History

From a tiny log cabin in 1860, our church has grown to a soaring Gothic structure that occupies the length of a city block. The church building was erected in 1915. It stands as an architectural and historic landmark within the once exclusive Gold Coast neighborhood. The church sanctuary, which seats about 800, is in the form of a cross with a center aisle and narrow side aisles leading to shallow transepts. The main entrance opens into the narthex. Vestibules at the east and west entrances lead to the aisles and to a rear balcony. The chancel, raised five steps, is flanked on one side by a pulpit and on the other by a lectern, both of elegantly carved hardwood. Concealed steps lead to the choir loft and organ at the rear of the chancel, which is entirely paneled with quarter-sawn oak wainscoting sixteen feet high. Magnificent stained glass windows throughout enhance the beauty of the sanctuary. The tracery of all the windows is of beautifully carved stone. The Memorial Chapel, adjacent to the west transept, will seat 60 people for small or private services.

Our fellowship wing, adjacent to the sanctuary, includes Calvin Hall and other meeting rooms, a lounge, kitchenette, library, Christian education and contemporary music offices, and main office. On the second level are offices for the pastor, associate pastor, finance office manager, organist, property manager, and volunteers. Also on this level are the “Upper Room”, a large, frequently-used meeting and Bible-study area, and the Archives/History Room. The lower level contains the dining area, kitchen, choir room, and multi-use area.

At the west sanctuary entrance, a portico leads to Millard Hall. This spacious two-story educational building, completed in 1929, surrounds a landscaped meditation courtyard.

The church is handicapped accessible by elevator. The church-owned van is used as transportation for Sunday worship services, youth and mission trips, and other church-related activities. The bells from our lighted bell tower can be heard throughout the surrounding neighborhood. We are located just west of the downtown area and adjacent to Security National Bank to the west, Mutual of Omaha to the north and east, and two parking lots to the south, one of which is owned by the church.

The church provides meeting space for several organizations including Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Narcotics Anonymous, Scottish Country Dancers, and Overeaters Anonymous.