Monroe Evangelical Free Church
Phillips, Nebraska
During the late 1870's and early 1880's, Hamilton County was prairie and open country. A large number of settlers came westward from Chicago and Princeton, Illinois, directly from Sweden and from Eastern Nebraska to settle 10 miles northwest of Aurora.
Many were believers and were thankful for the preaching brethren that visited for "Holy Days" in homes or schoolhouses. During the summer of 1884, Sunday School was held at the Andrew Nelson home for all children.
January 2, 1885, it was decided to organize in Monroe Center Schoolhouse. A 2 acre tract was donated for a church building. A building committee was formed and the church was completed in June of the same year at the cost of $1300.00 and a lot of sacrificial labor.
In 1893, a parsonage was built. Hot winds dried up the crops and with very little rain, all were in distress but the Lord led them through.
Revivals were evident in 1886, 1889 and 1902, and the need for a larger church became evident. The new church was dedicated in 1907, with Guds Forsamaling Chicago Settlement on the cornerstone.
In 1936, the business meetings were conducted in the English language and the constitution was translated to English.
In 1944, "The Church of God" was changed to "Monroe Evangelical Free Church" as it was in Monroe Precinct. Additions and remodeling were made in the basement and sanctuary several times.
September 1985, we observed the Centennial Celebration with many coming back home. We moved into a new building with an all purpose room, kitchen, offices and Sunday School rooms. Awana was started with excitement and has continued.
April 1995, we dedicated a new Worship Center and in September observed our 110th anniversary of "Proclaiming the Word of God 110 years.
We are a rural church, with a desire to reach out to the lost, share the Lord Jesus Christ and be disciples.
"We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ" - Colossians 1:28
