The Royal , Nebraska , United Methodist Church History


The Royal Methodist Church In The Early 1900's.

The following text (unless otherwise stated) is entirely derived or adapted from text published in Royal's locally produced and distributed " Royal Centennial " Cookbook and History publication .

The work of the first Methodist Congregation in Royal,Nebraska,began in the late 1880's,when Sunday School and church services were held in a sod school house one mile east of the town.That first meeting place must certainly have served as the Congregation's place of worship for some years,for even though a partially built frame building(bought from the United Brethren's)was got in 1891,its construction took a long time . There were problems in errecting the new church building and five years passed.Finally,in 1896,finding their own carpenters unable to hoist the tower into place,the methodist folk engaged a former seafaring man,Charley Johnston,and a carpenter,Silas Barton,to complete the tower job for them.

Church Dates And Facts . . . .
Church records reveal that the first Methodist pastor was Rev. G. W. Schick.
It was during Rev. Piersol's pastorate that a piano was purchased,the building painted, a basement added, a furnace installed and 50 fruit and shade trees planted on Arbor Day.

Donations . . . . A large illuminated cross is a memorial to the late Helen Marie Rouse Schwager.
A small cross and candle holders were made by Rev. Edward Smith and donated in memory of Mrs. Theodore Thomson by her children,Mrs. Marie Filkins and Clarence Thomsen.
The baptismal bowl and a pulpit Bible were given by the children of Mr.and Mrs. Chauncey Coon - Opal Francis, Royal; Goldie Kahler, Portland, Ore.; and Lucille Proctor, Aturgis, Mich.
Collection plates were given in memory of Mrs. Carolyn McClain.
An illuminated picture of the Good Shepherd was given by Mrs. OIlie Rundquist in honor of her mother, the late Gertie Bonestell.
Draperies were also donated.
A myrtlewood table was handmade and donated by Kent Meisner of Hillsboro, Ore., in memory of his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Eyer.
A Bible holder was donated by the children of the late Mrs. Fred Storm.
Church records record many other memorials.

In the early 1960's the building of a new stairway into the basement and the remodeling of the church entryway, with a new ceiling and paneling, drew attention of very favorable comment.
In 1983-84,the church basement underwent an extensive remodeling job. A bigger kitchen with built-in cupboards and a double sink was added,along with an additional bathroom so both men and women didn't have to share the same one.

In 1983-84 at the same time as the previous - due to heavy snows and strong winds,the upstairs ceiling in the sanctuary came down and a new suspended ceiling was put in.
Since then, new outside doors in memory of the Johnston family have been provided.
In 1989, new hymnals were purchased, with the money being donated.

In 1990 The United Methodist Women met annually, usually twice a month, on the first and third Wednesday of each month. The 1990 officers were: President, Marie Peterson; Vice-President, Uralee Schwager; Secretary, Irene Erickson and Treasurer, Mayola Curtis. The group sponsored a Sunset Tea and helped with the Annual Church Supper and Bazaar. Mrs. Clayton had been church pianist for 35 years.

The Sunday School had been an active organization, sometimes dwindling down to 4 or 5 who attend, but had managing to keep things going. At that time there was no Youth Group,though in former years there had been : its numbers varying , with the number of youth in the community.

The church trustees of 1990 were : Dennis Bridge, Ardella Brandt, Elaine Meyer, Clayton Meisner, Gary Ober and Max Hieter.
The pastoral advisory committee comprised: Elaine Curtis, Clayton Meisner, Jim Haskin, Archie Brandt, Elaine Meyer and Diane Ober.
The Administrative Council Chairperson of 1990 was Ardella Brandt : the Lay Leader was Elaine Curtis :the Lay Member to Annual Conference being Lucille Haskin.
Elaine Meyer was the Recording Secretary and the Finance Committee Chairperson, Jan Curtis.
Financial Secretary and Treasurer were Lucille and Jim Haskin.
Lois Colson was Sunday School Superintendent and Membership Secretary was Lynn Williby.
The Memorial Committee was Ardith Reinke, Norma Gene Meisner and Elaine Meyer.

