THE HISTORY OF
OUR CHURCH
THE ORIGINS
Our congregation began with the efforts of a small group of Germans from Russia who held German Lutheran worship services in the Havelock community in 1911. A small, white, wooden church building on the northeast corner of 69th and Ballard streets was used. In 1913 the congregation had a membership of 25 adults and was known as Evangelical German Lutheran Church. By 1915 membership had grown to 150 adults.
In 1916 the Lutheran community in Havelock became divided and several families from the congregation left to form a new congregation. The remnant of Lutheran families was reorganized into a new congregation named Zoar Evangelical Lutheran Church. New property was purchased on the northwest corner of 70th and Platte Streets and a small building was moved onto this site from the country.
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUGGLES
A very long and difficult strike on the Burlington Railroad caused many families to leave the Havelock community in 1922. Zoar Evangelical Lutheran Church lost many members. This, together with the growing depression, greatly diminished the size and activity of the congregation. In 1925 the congregation closed.
In 1929 the congregation was reorganized and reopened under the name Zion Lutheran Church of Havelock. However, attendance at German language services was so low that the congregation closed again in 1931. In 1937 German language services were started again, but after much difficulty and frustration the congregation was closed again in 1939.
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUGGLES
A very long and difficult strike on the Burlington Railroad caused many families to leave the Havelock community in 1922. Zoar Evangelical Lutheran Church lost many members. This, together with the growing depression, greatly diminished the size and activity of the congregation. In 1925 the congregation closed.
In 1929 the congregation was reorganized and reopened under the name Zion Lutheran Church of Havelock. However, attendance at German language services was so low that the congregation closed again in 1931. In 1937 German language services were started again, but after much difficulty and frustration the congregation was closed again in 1939.
A NEW BEGINNING
The decision was made in 1940 to restart the congregation, but this time to widen its ministry to include families of all ethnic backgrounds. This was a turning point for the congregation. That year, English worship services began and were conducted by a Lutheran seminarian and later by a volunteer pastor from Emerald, NE.
The first full-time pastor was called to serve the congregation in 1946. By this time Havelock had become part of Northeast Lincoln. In 1948 the congregation’s official name was changed to Havelock Evangelical Lutheran Church and land was purchased on the southwest corner of 60th and Fremont Streets. In May of 1950 a new building was dedicated on that site (our present location) and the congregation became known as United Lutheran Church. The membership at that time was 66 baptized members. By 1958 the congregation had grown to 528 baptized members.
A NEW BEGINNING
The decision was made in 1940 to restart the congregation, but this time to widen its ministry to include families of all ethnic backgrounds. This was a turning point for the congregation. That year, English worship services began and were conducted by a Lutheran seminarian and later by a volunteer pastor from Emerald, NE.
The first full-time pastor was called to serve the congregation in 1946. By this time Havelock had become part of Northeast Lincoln. In 1948 the congregation’s official name was changed to Havelock Evangelical Lutheran Church and land was purchased on the southwest corner of 60th and Fremont Streets. In May of 1950 a new building was dedicated on that site (our present location) and the congregation became known as United Lutheran Church. The membership at that time was 66 baptized members. By 1958 the congregation had grown to 528 baptized members.
MODERN DAY
In 1977 our present worship space was built. On May 21, 2000, we celebrated our 50-year anniversary (since being named United Lutheran).
In the summer of 2018, after much visioning and deliberation concerning the present context of ministry, the congregation voted to consolidate much of its first floor office space into a first-floor fellowship area. This was conducted in order to facilitate increased pre- and post-worship fellowship, in addition to creating a user-friendly fellowship space, which could be accessed apart from stairs/elevator.
Additionally, the front office and the various offices were repositioned in accordance to their function, i.e., the front office was placed by the front door, and the pastor’s office was placed in a location more appropriate for counseling, private meetings, etc.
On top of all of this, a carport was added to the south side of the building to make the defacto “main entrance” an official “main entrance” (which is also more aesthetically pleasing).
We cherish our Lutheran roots. Blessed with a respect for liturgy and a keen sense of reverance, we honor God with every action. You’ll find a great tolerance for trying to deepen our Christian faith with new music and worship practices but with a goal of coming closer to God and carrying out his will.
HAVE A QUESTION, COMMENT OR PRAYER REQUEST?
When it comes to prayer, we believe that God wants to meet your needs and reveal His promises to you. If you or a loved one is in need of prayer — we want to be here for you! If you have questions or comments regarding United Lutheran Church, we'd love to hear from you and answer any questions you may have.