Churches

Raymond United Methodist is one of four churches that make up the Conestoga Parish, along with Malcolm United Methodist, Denton United Methodist, and Pleasant Dale United Methodist.

Services & Meetings

• Sunday services are held at 11 a.m.
• Sunday school begins at 9:45 a.m. 
• The United Methodist Women meet the first Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the church basement.

Contact Us

14750 North 3rd Street
Raymond, NE 68428
Phone: 402-783-2016

History

Among the first settlers in this vicinity were C.C. White, his mother and three sisters, who settled one half mile southwest of the present town of Raymond. In 1864, Mr. White married Olive Johnson. Their home was the location of the first circuit minister held services. Records indicate that the Raymond Methodist Church was organized March 13, 1882.

Board of Trustees

The Trustees borrowed $250 from the Board of Church Extension of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The first Board of Trustees included:

• Edmund Duling
• John Harrison
• Joseph Loses
• Jacob Plank
• G.F. Reagan
• Herman Reeves
• Malcolm Showers

On June 24, 1882, the Board of Trustees bought from Charles F. Bowman and wife, for the sum of $50, Lots 1,2,3, in Block 11 of Bowman's First addition to the town of Raymond. At the same time another loan was made from the Church Extension Board and a church building was erected. There is no record of the cost of the original church building. The present church is still located on these lots.

Remodeling

In 1908, the church was extensively remodeled with the addition of a choir loft, Sunday school rooms, and a full basement. The windows in the church were donated by some of the members of the church. These stained glass windows still remain with plaques stating the donors.

Articles of Incorporation

At a meeting February 16, 1911, Articles of Incorporation of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Raymond were drawn under chairmanship of J.D.M. Buccaneer. The Board of Trustees at this time were:

• J.W. Bennett
• J.C. Dueser
• H.H. Forke
• J.M. Nord
• T.W. Van Twyle
• H.S. Weaver
• W.J. Weller
• D.L. White
• S. Youker

New Parsonage

In 1917 to 1918, a new modern parsonage was built at a cost of $7,500. The last minister to live in the parsonage was Reverend Richard Kellogg. The parsonage was sold in 1975 to Richard Krone.

United Methodist Women

The women of the church have always been very active. The first records of the "Ladies Aid" meeting was in 1919, with Mrs. Edward Paswaters as President. In 1940, the Woman's Society of Christian Service, which replaced the Ladies Aid, was organized. In April, 1974, the Society was renamed the United Methodist Women. Their meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month.

Charitable Activities

On November 4, 1931, a church bazaar supper was held, the cost per meal was only 25 cents which is now unbelievable to comprehend. The first school lunch was February 1, 1946. Prices for this lunch were 15 and 20 cents. Lunches were served occasionally until 1954, when lunches then moved to the first Wednesday of each month.

December 3, 1947, the W.S.C.S. members took ten food boxes to the needy. Christmas boxes were filled and delivered to the elderly and persons living alone since 1954. Presently the women of the church still carry on this tradition. The first Father and Son Banquet was served in the Raymond Women's Club building on February 15, 1950.

Remodeling of Kitchen

In 1964, the church kitchen was remodeled and modernized. In 1962, the church celebrated its 80th Birthday with many former members in attendance.

Foreign Missionaries

Two members of the Raymond Methodist Church served as foreign missionaries. Miss Jessie Bragg served in India and Mr. Floyd Shacklock in Japan.

Current Pastor

At the present time Dayne Zachrison is pastor of this congregation.