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The following text is taken from the "North Nebraska Conference Minutes" received from the "Nebraska United Methodist Historical Center, Commission on Archives and History." The first mention of Savage is in the North Nebraska Conference Minutes, 1890, in reporting for the 1889-1890 conference year, Presiding Elder J. B. Maxfield reported: "North Neligh circuit lies north of the town bearing this name. This work has been formed within a few years. It has six appointments and that will soon be strong enough to be divided into two works. It now has the new town of Savage, where we hope to see a new church erected during the coming year."

Rev. Peter Stout reported for 1889-1890, as follows : "North Neligh Circuit is listed in the appointments from 1886 to 1891. In 1892, Savage is listed in the appointments until 1904 when it becomes Royal."

In 1892—Presiding Elder David Marquette reported : "On the North Neligh charge a frame building has been purchased, moved into Savage, replastered and repaired at a cost of $200, and makes a parsonage of five rooms."

In 1893—Presiding Elder Marquette thought : "Savage charge has held its own under the pastoral care of Rev. W. Stanner. Some improvements have been made on parsonage property. Bro. Stanner has been somewhat hindered by the long and painful illness of his wife."

For 1894—Presiding Elder Marquette observed :"Savage has been supplied by Rev. E. E. Hunt, a student in Gates College. There have been a number of conversions on the charge, and it has prospered spiritually. They have improved the parsonage to the extent of $50." The Conference reported 33 members and 50 Sunday School Scholars, for the Circuit.

In 1897—Presiding Elder Wm. Gorst: "Savage is a circuit of five appointments and has been served by Rev. George W. Shick, who has made some needed improvements on the parsonage, added a few members to the classes and made good progress. He, however, will ask to be left without appointment to attend Garrett Biblical Institute." The Circuit reported 44 members and 40 Sunday School Scholars.

The report for 1898 was given by Presiding Elder Gorst: "Savage has been supplied by Rev. R. W. Callow. He is a new beginner but has handled all the affairs well, adding to the membership, truly helping the flock of Christ and caring for all the temporal interests."

In 1899,Elder Gorst was again the Presiding Elder,and reported : "Savage, under the care of Rev. E. D. Griswold, has made excellent progress. About 16 professed conversion; many come to church who are not accustomed to do so, and we have a great deal more to work on than ever before. The benevolences of the charge will show up better than ever, and we shall raise over $330 in salary, including rent, as against $183 last year." There were 51 members and 75 Sunday School Scholars.

The report of 1900 was a difficult one for Presiding Elder Gorst,who wrote, "Savage is a Circuit of 4 appointments, to which E. D. Griswold was appointed a year ago by Bishop Warren for his second year. At the last Conference he passed his studies and was admitted on trial, and at the same time received the ordination of a Deacon under the local preachers rule. But a few weeks later, to the horror and indignation of the whole community and the deepest humiliation ever suffered by this writer, it was revealed that for months, during his preparation for reception on trial and for Holy Orders, a crime as black as night was continually perpetrated with one of his own household. And, on the dawning of the revelation thereof,tending his withdrawal from the ministry and membership of the Church and surrendering his parchments, he left home in the darkness of midnight and has not since been heard from. I hand to the Conference his parchments. Soon afterward I procured Rev. J. H. Smith, a local preacher of North Salem, Indiana. He enteredupon his work with great energy,holding many weeks meetings, and has not only built up his congregation, but quite a number were converted and added to the Church. A room has been built onto the parsonage, and he has solicited and collected money with which we have purchased the U. P. Church at Savage. So that at the end of the year we are in better condition than could possibly have been hoped for." There were 70 members on circuit and 80 Sunday School Scholars.

