. Mr. G.F. Shryder was appointed to have a fence built around the church,
assessing the members to defray expenses. Mr. Thomas Rankin was appointed to receive bids for cutting up all old lumber around the church
building into stove wood and to receive bids for two cords of hard-wood and use in the church stove. |
| G.F. Shryder's bid of $2 for cutting up the old lumber and W.H. Royal's bid to supply two
cords of hard wood for $11 delivered at the church were accepted. (G.F. Shryder's grandson, Parr Young, is a trustee of our church now, 1960). |
| March 20, 1879 the congregation changed the name back to Fairview, as the village was so called.
Mr. A.M. Holmes was again appointed to paint a sign board - this one to read "Fairview United Presbyterian Church." |
| In the Autumn of 1880 the congregation decided that they could raise enough funds so as to employ a
minister whole time and the $200 was returned to the Grandview Church. The Rev. G.R. Murray was installed, serving for ten years. |
| January 3, 1881 the trustees were instructed to build a porch at the front of the church.
Specifications were 6 by 10 feet with the platform at the end "High enough to step into wagons." |
| In 1890 the name of the town of Fairview and the name of the church were changed to Murray,
in honor of Rev. George R. Murray. |
| Sunday morning November 3, 1895, Rev. S.S. Stewart was taken ill in the pulpit and could not
finish his discourse. The congregation united in singing the 23rd Psalm and was dismissed with prayer and benediction by Dr. Forbes.
Rev. Stewart's illness proved fatal and he passed away November 11th. In the family history the following was recorded concerning Rev. Samuel S.
Stewart, "He was called to a small mission station of about 30 members in a village of about 50 people. His health was not good and at first
declined the call to Murray, Nebraska, but later decided God had called him to the Murray field." |
| "It was a rare sight to behold when at an evening meeting in that little mission, more than 30 persons,
nearly all of whom were heads of families, stood up confessing Christ and, by the rite of baptism, were received into the church." |
| As time sped on the congregation increased in number and interest. By 1897 a new church building was deemed
necessary. The old building was sold to J.E.A. Burton and moved north across the street and later was made into a private dwelling. This property is now
owned by Lloyd Leyda. Work was immediately begun on the new church. The last communion in the old church was held March 6, 1898. |
| On September 25, 1897, a large congregation assembled in the old church building to listen to a preparatory
sermon and at the close of the service the people were dismissed to meet at the foundation of the new building. After singing the 100th Psalm and prayer by
Rev. J.D. Oldham, Dr. Forbes delivered an appropriate address. Then a history of the congregation, al copy of the Holy Scriptures, a copy of Bible Songs,
a copy of the "Indianapolis Institute" (the church paper) and a list of all the names of the present membership were placed in an iron box in the corner stone.
The corner stone was placed by Dr. Samuel Forbes, D.D. of Richmond, Kansas, and Rev. J.D. Oldham. |
| May 29, 1898, dedication day, the building was filled to overflowing. Rev. J.P.Sharp, pastor of the U.P. Church at
Wharton Square, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania preached the dedicatory sermon, the pastor Rev. J.D. Oldham made the dedicatory prayer. After the service the building
committee announced that there was still $100 due on the new church and a collection was taken, more than enough money being contributed. The first communion served
in the new church was on June 5, 1898. |
| Our church records fail to give exact information regarding our parsonages, but for many years the building on lot #1, block #13,
was used for this purpose. October 24, 1917 "Samuel G. Latta gave the church a quick-claim deed to this property. This house is now owned by Herb Campbell. In 1923 a larger
parsonage was needed and this property was traded in as part payment on the W.H. Puls property lots #4, 5, 6 and 7, block #17 in the Latta's second addition. April 8, 1934
the manse was burned to the ground. It was not used as a parsonage at that time, but was rented to the Ray Frederick family. Plans for rebuilding was soon started with O.A.
Davis, C.D. Spangler, Dr. G.H. Gilmore, Mrs. W.S. Smith and Mrs. A.G. Long serving as the building committee. Ralph Kennedy was the contractor. Rev. Edwin G. Sloan was the first
minister to reside in the new manse. |
| The individual communion service now in use was presented by Dr. T.H. Hanna and wife of Omaha, and was first used in March 1913. |
| In Autumn of 1914, the lecture room of the church was used by the 9th and 10th grades of the Murray School, until the new school house was completed.
