The First Presbyterian Church of Beatrice, Nebraska, a church of Jesus Christ, welcomes all who affirm Jesus Christ as Lord to share in our work, our worship, and our fellowship. Our Worship Service is Sunday morning, and we hope that you will join your heart and voice with ours to praise God together!

Our Church, a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA), exalts Jesus Christ as the Lord of all things, and seeks to provide for the worship, nurture, and fellowship of God's people and to support the mission of Christ's church in the world.

We hope you can come to our service and be with us as we worship our Lord of All.

Beginning and Buildings

The First Presbyterian Church of Beatrice was organized March 17, 1869 with five charter members, Mrs. Sara Ann Blodgett, Mrs. Mary Griggs, Miss Anna Griggs, and Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Weeden.

We are most grateful today for the vision of those early pioneers.  Our heritage is a result of their continued efforts.

In 1867 the Rev. Benjamin F. McNeil was sent to Beatrice by the Board of Home Missions of the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A. in response to an appeal by Mr. Reuben Blodgett who saw the need for religious work in Beatrice.

The Church was organized under the direction of the Missouri River Presbytery.  The first meetings were held in a school house south of the present Junior High School.  After many trying experiences, the Rev. McNeil and the trustees purchased some lots on the outer edge of town, the location we all know so well as Fifth and High.

Aid was solicited from the East and at home, and the Board of Home Missions gave $1,600, a large sum then, toward the erection of a church building.

This building was erected in 1871, but only the basement could be used because of the lack of money.  In 1879 it was completed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By 1893 the growth of the Church made this building inadequate to carry on the work of this religious group.  A new structure on the same site was dedicated February 25, 1894.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In 1920, 1927, and 1947 the building was enlarged by excavations and improved in many ways.

The Building Foundation was created in 1953, and a Building fund Canvass was held in 1954, As a result of these plans, our present structure was started in November, 1956, and dedicated on September 28, 1958.

as we hear the bell (cast in 1873) from our first church building telling us of our worship service, we must pay tribute to all who have made this beautiful place of worship possible.