Looking Back: Dorchester's Old Church Was Left To Rot In Field

"And on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it."

That verse from the book of Matthew reminded us of a Times story from years gone by and the photo at the right of the old Dorchester Methodist Church (circa 2005).

As many of our readers know, Dorchester's original United Methodist Church building was moved in the from Pleasant Hill to the east side of Dorchester, on Lincoln Street, where it stood for more than 110 years. 

As the 20th century came to a close and a new building to house Dorchester's Methodist Church congregation was erected, the old church was taken to a location north of Wilber -- its final resting place. The building had been purchased by a collector whose dream of a museum never reached fruition.

The last we knew, the building had been reduced to a pile of rotting wood. 

Dorchester's current Methodist Church is one of our community's strengths. The church's forward-looking leaders favored reconstruction in the 1990s, which was a practical move, much like the construction of the current school building in 2008.

However, it saddened us to witness the long good-bye of Dorchester's old church. It was not the dignified end we would have envisioned for a building that served the town and its faithful so well for a century.

“...I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead…” 

                                                                                              - Philippians 3:13.

Delbert Reiss Passes At 89

Delbert LeRoy Reiss of rural Dorchester passed away July 19 at The Monarch hospice center in Lincoln after a long battle with kidney and heart disease.

Del was born February 17, 1935 in a farmhouse in Lancaster County to parents, Edwin and Irma (Schlichtemeier) Reiss. He had one brother, Richard, who died at the age of 70 due to complications of diabetes.

Del was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Kramer NE. He attended parochial school there as well. He also attended a rural school, District 130, north and east of Crete NE. When he was a senior in high school he joined the Nebraska Air National Guard Unit in Lincoln, working his way up to the rank of Tech Sargent with the airplane mechanic division. He attended the Guards on weekends and spent summer months in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He continued this career for 9 years. 

He graduated from Crete High School in 1953. Del was granted a football scholarship to Doane College in Crete where he attended college. He was married to Irene Kay Yost on September 16, 1956 at St John’s Lutheran church in Kramer. Together they purchased a farmhouse west of Crete and took up farming. They had four children, Mike, Robin, Randy, and Dave. He was injured in a combine accident which almost severed his arm. This forced him to take a less physical job as head of maintenance at the Crete Municipal Hospital where he worked for several years. He also worked part time as a butcher at Blue River Meats in Crete. However, his heart was always in farming. 

Del was on the Dorchester Co-op board for many years. He was a member of a barber shop quartet that recorded a cassette of gospel songs. He also sang in the church choir. He had a beautiful voice and loved to sing at weddings and funerals. He was a very active member of the church in Kramer his entire life.  

Del was preceded in death by his wife Irene, son Michael Reiss, brother Richard Reiss and parents Edwin and Irma Reiss. Del is survived by his children, Robin and Kent Grotelueschen of Octavia, Randy and Annette Reiss of Denton, David and Julie Reiss of Waverly, daughter-in-law Sandi Reiss of Crete, grandchildren Macy Scheffler, Jesse Runge, Kaitlin Peterson, Tom Reiss, Colton and Justin Reiss, Tanya Bush, great-grandchildren Olivia Runge, Katie and Kimmi Bush and great-great-grandchild Oliver Bush. 

Services will be held on Friday, July 26 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Kramer. Visitation will be Thursday from 5 - 7 p.m. at Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete. Memorials are designated to St. John Lutheran Church. Arrangements entrusted to Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete.

What Could Have Been: Major Business Ideas That Failed In Dorchester

From time to time, this blog has examined Dorchester's business history.  For example, we took a look at Dorchester's business scene in the post-World War II years.

Dorchester history is replete with hundreds of mom-and-pop businesses and other small operations. Some thrived for decades. Some still exist today. Others didn't survive more than a few months. 

Many of our readers could name some of those former businesses right now.

But did you know at the turn of last century, Dorchester was on the brink of being home to some major businesses -- at least in concept? Had those businesses been successful, they would have turned into major area employers.

In the publication "Obsolete American Securities and Corporations, Volume 2," the Times has located the following proposed business from Dorchester that didn't quite get off the ground in the first decade of the 1900s:

• Dorchester Butter and Cheese Co.
• Dorchester Grain and Live Stock Co.
• Dorchester Telephone Co.
• Buntin Mining and Coal Co.

While the history books make us wonder what might have been, we also take time to give thanks for the success stories Dorchester has produced and all of its current businesses. After all, being home to one of the nation's largest cooperatives isn't too shabby for our humble hometown.

Strong Numbers At Dorchester's 2024 Football Camp

The future of Dorchester football looks very strong. 

This week, more than 20 Dorchester boys participated in the school's youth football camp, where the school's football talent pipeline was further developed. 

Volunteers, including Brent Zoubek and Spencer Kotas, made the camp a success.

Observers contacted by the Times say that the talent level in Dorchester boys athletics is rising quickly. A few of those residents note that if Dorchester were to attract more housing options, the talent would be even more impressive in the near term.

With numbers like these, could 8-man football return soon to Nerud Field? 

We say yes.

FLASHBACK: Bowling Alley Rumors

During spring 2014, rumors were circulating throughout our village that Dorchester might soon be getting a bowling alley.  