Again in 1933 the church building was used as a schoolhouse when that building was burned to the ground. Electric lights were installed in the church in 1918. |
| The pewter collection plates were a gift from Mrs. O.A. Davis (Nettie Pitman). The wooden plates were presented by a former minister and his wife,
Rev. and Mrs. Edwin G. Sloan. Three pulpit chairs were given by Mrs. A.G. Long (Nellie Edmunds) in memory of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Edmunds. These chairs were used in the Dunbar, Nebraska
United Presbyterian church until that church was discontinued. Mrs. Long also gave us the baptismal bowl that is now in use. |
| The bell now used is not the one used in Rock Bluffs. This one was purchased a few years after the new building was erected. The following words are
found on the bell. Buck Eye Bell Foundry, E.W. VanDuzen Co., Cincinnati. |
| Sabbath, August 18, 1940 was a memorable day in the history of the United Presbyterian Church of Murray, when they celebrated the eightieth anniversary of the congregation.
Nature cooperated wonderfully in making the day and events enjoyable. At the morning service the pastor, Rev. Neil Stewart, preached the anniversary sermon, his subject being "Carrying on." He used the same Scripture text,
Matthew 11:29, that Rev. Thomas McCartney used at the organization of the congregation. After recounting some of the sacrifices and hardships of the pioneer life, and reviewing some of the developments in thinking and practice
since, he presented the challenge of the present generation to meet the changed conditions with the same courage and sacrifice as these pioneers who laid the foundation. |
| Miss Jane Boedeker sang a beautiful solo, using one of the Psalms. The congregation sang Psalm 23, to the tune of "Evan" without the instrument. The service was made more enjoyable
by the reception of four new members. Rev. J. Boyd Patterson, superintendent of Nebraska synod, Willard Lampe, D.D. of Iowa City, Iowa assisted in the service, the latter being a former pastor. |
| The fellowship dinner at the noon hour proved to be a real blessing in Christian fellowship. At the afternoon service Rev. Neil Stewart presided. H.B. Hutchman also a former pastor,
read the Scripture. Willard Lampe, D., offered the prayer. Greetings from the Nebraska Synod were brought by Rev. J. Boyd Patterson; J.G. McClusky, D.D., pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Plattsmouth, Nebraska, being unable to
be present, sent a letter of greetings from the churches of the county, which was read by Mr. George Farley, one of his members. Rev. J.D. Forsyth, pastor of the Murray Christian Church brought the local greetings. The male quartet,
composed of Dale Wohlfarth, John Faris, Jr., Olin Morris and Dale Long, rendered a beautiful special musical number. |
| Professor Robert foster Patterson of the faculty of Tarkio College was the speaker of the afternoon and gave a masterful address on "Today's challenge to Christian Men and Women."
He stressed the challenge of the Christian American home; a rededication to the fundamentals of Christianity; and a patriotic dedication to Liberty. His address struck a responsive chord in the hearts of the audience. |
| Remarks were called for from former pastors. Dr. G. H. Gilmore then took charge and called upon former members and descendants of former members for reminiscences of the early days.
A large number of letters and cards were received from former members and friends, but owing to the lateness of the hour only a few could be read and the names read. The congregation stood and sang "Blest be the Tie that Binds"
and the history making service was closed with prayer and the benediction by the pastor, "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us." The services were an inspiration and challenge to the members and many visitors attending this 80th anniversary. |
| Several times down through the years the records mention evangelistic meetings being held. One series of meetings is of special interest. In February 1915 the evangelist conducting the meetings was the
Rev. Neil Stewart. In 1936 he returned to our church and served the congregation as pastor until his death in 1943. |
| One of the important changes in the church building while Rev. Neil Stewart served the Murray Church is recorded in the session records as follows:
February 7, 1943: "This was the time set for the dedication of the new art glass windows, including a beautiful Memorial window presented to the church by W.G. Boedecker, in memory of his father, the late Charles H. Boedeker, Sr., a former elder.
