Gathering Place

On November 25, 1888, a meeting was called to organize a Congregational Church in Arcadia. The trustees were authorized to buy the site where the church now stands on November 1889.

The church was dedicated in July of 1890. The lots cost $225.00 and the building cost $2885.00. The church was debt free on January 12, 1898.

On July 9, 1904, the church was hit by a cyclone. It was repaired without the steeple. Other improvement consisted of replacing the kitchen chairs with the opera chairs and installing a pipeless furnace.

In the spring of 1920, the old parsonage was sold and a new one was built east of the church. The next spring a basement was dug out under the church. Both were completed debt free.

From 1919 to 1929 Rev. William Alcorn added 258 members and held 20 weddings. The church continued to flourish for the next 50 years. Then membership began to decline.

This sacred landmark served the Arcadia community well for 110 years. In August of 1998, the five remaining members voted to close the doors and donated it to the community. It remains the oldest building on main street, withstanding several tornados, fires and a flood.

Today it is known as “The Gathering Place”. It is still used for weddings, funerals, and many other community gatherings.

Gathering Place Family History Records

We believe it would be of historical value to have a file of family history on record at the Gathering Place. If you or any family member ever lived in Arcadia, please print out the form and fill in the blanks. You can do one for your family tree, your parents, grandparents and as far back as you know. Make a separate sheet for each generation. Your family members will also appreciate a copy of it.

We have not done anything of historical significance since our book “Laughter and Tears.” There have been a lot of changes since 1978. Please help us update our community.

You may email it to sis@nctc.net and mention Gathering Place in the subject line or mail it to Demaris Schmidt, P.O. Box 51, Arcadia, NE 68815. We appreciate your cooperation.

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