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Beaver City, Nebraska

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.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Furnas County Courthouse

When Furnas County organized in late 1873, Beaver City was one of the voting places designated by Governor Robert Furnas, for whom the county was named. Competing with Arapahoe for location of the county seat, Beaver City was chosen for the honor by the people. This is where it has remained.

Beaver City, NE Historic Courthouses



Brick Streets - Downtown Business District - Park

Beaver City was founded in 1872. The central downtown business district situated around a square block of city park began developing at the end of the 1800s. The first city streets were only dirt roads. Then in 1927

Beaver City, NE Historic Downtowns

G.W. Shafer & Son, General Merchandise

In 1910, on the square in Beaver City, George Washington Shafer opened what his family lovingly calls, "the first Wal-Mart," G.W. Shafer's. "Grandpa Shafer was the first Wal-Mart," said Jean Shafer of Beaver City. "He sold everything ... absolutely everything."

Beaver City, NE Historic Buildings

Things to do near Beaver City, NE

The Christmas City

It all started in 1915 with a combination of bad weather and a community spirited City Light Commissioner. Local residents wa...

Coufal Ridge Site

National Historic Landmark - Sometime between A.D. 1250 and A.D. 1450, prehistoric Indians of the Itskari Phase establ...