(Mr. Boedeker was ordained and installed as an elder February 15, 1925). Other improvements were included in the dedication service. Charles H. Boedeker, Jr., chairman of the improvement committee, presented the windows, the Christian flag and
other improvements to the congregation. they were accepted by Olin E. Morris, chairman of the Board of Trustees on behalf of the congregation. Mrs. Harry Nelson accepted the Christian flag on behalf of the Sabbath School. Little five year old
Nancy Jane Boedeker, great-granddaughter of the late Charles H. Boedeker, Sr., recited his favorite Psalm, the 23rd Psalm. Rev. Archibald K. Stewart, D.D., pastor of Central United Presbyterian Church, Omaha and son of the Rev. Neil Stewart,
preached a very appropriate sermon on the subject 'Sons or Servants.' Services closed by singing the 23rd Psalm to the old tune Evan." |
| In 1950 the north half of the parsonage property was sold to Richard Tritsch, where he built a new home. In 1955 when he sold his property to Harley Lloyd, his attorney, in tracing the title,
discovered the charter was granted to the "Rock Bluff City United Presbyterian Church", in spite of the fact that the name of the church had been changed three times. This was brought up to date soon after it was called to our attention. |
| In 1950 we decided to excavate under the church and fix up the basement for Sabbath School rooms. To help raise funds for this work an auction sale was held at the Plattsmouth Sale Barn where live
stock, grain, machinery and many other items donated by members and friends were sold. This brought in $1,650 a fine start towards the building fund. This was a great incentive to make even greater improvements to our House of Worship.
The auction Sale Barn facilities were donated by Carl Grosshans. Rex Young donated his services as auctioneer. |
| Following the death of James P. Latta in February 1952, the congregation was notified that the church was named as one of the heirs of the Latta estate. Since the father of James, Uncle Sam G. Latta,
had been a member of the church choir for many, many years during his lifetime and had always been especially interested in music as a means of praise and worship, the congregation decided to use a major portion of the inheritance towards the purchase
of an electric organ, the balance needed to be donated by friends and member of the church. |
| The congregation had been planning an exterior renovation and expansion project for the church building for several years. Work was finally started in August 1952. The old kitchen was torn down and the
excavation was begun. due to the condition of the foundation of the sanctuary, we were unable to extend the basement under that part. The pastor's study, a furnace room and a large, airy, Sunday School room occupy the new basement. |
| The Sunday School room east of the sanctuary was enlarged and a new kitchen was added. A new floor was placed in the sanctuary and the level of the front was raised about a foot. All of the floors were covered
with asphalt tile. |
| The men and women of the congregation, under direction of Elmer Tritsch, spent months at this work. Many unable to help with the labor hired someone to help in their place or donated money or gifts.
It was truly a congregational project. |
| As the completion of the work drew near the members planned a dedication service for May 19, 1953. The Rev. Willard M. Morris of Lennox, Iowa, son of pastor Roy P. Morris, presided at the dedication
service at which Jane Bodeker Shepard, famed concert vocalist sang. Mrs. Shephard sang "How Lovely Are Thy Dwellings." In three separate dedication services the church dedicated its additions, organ and chancel furniture. The congregation dedicated
its additions "to the end that better facilities may be available for Bible study and social activities." |
| The Hammond organ was dedicated "in the memory of a family which contributed much to the life of this little congregation through many years...as an aid to worship in His name."
Chancel furniture given the church by Dr. G. H. Gilmore and Dr. John Gilmore in the memory of their wife and mother, were dedicated to "the glory of God, author of all goodness and beauty, giver of all skill of mind and heart."
