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First Congregational Church of McCook, Nebraska is the
westernmost church in the Iowa/Nebraska Association. Few places
appreciate water more.
On the plains of Southwest Nebraska, an early settlement called
Fairview grew up as a center for local cattle ranchers and
farmers. In 1882, the railroad came, and a larger town was
platted, renamed after Maj. General McCook of Civil War fame, and
in 1892 it became the Red Willow County seat.
The unpredictability of water has always been a central issue for
local livestock, crops and people. In the 1890's, a serious
drought was followed by a plague of grasshoppers. Eventually,
irrigation systems tapped the underground reservoirs and the local
streams. Water, and the systems to deliver it, have always been
central to life in this area and a matter of constant study and
focus.
Early settlers of Fairview/McCook also saw the Living Water as a
vital need. Many churches were established in McCook. The first to
organize, in 1882, was the First Congregational Church. It has been bringing the Living Water to the
local thirsty ever since - Living Water for townspeople, the farmers,
ranchers and those passing by. In 1943, McCook Airbase
was built nearby to train B-17 bomber crews. Closed
now, it served then to prepare young men to risk their
precious lives. First Congregational served many of these young people
and families living on the base.
While liquid water is an
uncertainty, First Congregational pours out the Living Water in abundance. For
14 years they operated a Christian preschool; this closed when the
founding director left, but is now back by popular demand. It is expected
to more than fill with thirsty children when it reopens this fall. Also
resuming, after a three-year drought, is the church choir.
Under their new Pastor, Dr.
Richard Taylor, the new youth program from preschool age to
8th Grade is serving young people from the community. Learning to be filled by
first slaking the thirst of others, these youth recently entertained
residents at a local nursing home. At the start of this year, the average age of
the church members was about 60 years. Now, as though a fountain of
youth had poured forth, young voices fill the rooms.
First Congregational Church of McCook, Nebraska, understands
the Living Water.
OUR LIGHT IS SHINING
The Rev. Ashley Cook, Minister of the newly-formed Church in
Demorest, Georgia, is the only NACCC person who is a member of the
National Association of College and University Chaplains, and was
elected president earlier this month. Congratulations Ashley!
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