Renovation Uncovers Church History

In the early 1900s, a man named A. T. Hiett moved to Sidney. It is likely he didn't expect his passion to influence the community for 110 years later.

Hiett “lost no time in trying to establish a branch of the then-named Church of Christ,” according to “The First Christian Church of Sidney, Nebraska, Early History (March 12, 1912 to December 31, 1925).”

The First Christian Church of Sidney has closed, but the building remains. A couple recently purchased the church building and are reopening it as a church. In the course of cleaning and updating the building, historical documents were found. The history of the church shows that on February 11, 1911, the Sidney Telegraph printed “A.T. Hiett, of York, moved into E. C. Stockdick's house on the north side Thursday morning. Mr. Hiett has extensive land interest near Sidney. His son is on his way here with an emigrant car and will live on the Hiett farm, near Sidney.”

“Dedicated layman” Hiett made contact with a “small, but courageous band”who also belong to the Church of Christ. He then wrote to the secretary of the Nebraska Christian Missionary Society for assistance.

In January of 1912, a seven-week session of daily evangelistic services in the courthouse. The event was secured with the consent of the county commissioners.

The Sidney church incorporated with a membership of 83; 50 were converts, according to church history. Money was raised for construction of a church, furnishing it and pledged for a minister's first year salary. The Articles of Incorporation were adopted March 11, 1912.

In 1919, the church board approached Louis L. Holmes of Bonner Springs, Kan., to be the new minister. He was offered an annual salary of $1,650 with Holmes paying his own house rent. According to church history, Mr. Holmes countered, asking the church to pay any rent above $20. The church made a counter offer of $1,800 salary and the offer was accepted. He served the church until May 1921. He tendered his resignation in March 1921.

J.J. Hewitson came to serve First Christian Church in November 1921, remaining at the church until June 1923. After Hewitson left the church, the church fell to its lowest point since its organization.

In the years, the fellowship developed several outreach organizations and ministries, including The Willing Workers, Christian Missionary Society, The Evening Guild and Christian Women's Fellowship (CWF). Mrs. Carl Hellwig, was a charter member of the church and The Willing Workers. She is quoted saying the main purpose of the Willing Workers was to keep the church in operation, help pay the minister's salary and the maintenance of the church.

According to church history, the CWF and Willing Workers came together as the Missionary Society of Willing Workers in 1950. The Evening Guild referred to what time of day, afternoon and evening. The Evening Guild was formed for the purpose of accommodating the young mothers and working women. It had about 25 members.

In the church's 100 Years history book, the Evening Guild was described as holding bake sales, collecting Kellogg coupons to buy silverware and dishes for the kitchen, and serving the R.E.A. Annual dinner at which time they raised a considerable amount of money. The group was organized by Mrs. Jack Knicely as the first president, as recalled by Shirley Couch in the history book.

The church and the CWF continued to be active. In 1996, the CWF contributed to the Beatrice Tornado Relief, C.W.S. Blanket Fund and the County Attorney for Child Awareness Support. In 2008-2009, the CWF sponsored the shoe box ministry (Operation Christmas Child).

The fellowship has since ceased to meet and the church closed. It was recently purchased by Mike and Christel Anderson who reopened the building as The Church.