(Mrs. Gilmore, (Bessie Walker) was the daughter of James A. and Anna Walker who donated the half-acre of land on which this building was erected.) |
| The following - special gifts, together with the names of the givers: |
| Chancel Furniture: Drs. G. H. and John Gilmore |
| Chancel Carpet: Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Carper |
| Chancel Carpet Padding: Mr. and Mrs. George H. Hieke |
| Cross and Candle Sticks: James F. Comstock |
| Dossal Curtain and Candle Lighter: Mrs. Myrtle Kendall |
| Baptismal Font: In Memory of Mrs. Charles Mead |
| Electric Clock: Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Rieke |
| Electric Roaster: Mr. and Mrs. James H. Brown |
| Electric Refrigerator: Mrs. A. L. Carper |
| Electric Stove: Mrs. Charles H. Boedeker |
| Electric Stove: Mrs. James F. Comstock |
| Electric Hot Water Heater: Lester Wunderlich |
| Flower Stands: Mrs. W. G. Boedeker |
| Folding Tables (8): Mrs. W. G. Boedeker |
| Kitchen Lights: Mrs. Mary Todd Rogers |
| Hearing Aids: Dr. G. H. Gilmore |
| Organ Light: Mr. and Mrs. James H. Brown |
| Pulpit Bible: Mrs. Charles H. Boedeker in Memory of her father, the Rev. John C. Stewart, a former pastor |
| Pulpit Bible: Mrs. Mary Stewart, Mrs. R. Clark McKie and Dr. Archibald K. Stewart, D. D., a former pastor. |
| The Hammond Organ: From the S. G. Latta Estate, Col. Samuel Bignell, Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Boedeker, Suzanne Boedeker,
Mr. and Mrs. W. G. Boedeker, Mr. and Mrs. G. E. Brubacher, Mr. and Mrs. James F. Comstock, Charlie Comstock, Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Carper,
Mr. and Mrs. R. Edward Howard, Rev. H. B. Hutchman, Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Tony C. Klimm, Mr. and Mrs. Charles M. Mead,
Mr. and Mrs. Olin E. Morris, James O. Morris, Marilyn Morris, Kenneth P. Morris, Rev. Roy P. Morris, Murray State Bank, Mr. and Mrs. George E. Nickles,
Mr. and Mrs. George H. Rieke, Wayne Rieke, Phyllis Rieke, Lowell Rieke, Gary Rieke, Mrs. Charles D. Spangler, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Sprieck, Mrs. Alice L. Stewart,
Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Tritsch, Dr. and Mrs. R. W. Tyson, Mr. and Mrs. Marion H. Wiles, Mr. and Mrs. Dale Wohlfarth, Mrs. Margaret s. Todd, Women's Missionary Society, and Mrs. Alta Young. |
| The origin of the wood used in the cross on the communion table makes the cross of more interest to the congregation. One of our elders,
Charles Mead (ordained and installed February 1938 and still serving in that capacity) furnished the wood. About a hundred years ago two walnut trees started life in a pasture in Polk County,
Missouri. Slowly they grew tall and straight. As a boy Charles Mead played in the shade of these two trees. In due time Charlie's and Tracy's little daughters, Evelyn, Lois and Florabel also played
under their sturdy branches. About 1920 Charlie cut these trees, hauled them to a saw mill, had them made into lumber. When he moved to Nebraska in 1925 he brought the lumber with him. Lois' husband,
Jim Comstock, used some of this walnut lumber to make the cross. Since the tree and the church both started out in life about the same time, Elder Mead suggests that perhaps God caused these trees to grow just for this cross. |
| New folding chairs were needed for the enlarged church so fifty-nine (59) members and friends of the church contributed one chair each. The pulpit lamp
was given as a memorial to Mrs. Nellie Edmunds Long by Harold Greer. A number of church song books "Songs for Christian Worship" were given in Memory of Mrs. Harry Nelson (Selma Johnson), by her sons,
Willard, Wallace, Donald and Eddie. Mr. and Mrs. Everett Spangler gave an electric refrigerator and the hand rail at the church steps. A number of new Bibles were recently given in Memory of Mrs. Henry Creamer (Alice Stokes). |
| New folding doors given in Memory of Fred Rezner are being installed at the present time. They replace the large sliding doors between the sanctuary and the Sunday School room. |
| Our church has had a part in furnishing the Lord with three men to preach his Word: Rev. L. V. Mick, Rev. John Graham and James Morris. The Rev. L. V. Mick at the present time is conducting the
Twin Brooks Bible Camp north of Omaha. This 123 acre boys and girls camp is open during the summer. After being modernized old street cars are used for their barracks. |
| Rev. John Graham son of the late Rev. W. F. and Mrs. Graham is now serving at Eau Clare, Pa. The Rev. W. F. Graham was a former pastor in this church. |
| James Morris, son of Olin and Evelyn Mead Morris and grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Mead is preparing for the ministry at the present time. He is a student at Monmouth College, Monmouth, Illinois. |
| November 1956 the church entered into a joint pastorate with the Community Presbyterian Church of Cedar Creek. This relationship still exists and we feel a very close personal friendship with that church. |
| In 1958 the United Presbyterian Church of North America and the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A. merged forming the new church to be known as the United Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. The formal merging of these
two churches was held in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, on May 29, 1958. In spite of a drenching rain this meeting was largely attended, over 4,000 took part in the celebration of the Lord's supper, while an overflow crowd of 1,200 watched by closed-circuit television in a nearby building. |
| In 1960 we changed to the rotating eldership for the first time in our history. For several years we have joined with the Murray Christian Church in conducting a two week daily vacation Bible School held the first part of June.
