On Sunday, June 30, the Brewster United Church of Christ celebrated 125 years of faith and fellowship in the Sandhills with a special service, followed by a carry-in dinner, with 73 attending.

The church was organized March 11, 1899 by 34 charter members as the G. H. Brewster Memorial Congregational Church.

Recognized were the family members of charter members John and Jean Ferguson and Fred and Alvira Spencer, whose descendants are still active in the church, and their relatives who were present and who had attended in the past.

Members of the Ferguson family were present, including Shelly, Ron, Ian and Keesha Albrecht of Brewster and Ralston; Cindy Forehead of Omaha, Mark and Sherry Ferguson of Billings, Mont; Linda and Sandy Kyle of Snohomish, Wash; Debra Ferguson and Kit Thanel of Fergus Falls, Minn; Joanne Ferguson Cavanaugh and Rick Stone of Papillion; Elizabeth Ferguson and Lynn Cole of Brewster; Beau Dilsaver, Clayton and Addyson of Taylor; Woodrow Dilsaver of Anselmo; Jake Dilsaver and Carrie Mullendore-Dilsaver of Lincoln; Heidi Dilsaver of Elwood; Hannah and Charley Stout, Warren, Taelynn, Ayden and Quinn of Burwell.

Members of the Spencer family who were present included Sandra Erickson of Milford and Mike Spencer of Ord. Honoree Shirley Spencer was unable to attend.

The Lida Pitt Miller family was also honored. Lida joined the church in 1921 and family members present were Walt and Marilyn Miller Rhoades as well as Tracy and Justin Bradley of Brewster. 

Since 2008, the church has been self-led by members providing messages. Recognized messengers were-Elizabeth Ferguson, Patty Johnston, Lee Lloyd, Margie Lloyd, Allison Miller and Donna Douglass (absent) who provides the Children’s Time. 

Lee Lloyd provided opening and closing prayers and children’s message. Greetings and a certificate of appreciation from the Nebraska UCC Conference were given by Sarah Rentzel Jones of Omaha, UCC Conference Deacon and Pastor Coral Parmenter of Thedford, representing the UCC Prairie Association.

Rev. David Hansen of Anselmo sang “Savior Pilot Me” accompanied by Patty Johnston. Pastor Hansen’s wife Connie shared memories of their 15 years of pastoral service from 1984-99. The Hansens presented the church with an original ink sketch of the church building by artist Jim Ingram of Broken Bow. 

Joanne and the 6th Generation Ukulele Players (Warren, Taelynn, Ayden and Quinn) played “Down To The River To Pray” for a sing-along. Allison Miller did research on the charter members and provided information and historical context to their commitment to gathering for worship.

Many present shared reminiscences, including Barbara Buchtel Stanek (Taylor), whose father Rev. Royce Buchtel and wife Peg served the Blaine County Larger Parish between 1965-75.

A Litany of Memory and Rededication written by Rev. Buchtel for the 75th anniversary in 1974 was read before closing. Church Historian Joanne Ferguson Cavanaugh shared some milestones and emceed the event which was filmed by Rick Stone.

Julie Toline of Broken Bow took photos throughout the program. Historic church film footage and photos scanned and organized by Keesha and Ian Albrecht were viewed after the service.

The “Pure Nebraska” show on KOLN-TV filmed a segment about the church, which was also shown. 

Commemorative booklets, coffee mugs and magnets were given to honorees and available for distribution. Sandhills Prairie Girl, the Facebook name of Nicole Louden, gave permission to use a beautiful photo for our celebration. Through the grace of God, families will continue to gather and contribute to the faith and fellowship fabric of Blaine County at the Brewster UCC in our beautiful Nebraska Sandhills.

Sunday services are always held at 11 a.m., followed by a carry-in dinner. All are welcome.

Top photo by Alfred-Schipporeit.

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