Our 150th Anniversary

First Congregational has had a minister and active congregation continuously in the city of Omaha since its founding May 4, 1856, in the legislative chambers of the Nebraska Territorial Capitol at Ninth and Farnam Street. The first minister was the Reverend Reuben Gaylord, a native of Connecticut, who had been working in the territory of Iowa. There he organized Sabbath schools, prayer meetings, and formed churches all over Iowa. In 1855, he journeyed to Council Bluffs, where he crossed the river to Omaha, and preached at the Territorial Capitol. He agreed to be a pastor in Omaha, and on May 4, 1856 organized the church in Omaha. He later formed 2 other churches in the area.

Work on our current building began in 1917, and continued until 1920. The architect was George B. Prinz.

Our 150th Anniversary Year 2005-2006

Celebrations began with a worship service by the Missouri River, near the spot Reuben Gaylord crossed the river to "bring religion to Omaha." Sunday, May 22 was filled with music, celebration, and "reuben" sandwiches.

Festivities continued through June, with Wednesday night patio concerts.

August brought a silent auction of painted/decoupaged/tiled/whatever-ed childrens chairs - lovingly decorated by members of the congregation.

On October 15th and 16th, we held a Pilgrim Fair, to celebrate our Pilgrim heritage, the history of the denomination, and First Central's history in Omaha. A museum was temporarily established in the parlor displaying many of the interesting facts and events that mark our history. Memorial Hall was transformed into Plymouth Colony with period crafts and interactive displays for participation for all age groups. Saturday night we hosted a dinner with many of the foods our Pilgrim ancestors would have experienced shortly after their arrival in the New World.

Also in October, we planted, you guessed it, 150 bulbs, to commemorate our 150th Anniversary.

May 6, Landmarks, Inc. and Activate Omaha held their Spring Historic Walking Tour of Omaha's South Gold Coast. Creighton University English and Architectural History Professor Tom Kuhlman led the tour, encompassing 36th to 39th Streets, from Harney to Jones, featuring the homes of Omahan's like Brandeis, Metz, Wattles, Reed, and Millard. The tour began and ended on the church patio.

A dinner celebrating our 150th anniversary was held the evening of May 6 at the Omaha Field Club. The guest speaker was John Thomas, General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ.

On Sunday, May 7th, we had a special worship service celebrating our anniversary. Rev. John Thomas led us in worship.

Please join us as we begin the next 150 years!