T. C. Eldred. The same clergyman continued to hold two services each Sunday until March 6, 1887. On Tuesday, February 1, of this same year, a parish meeting was held at the home of Mr. Arthur C. Putman, at which time it was decided to name the parish Grace church. On Sunday evening, February 6, after evening prayer, the following officers of the parish were nominated: Burr Shelton, warden; Alfred Bartow, clerk ; Gideon E. Myers, treasurer. The Bishop (Worthington) made his first visitation on Sunday, March 7.

On July 16, 1887, the Rev. J. N. Chestnut assumed charge. Very soon after an unoccupied building on Main street, near Second avenue, was rented and fitted up for service. A five-room house on King street was bought for a rectory on September 1. In the same month a fund for a church building was started in January, 1888. A lot was purchased in May, and in October the cornerstone was laid. The first services in the present church building

were held on Sunday, January 6, 1889. Rev. J. J. Crawford was pastor in 1921.

Methodist Church

The history and growth of the Methodist church of this city, like that of the Methodist church in this county, is a story full of interest to all who have helped in building up this section of the country and county.

The first conference of representatives of this church, looking forward to establishing a Methodist class and church in this community was held in the log cabin which was the home of Mr. and Mrs. F. M. B. O'Linn, out near Dakota Junction. This was the germ of our church organization in this city. The charge was called "The White River O'Linn Charge," Niobrara Valley District, West Nebraska Conference. This was in 1884. The first pastor was Rev.