First Congregational United Church of Christ (Norfolk, Neb.) [RG3221.AM]

NEBRASKA STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY MANUSCRIPT FINDING AID

RG3221.AM:  First Congregational United Church of Christ (Norfolk, Neb.)

Records:  1870-1970

Norfolk, Madison County, Neb.:  Congregational church

Size:  1 reel of microfilm

HISTORICAL NOTE

The early beginnings of the First Congregational United Church of Christ of Norfolk, Nebraska, can be found in the summer of 1869 when a Colonel Charles Mathewson of Pomfret, Connecticut, settled in the area and established a flour mill. It was he who took the initiative toward the development of the city and also the church. Early religious meetings were frequently held in his home. Shortly thereafter, the congregation was officially organized on May 15, 1870, in the Mathewson home under the guidance of Reverend J.W. Kidder, a homesteader. Not only was it a pioneer church in Norfolk but it was one of the first churches of any English speaking denomination in Northeastern Nebraska.

Since the organization, three church buildings have been constructed, a sign of both progress and tragedy for in 1944 a fire destroyed the second edifice which had been built in 1885. This catastrophe not only destroyed the building but also much of its valuable contents including the congregation’s early records. In 1950 the third structure was finished and a Sunday School addition was completed in 1961. The church celebrated its centennial in November of 1970.

SCOPE AND CONTENT NOTE

This collection consists of records of the First Congregational United Church of Christ of Norfolk, Nebraska, arranged in three series: 1) Printed Matter, 1870-1970; 2) By-Laws, 1937-1967; and 3) Membership Records, 1955-1970. These records contain various historical sketches of the church as well as its by-laws. Of special significance are the membership records which contain lists of new members, marriages, baptisms, transfers, and deaths by year. These records were loaned for microfilming in June of 1971.

DESCRIPTION

Reel 1

Series

1. 1. Printed Matter, 1870-1970

1. 1. By-Laws, 1937-1967

1. 1. Membership Records, 1955-1970

ADDED ENTRIES:

Congregational Church in Nebraska

First Congregational United Church of Christ (Norfolk, Neb.)

Madison County (Neb.) — Churches

Norfolk (Neb.) — Churches

United Church of Christ in Nebraska

Revised 06-05-2009   TMM