This vacation Bible School is largely attended and proves to be extremely beneficial to all who attend. Much credit goes to those who labor so faithfully each year to make these sessions possible. |
| August 18, 1960 this United Presbyterian Church will have been established 100 years. May we, in the future, carry on with the same faith and courage, the same willing sacrifice and zeal as exhibited by the pioneers who organized
our church one hundred years ago. By the grace of God it may be so. |
| |
| ADDITIONAL INFORMATION of Historical Interest |
| |
| LITANY OF DEDICATIONS - May 19, 1953 |
| Dedication of Addition to the church: |
| Minister: To the end that better facilities may be available for Bible Study and social activities. |
| Congregation: We dedicate this Addition to the Church. |
| Minister: To the glory of God and the building up of men and women, boys and girls “in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. |
| Congregation: We dedicate this Addition. |
| Minister and Congregation: "Oh God, our Father, who taught Thy people of old to pass on from generation to generation their heritage of knowledge and faith, we who possess the Gospel of Christ feel our responsibility for passing on to our children and our children's
children an understanding of the only Way of Salvation. We thank Thee that there is a place in the Church for wholesome social life, and as we dedicate this Addition to these purposes, we pray that Thou wilt use these rooms, and use us, for the extension of the knowledge of God and
the best things of life throughout this community and may the influence of this Church extend even unto the ends of the earth. 'We offer this prayer in the name of Christ our Lord. Amen." |
| Dedication of Latta Memorial Organ: |
| Minister: Almighty God, whose power and might, whose love and mercy have touched the lives of men through all time. |
| Congregation: We bow before thee and praise Thee. |
| Minister: For the ability to hear and respond in our hearts to the beauty and glory of great music, beautifully produced. |
| Congregation: We praise Thee and give Thee our thanks. |
| Minister: In memory of a family which contributed much to the life of this congregation through many years, and recalling in particular those who at death did so much to make possible the Addition to this Church and this splendid Organ. |
| Congregation: We dedicate this Organ as an Aid to Worship in Thy Name. |
| Minister: To the end that our lives may have within them the same loyalty which inspired this legacy. |
| Congregation: We dedicate ourselves to Thee. |
| Minister and Congregation: Our Heavenly Father, accept this Organ we have dedicated to Thee, and as we are inspired in our worship by its music, may we remember the great and lasting value of money and talents dedicated to the service of our Lord. We ask these things in our Redeemers Name. Amen. |
| Dedication of Chancel Furniture: |
| Minister: To the glory of God, Author of all goodness and beauty, Giver of all skill of mind and heart. |
| Congregation: We dedicate these symbols of worship. |
| Minister: That they may kindle the flame of devotion, that those who gather here to worship Thee with understanding hearts. |
| Congregation: We dedicate these symbols of worship. |
| Minister (At Table): "The Lord Jesus the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He brake it, and said, 'Take eat: this is my body, which is broken for you; This do in remembrance of Me...This cup is the new covenant in my blood; this do, as often as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me.'" Therefore, in remembrance of the sacrificial death of Christ. |
| Congregation: We dedicate this table. |
| Minister (At Lectern): In order that God may speak to us through the reading of His written Word, that the services of worship may be conducted in an orderly manner, and that day by day the people of God may be led into better understanding of the will of the Lord. |
| Congregation: We dedicate this Lectern. |
| Minister (At Pulpit): "How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?" To the proclaiming of the good news of the Gospel of Christ, through the direction of the Holy Spirit and the lips of men. |
| Congregation: We dedicate this pulpit. |
| Minister: To the memory of one who during her life was ever faithful to Thee and her Church and whose life will live on in the memories of many of us and in this chancel furniture as well as in heaven with Thee, and with gratitude to her husband and son who have provided this splendid memorial. |
| Congregation: We dedicate this chancel furniture. |
| Minister: To complete the furnishing of this chancel, we present two open Bibles given as memorials to former pastors, and this symbolic cross which reminds us of the death of Christ, and these candlesticks which speak to us of the Light of the World. |
| Congregation: To the glory of God and the service of man in the name and spirit of Our Master, Jesus Christ, we dedicate all these gifts. |
| |
| OUR IMPROVEMENTS |
| For a number of years, various improvements of the church building have been under consideration, and at last we have something to show for our talk and effort. About three years ago, a start was made toward an improvement fund, when the Trustees sponsored an auction sale.
