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, so much that 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
Obviously, more expansion was needed, so in 1977 the current larger sanctuary was built.
In 2018, a major remodel was done to the first floor; removing a number of office and meeting rooms—including the original 1950 chapel area—creating a fresh and bright fellowship area and new offices. This has facilitated increased pre- and post-worship fellowship, in addition to creating a user-friendly fellowship space for numerous events, all while not requiring the need of stairs or the elevator.
The final addition was the carport added to the south side of the building, which makes an official “main entrance” off the expanded parking lot.
In May 2025, we will celebrate our 75th anniversary since being named United Lutheran Church.