In 1902,Presiding Elder Gorst reported "The new church at Savage was dedicated in December (1901) with all outstanding accounts provided for and which have since been paid all but $22. But the membership has not been much increased. This may be owing to the fact that the supply pastor, Rev. R. W. Burton, left his work in the middle of the year. I at once procured as pastor, Rev. Hiram P. Williams,a student from Taylor University, who began his labors in March. He has labored very industriously and acceptably to the real advantage of the Lord's work as the reports will show."

In 1904 there was a report from Presiding Elder Thomas Bithell: "Savage is a charge of four appointments ... and we are asked to make it a charge of three appointments. The fourth quarterly Conference asks that we do away with the Savage name and substitute a Royal one instead."


Above : A picture taken inside the Royal Methodist Church in 1915.


(Extracts from the North Nebraskan Methodist Conference Minutes,continued.)
1910—Presiding Elder E. T. George: "The parsonage at Royal has been sold, and a new one is being built on the lots adjoining the church on the south."

1911—Presiding Elder George: "Royal now has a good new parsonage nearly completed, standing on the lots just south of the church."

1912—Presiding Elder George: "R. A. Marcus, pastor at Royal, who came to us from the south, returned the first of September."1913—North Nebraska Conference became a part of the Nebraska Conference of the Methodist Church.

1914—it was reported that Royal had thoroughly repaired the church.

1922—Royal-Fairview was supplied by Rev. C.E. Brittain, a local preacher from the southern part of the state.

1929—Rev. E. W. Nye and his family of musicians assisted J. J. Kemper in a tent meeting at Royal in August.

1932—Royal is listed among the churches where unusual power and spiritual benefit was felt from revival meetings.

1939—Royal is listed with those doing interior decorating on the church.

1942—on November 1, Maynard D. Londborg was secured for the Royal and Fairview Churches.

1946—listed with churches with extensive building and repair.

1949— J. W. Clapper was dismissed from pastorate at Royal and Clearwater in February; since that time Royal has been supplied by Dean Frank Mclntyre of Norfolk Junior College, and Clearwater has been served by Mrs. W. M. Darlington of Neligh.

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In the early 1950s a fund raising project known as " God's Acres " was devised for the Methodist Church .The corn from 48 acres of ground contributed by 28 men was shelled by eight volunteers at the John Walmer farm,adjoining Royal .The men that shelled,one Saturday,were Gus Erickson,Elmer Lichty, Kenneth Eyer,Herbert Williby,Fremont Curtis,Orville Snodgrass,John Walmer and Clarence Bittner.The men were served dinner at noon by,Irene Erickson,Mary Ziegenbein,Mrs.Lois Snodgrass,The Minister's Wife, Mrs.Smith,Edna Johnston,Florence Weber,Jane Eyer,Mabel Meyer,Wilma Morrison,Edith Lichty, Winnie Kirby and Mayola Curtis. The following also assisted the "God's Acre" project, Clarence Weber, Kenneth Eyer,Gus Erickson, Ernest Ziegenbein, Oliver Snodgrass, E. A. Smith, Truman Kirby,Wendell Barton, Alden Mattison, JohnDeines, Miles Thomas, Wayne Walmer, Everett Johnston, Clayton Meisner, Clifford Meisner, Dale Weber, Waldo Morrison, Frank, Morrison, Charles Meyer, Ernest Rodgers, Merle Lichty, James Peterson, Clarence Thomsen, L. L.McDaniel, Harvey Nelson, Carl Schwager, Oliver Snodgrass, Fred Anson, Darrel Anson, Theodore Thomsen and J. J. Lichty. The money raised was placed in the Methodist Church treasury for later use.

1960—At Royal, Gerald Danskin part time June 1 to December 1; Duane Lenz after December 1,who also serves Orchard Evangelical United Brethren Church.

1963—Alvin H. Smith (E.U.B.), replaced Duane Lenz as supply pastor at Royal.

1984—Royal: Basement remodelling including new plumbing, panelling, wall partitions, adding another restroom—$3,105.