Many liberal contributions of grain, livestock, machinery, etc., were made by, not only friend of the Murray community, but of Plattsmouth. Something like $1,650 cam in from this effort. In the meantime, the Women’s Missionary Society had been gathering money for the equipment of a kitchen. But until about a year ago
there was not enough money in sight to start the work and pay for it, and the congregation did not want to go into debt. Then with the death of Mr. James Latta, the church received an legacy of $3,000 form the Latta estate. |
| A brief recognition of the Latta family will be in order here. When the congregation was organized at Rock Bluff, Nebraska, in august of 1860, four of the nine charter members bore the name of Latta. Within the next ten years ten more members of the Latta families became
members of the congregation. Among these was Samuel G. Latta, who made a profession of his faith and was received into membership in the church on Feb. 3, 1866. Some time before Nov. 23, 1888, he was elected as an elder, and his name first appears then as Clerk of Session. He served as an elder until his death. |
| According to his will, his son James P. Latta was to have use of the property as long as he lived, after which this congregation was to receive $3,000. James P. Latta passed away on Feb. 13, 1952, and the term of the will were fulfilled. |
| At a congregational meeting, it was decided to est aside $2,000 from the Latta legacy for remodeling the chancel and the purchase of an organ, and $1,600 of this amount was designated for an organ. Many of the members wanted a better instrument, and an additional $864 was soon raised
to purchase a Hammond Church Organ, to be known as the "Latta Memorial Organ." |
| Work was started on an addition to the church about August 1, 1952, under the direction of Mr. Elmer Tritsch, President of the Board of Trustees. Most of the work was done by members of the church. Some who were unable to work themselves hired substitutes. Unfortunately, no
record was kept of the hour of labor invested in the building, but it was certainly between 2,000 and 3,000 hours. Some of course were able to do far more than others, and no distinction will be made in this report between those who did much and those who gave only a few hour of work. Mr. Tritsch, however, is worthy of
special mention, and the time he gave to the church from his busy life amounted to weeks instead of hours or days. Not only the men, but many women spent hours and days painting and decorating. They also cheered the men along with frequent between-meals lunches. |
| Once the work was started, gifts started to come info various items. Among these was the Chancel Furniture, which was given by Dr. G. H. and John Gilmore in memory of Mrs. Bess Walker Gilmore, one of the most faithful members of the congregation until her death on Nov. 14, 1951.
A complete list of special gifts is posed in the vestibule. |
| One project not in the original plan was the raising of the floor in the sanctuary, and covering the floor of the entire building with asphalt tile. |
| The total cost of the organ and all improvements was approximately $7,500. The work in the basement and grounds has not been completed, but will be done as time and means permit. All bills to date have been paid, and there is a balance of about $2,500 in the treasury. No appeal for funds will be made at our dedication service. |
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| WHAT IS THE UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH? |
| There would be no need to ask this question in the east, especially in the vicinity of Pittsburgh, Pa. But the United Presbyterian as well as the Presbyterian Church of the U.S.A. are minority denomination sin this part of the country. Our church is not a split from any other denomination.
It was formed by a union of two churches which had their roots in Scotland and which established missions in this country long before the Declaration of Independence. This Union took place in May, 1858. |
| This church is conservative in its teachings, but it is not narrow. It has no fads or fancies to over-emphasize, but it holds firmly to the fundamental teachings of the Word of God. It is tolerant toward all other true churches, and does not claim to have a monopoly upon salvation. |
| The local church has but few life time United Presbyterians on its roll, but it membership is made up of former members of many denominations. Regardless of their background, you can't tell them apart now. They are all loyal to their present church home.
If you are among many of this community who do not belong to any church in the neighborhood, you are invited to worship with us. Maybe you will like this church well enough to make it your church home, and you will be welcome. |
