Lisco Presbyterian Church, Lisco, NE

In the small community of Lisco, Nebraska (population: 64) stands the equally small, though nevertheless delightful Lisco Presbyterian Church.  I've been unable to locate any history on this building or its congregation, however a large boulder in the church's front yard proclaims "Established 1909."

The church building is very well maintained, both inside and out.  Obviously this church is a point of pride for both congregants and the wider community.  The interior has a pleasant simplicity about it, which seems entirely appropriate to Presbyterian spirituality.  The nave windows, light fixture glass, and wallpaper are all of a yellowish-tan color, which creates a certain warmness and also certain photographic challenges.  

The chancel area contains simple liturgical furnishings, likely dating from the 1950s.  According to statistical data available from the Presbyterian Church, this congregation currently has 32 members (literally half the town!) and averages 25 worshippers each week.

The main artistic focal point of the chancel is a large Celtic cross, a nod to the Scottish origins of Presbyterianism.  The cross framed by two contemporary Dalle de Verre (thick, faceted slabs of colored glass set into epoxy) stained glass windows.

Zion Presbyterian Church, Rural Clarkson, NE

Zion Presbyterian Church is a familiar sight to travelers on Highway 15 north of Schuyler. The church building, designed by Czech architect M.D. Flechor was constructed in 1887. This is the first Czech Presbyterian church in the state of Nebraska.

The adjacent cemetery predates the church building and was dedicated in 1875.

Regular church services were held until December 1975 and the property was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. The absence of a regular congregation has taken a serious toll on the building over the past 35 years. Many of the stained glass windows were stolen several years ago.

Most of the windows that remain in place are in an unfortunate state of disrepair.


Given the historical and cultural importance of this church, I hope that it can be preserved. Unfortunately, it seems that the building has been in a steady state of decline for some time now. I'm unsure of who even owns the building or looks after it. Any reader insights?

First Presbyterian Church, York, NE

A group of Presbyterians formed a congregation in York in 1871 and built its first permanent church building the following year and later enlarged in 1880.

In 1887 a more substantial brick structure was erected. In 1949 a fund was established with the intentions of building a new church.

The present structure was dedicated on December 3, 1967. The church is an utterly fantastic Mid-Century Modern structure; full of sweeping, horizontal curves and angles. Though the building was locked, I'm determined to see the interior of this striking church!

A detailed history of this congregation may be found here.
An evocative and powerful image of Christ adorns the church's exterior. The church's website explains:

"This is the strong, ever-powerful, and living Christ whose sacrifice and resurrection liberated mankind," said artist Gary Coulter whose sculpture adorns the front of our church.

The figure was placed on the building on June 13, 1969. It stands 9 feet tall, weighs 570 pounds, and is cast in bronze.

Mr. Counter, who was professor of art at Hastings College, interpreted his work by saying, "Although the sculpture is in the basic position of the crucifixion (the sacrifice that man should never forget), the main concept is that of the resurrection --the breaking away from the Cross—the living Christ." He portrayed this idea by eliminating the Cross, by throwing the head backward, and by arching the figure outward and away from the building. The fists are clenched in powerful strength, and the left leg is swinging free accentuating the breaking away from the cross. The whole movement of the sculpture is away and upward signifying the resurrection. He also stated that the most important single responsibility that the Church has is the liberation of people. He portrayed in this one piece of sculpture all of these ideas--the crucifixion, the resurrection, and the liberation of mankind.