A little more than a year after groundbreaking, the first services
in the new sanctuary were held on May 6, 2001. The dedicated work and diligence by the Building Design Committee and the Capital Funds Committee to complete the proposal was realized. The individuals serving on these committees are worthy of much credit in bringing the idea to fruition and deserve mention. The Building Design Committee was composed of Sam Scheidegger, Chair, Roland Augspurger, Mary Hull, Ron Lambert, Laura Porter, Jim Rosekrans, Tim Warren, and Rev. Don Wilson, ex-officio. The Capital Funds Committee consisted of William Grant, Chair, Lloyd Castner, Gordon “Mac” Hull, Phyllis Scow, and Rev. Don Wilson, ex-officio.
Heretofore, more attention to the physical aspects and the foundational origins is given to this historical account than to individuals. Little mention is given to the faithful congregrants, dedicated clergy and staff who bonded together spiritually through word and deed to carry out the ministry that Christ modeled. They were many, and their contributions make up an important part of the history. Their stories are found in documents kept at the church where they may be reviewed.
Likewise, any history would not be complete without including important events and programs undertaken during the course of an active church body’s existence. As the title suggests, this is meant to be a “brief” history of Federated Church. Therefore, events and programs are not lacking, rather they are not included.
Federated Church might be worthy as William Christensen’s example “that the things that unite us as Christians are so much greater than the things that divide us, and that by focusing on essentials we may move forward in harmony and fellowship.” The idea supports a test for endurance. Indeed, this unifying concept is a principle on which our nation’s foundations exist. For 90 years the federation of two churches uniting has stood a test for endurance by carrying out God’s ministry into the 21st century. Federated Church continues it relationship with two denominations, Presbyterian Church (USA) and United Church of Christ, and its purpose to carry on the work of the two churches under one united effort and management.
Much of the information presented in this history, written by Donna Augspurger, comes from documents and historical writings from the church. Donna also relied heavily on the book, In Such Harmony, written by William E. Christensen, especially for the historical account in the early years.
A more in-depth study of these and other historical supporting information, such as The Constitution, Mission Statements, Vision Statements, and annual reports, will provide a complete historical account for persons interested in research.
In Such Harmony covers the first fifty years and provides the reader with many anecdotal details of early church successes and struggles, as well as events taking place in the community of which they are a part.
Similarly, another publication compiled by Betty Grant contains the same and takes up years between the 50th and 75th anniversary of Federated Church. They may be viewed at the church office, located at 2704 15th Street in Columbus, Nebraska.
