Arcadia in Valley County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Arcadia Congregational Church
Photographed By Joan Shurtliff, October 5, 2014
1. Arcadia Congregational Church Marker
Three years after the town of Arcadia was platted in October 1885, the First Congregational Church was organized on November 25, 1888, the second church in town. Articles of incorporation were recorded on December 2, 1889, and the building, costing $2,885, was dedicated in July 1890. The Reverend Howard Hitchcock was the first permanent pastor. A parsonage was erected in 1899. On July 9, 1904, a tornado damaged the church, which was repaired without the original steeple. In the spring of 1920 a new parsonage was constructed east of the church.The longest serving pastor was the Reverend William Alcorn, from 1919 to 1929. During his pastorate the church added 258 members and held 20 weddings. By the 1970s membership had begun to decline, and in August 1998 the five remaining members voted to close the church, after 110 years of service to the community, and donate the building to Arcadia. Now known as "The Gathering Place," it is used for weddings, funerals, and other events. It is the oldest building on Main Street.
Erected by Valley County Centennial Committee; Nebraska State Historical
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Nebraska State Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1890.
Location. 41° 25.405′ N, 99° 7.342′ W. Marker is in Arcadia, Nebraska, in Valley County. Marker is at the intersection of Bridge Street and Hill Street (Local Route Bridge), on the left when traveling east on Bridge Street. This marker is on the east side of Arcadia (pop. 311) on the north side of State Highway 70. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Arcadia NE 68815, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 6 other markers are within 14 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Arcadia Centennial 1885-1985 (approx. half a mile away); Loup City Township Carnegie Library (approx. 13 miles away); The Loup City Riot, 1934 (approx. 13.1 miles away); Sherman County Courthouse (approx. 13.1 miles away); Dead Horse Creek (approx. 13.1 miles away); Jenner's Park (approx. 13.3 miles away).
Photographed By Joan Shurtliff, October 5, 2014
2. Arcadia Congregational Church
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 9, 2014, by Joan Shurtliff of Seward, Nebraska. This page has been viewed 535 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 9, 2014, by Joan Shurtliff of Seward, Nebraska. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
