With no organized Christian Church in Beatrice, the community relied on a teaching preacher, R.C. Barrow to meet with them where it was possible. As a result of the State Convention of Churches in Lincoln in 1872, Elder John Allen held a meeting in an old frame store room and a congregation of twenty members was organized into the First Christian Church.

In the spring of 1873 the first Pastor J.Mad Williams was called to serve the newly organized church. At this time they met at Reynolds and Townsend Hall, at 5th and Court, now the home of Schmitt's Clothing Store. It was soon apparent that a permanent place of worship was needed and in 1874 the corner of 6th and Ella was selected as a site for the church. The lot, 50 ft. by 140 ft. was purchased from James Charles at a cost of $250.00

The congregation was incorporated on July 21, 1874 and work was begun on the new church. The original building was constructed at a cost of $2,000.00. The dedication service was given by University of Nebraska Chancellor A.R. Benton.

Although the outstanding debt was only $700.00 the small agriculture related congregation had great difficulty paying it off because of a very severe drought and a grasshopper infestation. At this time Pastor Williams resigned due to lack of funds to pay him, so for 6 1/2 years there was no regular pastor. However due to the faithfulness and determination of these early pioneers, the building debt was miraculously paid off and an outstanding Church School established under the leadership of John L. Rhodes and John E. Abell.

Once again in 1882 they were able to again call a Pastor, William G. Springer. His salary was $600 per annum.

The years of 1884-1892 could be called the time of new beginnings for it was during this time that Mrs. Fisher, the Pastor's wife, organized the C.W.B.M. or Christian Women's Board of Mission Auxiliary, now called C.W.F. and the Young Peoples Society of Christian Endeavor now known as C.Y.F. This was also the time when the first parsonage was built on the back of the church lot by Pastor Fisher.

The Disciples of Christ had continued to grow very rapidly. In 1886, just four years after organizing, they had grown from 20 memebers to 125 and following seven evangelistic meetings, 600 new members were added to the register.

Considering this, it was time to think of a new, larger building site, so on April 10, 1889 Lots 11 and 12, Block #35 were purchased for $2,000.00, but remembering the past "lean years" it was decided that for the time being it would be wise to enlarge and refinish the old building at 6th and Ella, just west of the newly purchased lots.

At this time Uncle Sam played a part in the decision making. A new Post Office building was needed and the site chosen for it was the corner of 6th and Ella. Uncle Sam purchased this lot for $8,200 and the parsonage and church building were removed and located on the previously purchased lots down the street half a block, the present site of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

The years 1892-1902 could be called the decade of organization for during this period a church board of 5 elders and 7 deacons was elected.

By 1906 the congregation had again outgrown its facility, so the board decided now was the time to build a new, better and larger structure. Members of the Ladies Aid Society were given the honor of beginning the demolition of the old building. The ladies wielding the hammers and crowbars were Mrs. Tom Maybarn, Mrs. H.S. Vought, Mrs. Olive Roszell and Mrs. Susie Smethers (and this was before women were given the right to vote). The style chosen for the new brick church was Grecian Architecture. One of the outstanding features of this church was the large dome in the center that utilized natural light. It had a seating capacity of 1,200, and choir loft to accommodate 45. It was dedicated in 1907.

Revival services conducted by Dr. Scoville resulted in over 700 new members. The revival services recorded as many as 1800 persons in attendance.

The years of 1912 through 1922 at First Christian could be called the decade of the Church School. On Easter Sunday 1927, Sunday School attendance was 1341, so once again more space was needed. May 1929, ground was broken on a vacant lot north of the church and a new Sunday School wing was added.

Two short years later, however, in May 1931, the building was almost totally destroyed by fire, believed to have started in the Organ loft, making it difficult for firemen to contain the fire. But just as drought and grasshoppers 57 years earlier had not destroyed their faith, neither did this disastrous fire. Plans were made immediately to rebuild. It was decided to rebuild using New England colonial style and rearrange the entrance. Store Kraft Manufacturing of Beatrice was most instrumental in designing pews in keeping with the colonial theme. The new building was dedicated one year later in May of 1932.

The years of 1942-1952 at First Christian (Disciples of Christ) could be called the decade of World Outreach--supporting Missionaries in India, China, Philippine Islands, Paraguay and Africa. Throughout the years, the Church has continued its commitment to serve and as it increases its support of foreign mission it has also made financial commitments at home, several being The Child Saving Institue in Omaha and Cotner College.

Another significant event of this era was the burning of the building mortgage. To celebrate this happy occasion new hymnals were purchased.

One of the largest carillons in the State of Nebraska can be heard throughout Beatrice by the amplification system in the spire of the Church. It contains 3 ranks of 25 bells each making the carillon a 75 bell system. This was a gift of Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Hevelone.

Numerous other gifts including the Steinway Grand piano from the Voortman Family, an electronic piano, chairs in the narthex and many others have added to the beauty and usability of First Christian (Disciples of Christ).

The First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) congregation has always taken seriously the call to share in the ministry of the Church. Throughout the years, there have been nearly 30 who have become involved in a Church related vocation.

Another ministry of First Christian (Disciples of Christ) is the radio broadcast each Sunday.

Many groups and organizations also function throughout the church. Music for the worship services is provided by the choir, organist, and the Jubliate Ringers, a handbell choir.

A very busy Christian Women's Fellowship makes many contributions of time, money and caring for a variety of activities including visiting shut-ins, delivering Meals on Wheels, supporting the Mother to Mother Ministry and volunteering in the Gift Shop at the Beatrice Community Hospital.

The men enjoy extended fellowship by attending Disciples Men's group, and the youth enjoy Christian Youth Fellowship which encompasses a variety of activities.

Some of our more recent activities include: our LAB's (Learing About the Bible) after school program for school age children 4 years through grade 5; Family Fun Night, a monthly supper served combined with fun, family oriented activities; and Contemporary Worship services on Sunday evenings.

Today all members are kept current on events taking place by the bi-monthly publication called the "Christian Visitor". The forerunner of the "Visitor" was the Beatrice Christian Call that was first published on September 20, 1907. The subscription price was 25 cents per year. It is interesting to note that there were 8 advertisements in its first issue. Among the advertisements were Richilieu Jams which sold for $1.10 for a 5 lb. jar, Quick Meal Steel Ranges, and new Fall suits for men ranging in price from $10 to $25. It was also interesting that telephone numbers consisted of only two digits.

The Community Ministries Department collects and distributes coats to people in the community needing them, collects food for the Food Pantry, and assists people in need.

A Church library offers reading materials to all ages. Also available for checkout are tapes, videos and reference materials.

At Christmas time, a Live Outdoor Nativity Scene is presented for the public the week prior to Christmas.

The First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Beatrice continues to provide an active, caring and steadfast link to the community as it has done for over 125 years. The current minister is the Rev. David A. Bigley.