Viewing the Silverdale limestone American Gothic structure of Southminster United Methodist Church at 16th and Otoe Streets, one might ask, “What are its roots?” It’s a fair question and one deserving a response, including how it became a United Methodist congregation.

In the mid-19th Century, the Church of the United Brethren in Christ was moving westward from its Pennsylvania roots. Its followers first met in homes. Here in Lincoln, a congregation was formally organized in 1888, a year notable for one of the nation’s most devastating blizzards.

The congregation, along with those of other denominations, held meetings in what was then known as Wood Street Chapel on what is now Garfield Street. It was also known as Warne’s Chapel, named after its builder, Edward Warne, a farmer and lay preacher from Norfolk County, England. It is still used as a residence at 918 Garfield.

Our congregation’s first building is believed to have been located at 11th and B Streets. In 1890, a frame structure 28 x 40 feet was built at 28th and E Streets. It provided a one-room chapel with a pulpit alcove and was used for about 10 years. Another group, destined to become Westminster Presbyterian, rented school space from the United Brethren for 75 cents a week, protesting they could not afford to pay the $1 asked by our trustees.

Ultimately the congregation acquired corner lots at 18th and M Streets and built Caldwell Memorial United Brethren Church. It was dedicated Dec. 2, 1900. In 1921-1922 a second U.B. congregation was formed as Calvary U.B. at 2829 So.13th Street. In 1945 the two congregations united to form Southminster. Simultaneously the United Brethren merged with the Evangelicals to become a new denomination. At the time of its dedication on October 16, 1949 it had become Southminster Evangelical United Brethren. And that is the inscription on the cornerstone on the northeast corner of the structure.

In 1968 Southminster hosted the last annual E.U.B. conference before union with the Methodists. The uniting conference of those denominations was held in Dallas, Texas on April 23, 1968.

Southminster has historically been the meeting center for community groups while carrying out its longtime commitments to Christian education, worship, fellowship and service. It has helped refugee families resettle in Lincoln, has supported the Food Pantry and additionally is a Food Net distribution center.

Highlights of worship and fellowship throughout the year include Worship in the Park, Southminster Carol Sing, Birthday Dinners, Ice Cream Socials and special services for religious holidays. Many of its members serve on boards and are active participants in numerous community-wide organizations.