History of Fremont FCC

First Congregational Church – The Congregational was the first religious organization in the county, was the first church in Dodge County. It’s the second oldest United Church of Christ congregation in Nebraska. Rev. I. E. Heaton was the first pastor. On November 2, 1856, soon after his arrival from Wisconsin, he preached the pioneer sermon from Psalm 111:10: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”Some twenty-five people had assembled at Seth P. Marvin’s house, a mile and a half west of Fremont, and the meeting passed off to the deep satisfaction of all. 

Perhaps, even, the feeling was mixed with a little worldly pride at the way the impromptu choir acquitted themselves, assisted by Miss Heaton at the melodeon.On the following Sabbath, services were held at the house of Robert Kittle, and from that time onwards they have continued to be held regularly at Fremont. 

On August 2, 1857, a regular church organization was affected, with seven members. Rev. I. E. Heaton continued his pastorate. Two years later a house was purchased on Eighth Street, between C and D streets. For twelve years the society remained under the care of Mr. Heaton.The dedication of the present neat and commodious edifice, corner of Broad Street and Military Avenue, took place August 2, 1868. 

Additions to the building were made in 1874 and 1881, so that now the structure is one of the best in the city. For a long time its fine bell, of over a thousand pounds, not only rung out good tidings but the fierce alarm of fire, or the noisy news of political and local victories. It was, in fact, public property and a public benefactor.

Pastors who have had charge of the church up to the present time: Rev. I. E. Heaton was succeeded, in 1869, by Rev. James B. Chase, Jr., who served until 1871; Rev. Roswell Foster from 1871 to 1875; and Rev. George Porter from 1876 to August, 1877.

Rev. Albert T. Swing, the present incumbent, assumed the charge February 1, 1878. The comfortable parsonage connected with the church was erected in 1873. A fine $1,000 organ adds to the harmony of the church, which is one of the leading religious organizations of the city. The entire value of the church property is placed at $7,000, the resident members numbering 114. Superintendent E. H. Barnard is in charge of a large Sunday school, composed of over three hundred children,.

After responding to an appeal for workers in the newly opened territory of Nebraska, Rev. Isaac Heaton closed his work in Wisconsin and sold his farm. He outfitted his wagon with a year’s provisions and traveled to Omaha.

He learned a city called Fremont was being laid out about 40 miles west of Omaha on the Platte River. Heaton, his wife and two daughters made their home in Fremont.
Heaton preached in several homes until August 1857, when he organized the church with seven charter members.

Trees were cut down and lumber secured for a church. The structure was being built when sparks from a nearby fire ignited the building and consumed the lumber.
The group then bought a house on Eighth and C streets for use as a church.

A 20-foot by 40-foot wooden church, reminiscent of a one-room schoolhouse, was built in 1868 at Military and Broad streets. E.H. Barnard (for whom Barnard Park is named) donated lots for the building.

Printed accounts indicate the church had a modest steeple and Fremont’s first bell — which years later was rung to celebrate the end of World War I.

Church membership had so increased by 1884 that the first structure was removed from the site and preparations made to build a new church.

A new church was dedicated in 1885. It was a red brick church built in the shape of a cross with stained glass windows.

The Rev. Albert Becker, who was pastor from 1953-68, led the congregation which voted to build a new building.

Heaton’s granddaughter, Belle Rogers, gave the congregation a full block of land at 16th and Broad streets.

Art Gifford built the parsonage on the property’s southeast corner. The first service in the new building took place on Nov. 23, 1958. The church has a pipe organ. Bronze bells housed in a bell tower were given by the Women’s Fellowship group.

The first couple married in this building was Eli and Shirley Harrah, who wed in August 1959, and are still members.

In 2017 the church celebrated its 160th anniversary.