1985—At Royal church, basement remodeled,kitchen relocated, one restroom relocated and another one added, walls paneled and outside walls insulated; new sink and water heater; in Sanctuary new suspended ceiling installed— $5,965.

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PASTORS.


Pastors appointed to the Royal Church, North Nebraska Conference—received from Nebraska United Methodist Historical Center, Commission on Archives and History. 1895- George W. Shick 1897- R.W. Callow 1898- E.D.Griswold 1899- E. D. Griswokj, J. H. Smith 1900- J.H. Smith 1901 - R. W. Burton to middle year; Hiram P.Williams 1902- Thomas E. Smith 1904 - H. A. Hornady 1905- O.B.D. Woods 1906 - E. B. Koontz 1908 - W. E. Greene 1909- J.H. Alien 1911 - R.A.Marcus 1912- F.Williams 1913 - Frank Williams - Nebraska Conference 1914 - Frank Williams - Norfolk District 1916 - J.T. Rowan 1917 - J. T. Rowan with Fairview 1918 - Elmer Wilton with Fairview 1919 - L. R. McGaughey with Fairview 1921- C. E. Brittain with Fairview 1922 - C. B. Piersol with Fairview 1925 - J. J. Kemper with Fairview 1929 - Ralph A. Good with Fairview 1931 - Otto Fink with Ewing and Fairview 1933 - R. F. Parley with Ewing and Fairview 1934 - R. F. Parley with Ewing, Fairview and Mars 1935 - G. E. Martin with Fairview 1937 - F. J. Schank with Fairview 1940 - Don Littrell with Fairview 1941 - Maynard Londborg with Fairview 1942 - Car) J. Wells with Fairview 1943 - E. G. Whale with Ewing, Clearwater and Fairview 1945 - E. G. Whale with Ewing 1948 - J. W. Clapper to February; Dean Frank Mclntyre with Clearwater 1949 - E. A. Smith 1951 - E. A. Smith - Northeast District 1954 - Robert Strasberger 1955 - J. M. Etheredge 1957 - Mrs. Ethel 0. McAninch 1959 - Gerald Danskin part time June - December 1; Duane Lenz December 1 with Orchard Evangelical United Brethren 1962 - Duane Lenz - Alvin Smith 1963 - Alvin Smith 1968 - Alvin Smith - United Methodist with Orchard 1970 - Melvin L. Shafer with Orchard 1981 - James E. Mote with Orchard 1985 - Lyie K. Schoen with Orchard 1988 - Mark Richardson with Orchard 1990 - Mark Richardson with Orchard

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It is somewhat unusual that a church which had its beginning in a sod schoolhouse in the 1880's, could have survived for a century and continued to make improvements in spite of many drawbacksincluding the years of depression, crop failures and ever-changing membership. It is of further interest to note that the congregation has consisted almost wholly of farm people who come from four directions, and some as far as ten or twelve miles.Some of our members represent the sixth generation of the pioneers. What has made this success possible. According to an article written in 1964 by Mrs. R. J. Hering, and published in the Orchard News, it may be summarized in one word—COOPERATION.The entire community, irregardless of affiliation with other churches as the case may be, lends a helping hand to fund-raising project, or carpentering, members take time offfrom their daily work and come to the village prepared to work. The women see to it that a bountiful dinner is served at noon. At one time, many years ago, Royal boasted of 330 and it seemed would continue to grow, but the advent of the automobile made it possible for citizens to seek "greener pastures" for shopping and such. Pioneer founders had envisioned and hoped for a community to be a good place for their children and their children's children.

Truly the purpose of the church for the past several years has had but one thing they wish to stress and that is: to reach the residents of Royal and the surrounding area with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to minister to the community through worship, the sacrament, marriage and funerals, to provide Christian education and fellowship to people of all ages in the community, and to provide Christian help to individuals and families of the community in times of need.

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