The Freewill Baptist Church was built in 1885 at the corner of 11th and H streets where a brick residence now stands and is occupied by the Henry Gimpel family. (This was in 1939, remember.) The Burt family all helped in the building of this church. The first pastor was George Knapp. The church was used for many years and finally sold to the United Brethren denomination. Nearly all the members transferred their membership to that church, and they later sold the property and bought the present site.

This was my mother’s church and my youngest brother, Frank, was its superintendent for 20 years.

The First Congregational Church was organized by D. B. Perry in 1872. The first church was built in 1880 by A. L. Seward, pastor, where the funeral home of Vogt & Vodra now stands. Rev. A. G. Spencer was pastor when we came to Aurora. I knew all the ministers up to the time the church was sold and the members united with the Presbyterians and became a Federated church in 1929.This church is one of the finest in the city and has a good membership.

The Presbyterian Church was organized on Aug. 16, 1873, by Rev. N. C. Robinson. Their first pastor was T. K. Hege. Father Giltner, as he was called at that time, was called to preach in 1876. He organized the First Presbyterian Church in Nebraska City. His daughter was the second girl born in the state. He was chaplain of the first House of Representatives held in Omaha in 1855.

Rev. Giltner built the first church in 1878. The town of Giltner was named for him. He served the Aurora church for six years and was loved by all who knew him.

It just comes to me now of an amusing incident that happened to Father Giltner on Jan. 11, 1899. He had been engaged to conduct a wedding uniting in marriage Miss Nellie Verbeck, oldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Verbeck, and Dorr Bickford, the latter living near Giltner. My wife and I having been close friends of the Verbeck family, were invited to the wedding. It was to be held six miles southeast of Aurora, then known as the Huling farm and now owned by Ray Walker.

It was a fine two-story house, which burned several years ago, after Walker bought the place. We drove out in the afternoon on a cold, blustery day. The time of the wedding was set for seven o’clock. As night came on, the snow became so thick and fast that by 7:00 you could not see 10 feet ahead of you. The guests had all arrived, the feast was prepared, the bride and groom ready for the nuptial vows - and no preacher to tie the knot. We all held our breath and waited patiently for over an hour, but the storm did not abate and the bride and groom were becoming frantic. About 8:30 the wind went down and just before 9 o’clock Father Giltner came in a livery rig, driven by William Grace, both more dead than alive. They had lost their route in coming, due to the heavy storm, but there was much rejoicing upon their safe arrival. When the Reverend was thawed out, the ceremony was performed and the hungry guests partook of a bountiful repast. The tension was so great on the bride that I do not think she ate any of the food, but I ate her share. We did not get home until late the following day, after the roads had been re-opened.

The Christian Church was organized by John Smith at the old courthouse on July 31, 1887, with 44 members. In 1889 lots were purchased of A. W. Agee and the first church built on the corner of 11th and L streets where George Yung now resides. My brother, James, was the architect of this building. The cornerstone was laid on Oct. 28, 1890, and was presided over by A. N. Thomas, father of Mrs. Einer Peterson, then mayor of the city. He also preached for them occasionally when they were without a pastor and did much to keep the church together.

After a large evangelistic meeting held in a tabernacle just west of the Dr. Donald Steenburg residence during the pastorate of Rev. A. L. Hill, they had 400 converts resulting therefrom. The first church was found inadequate and a new site was purchased on the opposite side of the street, the new building being started in 1912. Not having funds enough to complete it, the basement was roofed over and in 1915, Rev. C. C. Dobbs was called to preach and it was during his pastorate that the new church was finished and was dedicated March 18, 1923. This is one of the fine churches of the city and has done a noble work in its time.

Our next church to tell its history is the Swedish Evangelical Mission, which was organized Dec. 15, 1904, at the home of Peter Hedbloom. The first church was dedicated Oct. 29, 1905. In 1908 they erected a fine parsonage on ninth street. Rev. Emanuel Berg was the first pastor.

In 1918 the church was completely remodeled, putting an entire basement under it and raising it five or six feet; and they now have plenty of room for their church needs. Two pastors officiate a the present time, Rev. O. Palmberg preaching in English and Rev. John Johnson in Swedish.

My tribute to the Swedish people after doing business with them for over 50 years is that they are a thrifty, honest, God-fearing and church-going people, always standing for the right and are an asset to any community.