Early Omaha: Gateway to the West
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FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

Congregationalists have the honor of being the first Protestant denomination to erect a church in Omaha. Reverend Reuben Gaylord first held services in the assembly room of the Territorial Legislature in 1855. The church was organized on May 4, 1856, with nine members. The original building was erected at 16th & Farnam streets and dedicated in December 1857. The new First Congregational Church on the northeast corner of 19th & Davenport was constructed in 1888.

First Congregational was considered one of the most inspirational churches because of its pleasant exterior. It cost $60,000 to build. This building served the congregation until it was sold in 1920 to the Labor Temple of Omaha. It was razed in 1954 to make room for the City Auditorium.