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The substantial brick building at 64th and Maple street, in which the Benson Baptist congregation worships today, is far removed
from the tent in which the congregation began holding services over three-quarters of a century ago. Credit for the initial
move to establish this church must go to Miss Christine Johnson, who was inspired by the need she felt for a Baptist church
in the community. The church began as a Sunday School that formally organized on June 3,1906. There were three officers, six
teachers, and 36 pupils. The immediate success of the Sunday School apparently sparked further enthusiasm, for 12 days later
the First Baptist Church of Benson was organized by 16 people meeting in Miss Johnson's home. The first two services were
conducted in the Benson Odd ellows Hall. From there the congregation moved to a large tent pitched on a lot south of Maple
on 64th street. Stormy weather and the approach of the winter made it obvious that the congregation would need a more substantial
structure. At this point, a lot was donated, the second or third south of the alley behind the present church. The energetic
Johnson canvassed Benson for funds, and others solicited Omaha Baptist churches. By November 4, the frame structure was dedicated
free of debt, with 203 people in attendance. While the frame building was an improvement over the tent, it had neither a furnace
or running water. Water for the baptistry had to heated in neighboring homes and carried to the church in buckets.
The congregation grew rapidly, and on September 24, 1913, a meeting was called to consider expansion. It was decided to
sell their present lot and buy two lots on the southeast corner of what is now 64th and Maple streets. Five days later ground
was broken. The pastor and six men of the congregation dug the basement for the building. Four days after the ground breaking,
the wooden structure was moved onto it's new foundation. In October, a furnace was installed and water was brought in. Coal
was bought in small quantities, and board members sometimes had to pass the hat to pay for a ton. In 1919, the name of the
church was changed to Benson Baptist Church. The name change was made to avoid confusion with First Baptist Church of Omaha.
In 1922, the present sanctuary was built adjoining the frame building. The old church was converted to Sunday school use.
Miss Johnson turned the first shovel of dirt at the groundbreaking. The sanctuary was completed in 1923 at a cost of $30,000.
Debt incurred for the building was paid off in 1945. In 1959-1960 the building was demolished and the present chapel (Choir
room), education rooms, offices, and extended basement was added. The history of the church, however, is best told in terms
of the people whose lives have been touched by Jesus Christ. The property, buildings and programs are of purpose and have
use only as God's love and grace are revealed through them. In reality you and I are the church. Thanks be to God. We hope
you enjoyed a bit of our history here at Benson Baptist. We invite you to become a part of the church today and a piece of
its history tomorrow.
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