Bellevue in Sarpy County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
First Presbyterian Church
Photographed By Trevor L Whited, July 14, 2023
1. First Presbyterian Church Marker
Before the organization of Nebraska Territory In 1854. missions were established among the Indian tribes of this area. In 1850, Rev. Edward McKinney founded the first Presbyterian Church of Nebraska with five members.
He had arrived in Bellevue in 1846 to take over the work of the Indian missions. In 1853, Rev. William Hamilton replaced him as pastor. In 1856, the church body was reorganized and the construction of a permanent edifice was begun. The building was thirty by forty feet and took two years to complete. It was one of the earliest churches built in Nebraska and is the oldest surviving structure built as a church.
Additions to the building were made in 1869, and in 1904 it was enlarged to more than double its original size. The Social Hall was added in 1924. Seating only five hundred, the church became too small for the needs of the congregation. Thus after providing religious services for more than a century, it was replaced in 1958 by a new building.
It has been preserved as a symbol of our pioneer religious heritage.
Erected by Mrs. Harold D. LeMar Historical Land Mark Council.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Settlements & Settlers
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Location. 41° 8.362′ N, 95° 53.631′ W. Marker is in Bellevue, Nebraska, in Sarpy County. Marker is on Franklin Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2002 Franklin Street, Bellevue NE 68005, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Astorian Expedition (within shouting distance of this marker); Bellevue (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Bellevue (approx. 0.2 miles away); Bellevue Log Cabin (approx. 0.2 miles away); Fontenelle Bank - County Courthouse (approx. ¼ mile away); Bellevue Cemetery (approx. 0.6 miles away); Big Elk, Bellevue Cemetery (approx. 0.7 miles away); Oto Mission (approx. 4.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bellevue.
Photographed By Trevor L Whited, July 14, 2023
2. First Presbyterian Church and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 21, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 20, 2023, by Trevor L Whited of Kokomo, Indiana. This page has been viewed 77 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 20, 2023, by Trevor L Whited of Kokomo, Indiana. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
