Havelock United Methodist Church

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Pastor's Note

Celebrating The Past

September 26th will be a day of celebration. As a faith community we will be celebrating 120 years of ministry in the Havelock Community. Havelock began to be settled in the late 1880’s with small frame buildings springing up in the new community. Itinerant Methodist preachers called circuit riders began to preach in the community at different locations when they came through town. These rugged men traveled on horseback in all kinds of weather. There was a saying back in those days when the weather was bad that no one was outdoors except crazy people and Methodist preachers. Today you don’t have to be crazy to be a Methodist preacher, but it helps.

In 1890 the Burlington shops opened in Havelock bringing in more folks. A group of Christian people organized a prayer meeting in a public hall on the corner of 62nd and Ballard. From 1890 to 1893 the group was ministered to by a number of Methodist supply preachers until they grew to the point of needing to build a church. Funds were raised, land was donated and most of the work of building was donated by men from the Burlington shops. The church was completed in January of 1894.

The church continued to grow and by the early 1950’s, a new larger church building was needed. On December 21, 1952 the first service was held in the new sanctuary, now our fellowship hall.

The church continued to grow in the sixties and the sanctuary and educational unit we now enjoy was built. The first service in this new sanctuary was held on Christmas Eve, l967.

Honoring the past is not the same as idolizing it. As Reverend Clarence Smith the pastor of Havelock Methodist in 1950 said “Like most churches Havelock Methodist has had its barren and fruitful years.” The important thing is that the church has adapted and survived as the world and community changed.

Today we are in a time of transition. Our community has changed rapidly over the past 20 years. We can best honor the past by looking at our community as it is not as it once was and like our forbearers, have the vision and courage to adapt and change so that we can continue our ministry.

We will celebrate the past but we will also celebrate our vision and commitment to reaching the people of Havelock with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Blessings, Pastor Chuck

Check Out A Few Of Our Recovery And Outreach Ministries:

  • Counseling Services (For information call 402-476-2300 and mention the Havelock Church)
  • Foodnet & Northeast Family Services: (Providing food for those in need) Tuesdays at 4:30 pm
  • Esther’s Closet: (Providing clothing for those in need) Call for times 466-6736
  • 12 Step Recovery Groups: Call for times – 466-6736

VOLUNTEERS OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL AGES

QUESTIONS? Call Pastor Chuck 499-9848

To contact the Pastor

Rev. Charles "Chuck" Cornwell

Email: chuck.cornwell47[@]gmail.com
Phone: 499-9848