Since the beginning, the Beaver City First Presbyterian Church has been a significant part of the community. Being the first church organized in the county, it has influenced the other churches in the area. It all began in the days of the wild, wild west in the year 1874. The first "church" building was a tent erected in September of that year. Services were conducted in a County Clerk Office until an actual church building was erected in 1879, at a cost of $800. The Church was again remodeled in 1887 for $600. The church was struck twice by lightning, first in 1896 destroying only the spire, and again in 1905 setting the belfry on fire. However, on Friday evening October 1, 1909, an explosion of the generator of the gasoline light plant caused the church to bum to the ground. The new church building was dedicated and consecrated on Sunday, January 15,19ll. The church has remained the same since then with several changes, such as new carpet, pew cushions, elevator, new exterior, and interior decorating.

Over all, thirty pastors have served the Presbyterian Church. The most recent, Rev. Darin Bentzinger, makes thirty one. Two former pastors, Reverend Tinkham and Reverend Nelson, came from Ireland. The others came from all over the country.

This church has a rich history of active youth ministry and activity. Each summer, youths are able to attend summer camp at Westminster Woods, South of Lexington, NE. In the past two years, we have had youth take part in the Westminster Woods Mission trip (last year they went to Southern Colorado) and in the Sports Camp (directed by Rev. Bentzinger).

During the school months, the youth from the Presbyterian and United Methodist Churches combine to form the United Youth Fellowship. Together they meet twice a month for study and fun. Each year they try to do at least one fund raiser, a community service activity, and either a mission or ski trip. This group numbers approximately 20-25 youth. They also handle the Easter Sunrise Service each year.

This year (1998) we will be sending three youth to the Presbyterian Youth Triennium, an event sponsored by the Presbyterian Church (USA) where 6,000+ Presbyterian youth meet at Purdue University for a week of learning and fun.

The date of the first organized Sunday School is uncertain because the Sunday School records were destroyed in the fire. While the new church building was being built, classes were held in the court house. The children perform special programs on both Christmas and Easter. They also have promotion Sunday in which the children being promoted to the next highest class are given certificates. Currently, we have approximately 20 children in attending Sunday School.

The first women organization was the Ladies Aid organization in 1889. Their projects were all designed to aid others. The Ladies Missionary Society was organized in 1899. This group gave substantial sums each year to Board of Foreign Missions and the National Missions. In 1942 the two groups were united to form the group we have at present, Presbyterian Women. The ladies hold monthly meetings of Bible study, mission activity and other concerns of the church.

Hope Circle is another women's group of the church. This organization gets together for fellowship and contemplation of God's word. Rev. Bentzinger holds a bible study with them every fourth Friday of the month.

 Mariner's (B.C. Seabees)

On April 13, 1964, nine couples of the church received charters from the National Presbyterian Mariners to begin their own active, growing organization at the local level. The nine original couples were soon joined by other couples interested in Christian Family Fellowship and service. In February of 1970 the Mariners adopted a new name, the B. C. Seabees.

The Seabees have "shore leave" during the summer months after their annual family picnic in June. Each spring they hold a spring "cruise" for the members only. Each winter the Seabee members and their families gather in the basement of the church to put together and distribute "goodie" boxes and sing Christmas carols to the elderly members of the community. Following the carols they all regroup in the church basement for a soup and sandwich supper. The members of the B.C. Seabees help with the upkeep of the church and guide families of the church in fellowship with Christ.

The Presbyterian Church of Beaver City believes in having a lively and diverse worship experience. In the past, the church has hosted community services for Thanksgiving and the World Day of Prayer, as well as joint Christmas and Easter Cantatas. Special services abound in the form of Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday Services. These combined with the traditional Easter, Pentecost, and Christmas services make for a meaningful year of worship. 

We believe that communion is a celebration of the saving Grace of God, through our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. It is a time when we gather together as a community of faith. All are welcome to the Lord's table and open themselves to the love and care of the Holy Spirit. We celebrate the Lord's Supper every first Sunday of the month, as well as on special occasions.

The church has always had a good music program. Early church minutes tell of the assigning of the first organist and a church choir. Currently, we have a choir averaging 12-15 members on a Sunday. The present director is Mrs. Rogene Wenburg. The choir provides special music and concerts throughout the year.