While a bowling alley in downtown Dorchester never came to fruition, the community feedback received by the Times a decade ago indicated strong interest in such a venue. Just read the archived reader comments at the bottom of this article.

According to the rumor mill at that time, a Dorchester bowling alley might be built in the two buildings north of City Slickers Bar and Grill, or perhaps the former Sehnert Ford Garage, if either of those buildings to be made available.

The Times wrote this in late March 2014: "Of course, a future bowling alley is currently in the speculation stage but it appears there is strong demand for such a social and entertainment venue. As readers know, Friend and Crete both lost their bowling facilities in recent years. As a result, individuals who want to bowl on league teams must wait years before they can bowl in nearby towns like Wilber or Seward."

One town resident who e-mailed the Times wrote: "If Dorchester residents were willing to contribute their own money towards a bowling alley, this community would have real ownership. It would finally give local residents a place to come together and share good times, just like social clubs used to provide years ago in the '40s, '50s and '60s."

Happy thoughts. Maybe one day.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Confirmed Tornado Near Dorchester

Confirmed Twister Near Dorchester: The National Weather Service has confirmed that a tornado touched down near Dorchester on Monday evening, July 1. Preliminary damage surveys identified an EF-0 tornado in the Dorchester area. The Dorchester tornado occurred between 10:46 and 10:47 p.m., featuring estimated peak winds of 74 mph. This tornado’s path stretched 0.26 miles with a maximum width of 80 yards. No injuries or fatalities were reported.

Wenz Resigns From Village Board; Replacement Needed: Sarah Wenz, member of the Board of the Village of Dorchester, has resigned from the term elected effective June 10. A qualified registered voter -- meaning a resident of Dorchester -- must now be nominated, as provided by law, by the Board Chairman, for approval by the Village Board, to fill the vacancy created. The remainder of the four year term will end December 14, 2026. The next village board meeting is Monday, July 8 at Farmers Cooperative, entrance door No. 2, at 6:30 pm.

Community Foundation Awarded $5K Grant for Shot Clocks: The Dorchester Community Foundation Fund has been awarded a Youth Engagement Grant, facilitated through the Nebraska Community Foundation. The matching grant for $5,000 will go to the Dorchester Schools athletic department to purchase a shot clock for the school's gym.

Dorchester Alum John Stern Passes: John Arthur Stern was born on July 6, 1971 to Ray and Dorothy (May) Stern in Crete. He attended Dorchester High School graduating in 1989. John worked for Tenneco Automotive Company for 18 years. In his free time, he loved fishing and watching the Dallas Cowboys and Nebraska Corn Huskers play football. John passed away on May 23 in Lincoln at the age of 52. He is survived by his son Alex Stern, brother Rayfred “Butch” Stern, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. John was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Dorothy Stern. 

Dorchester's Fourth Of July Schedule

We are sharing Dorchester's Independence Day events schedule with all our readers in hopes that many from across southeast Nebraska will be able to experience one of the best small-town Fourth of July celebrations in the state. (Feel free to print this schedule for your use.)

Dorchester's July 4th, all-day celebration is an annual tradition that draws folks from near and far, including residents from neighboring communities, friends, family, and DHS alumni from across the country. You will find plenty of things to do in Dorchester on Independence Day, without the hurried crowds of larger communities.

Of course, the highlight comes after dark with the famous fireworks show, which has been delighting crowds for three decades.  

✭✭✭ Dorchester's Fourth of July Celebration ✭✭✭

2024 Schedule of Events for Thursday, July 4

8 a.m. .......... NEW FOR 2024: Flea Market at Tyser storage units. Call or text Tom Scheffert (402-641-1148) for details.

10 a.m. ......... Saline County Museum open until 5 p.m. (free of charge)

10 a.m. ......... Dorchester splash pad open (free of charge - all day) 

11 a.m. ......... Sons of American Legion Chicken, Pork Feed @ Legion (until 3:00)

11 a.m. ......... Auxiliary/Jr. Auxiliary Pie, Ice Cream Social/Raffle @ Legion (until 3:00)

1 p.m. ........... Show and Shine on Main Street (antique tractors, classic autos)

2 p.m. ........... Bingo by Legion Auxiliary @ Community Building

3 p.m. ........... Kids' games at Dorchester City Park until 5 p.m.

4 p.m. ........... Kids' Tractor Pull. South of City Park on 7th St. (Registration begins at 3:30 p.m. Participants must register.)

6:30 p.m. ..... Parade (Line-up begins at 6:00 at Co-op parking lot near elevator on Depot St. Bring a description of your entry. Email pegbergmeyer@yahoo.com for more details.)

 
7 p.m. ......... Live music by The Algorhythms @ Nerud Field.

10 p.m. ....... The Big Show: Fireworks at Nerud Field. (Alternate date is July 5.)

✴✴✴✴✴

See this website for more details.

Dorchester's 4th of July celebration depends on private financial support. Dorchester area residents and friends of Dorchester are encouraged to send their donations to: 

First State Bank Nebraska
July 4th Celebration
P.O. Box 264
Dorchester, NE 68343