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The Midwest Conference was born October 2, 1896, in Oakland, Nebraska, during one of Fredrick Franson’s Bible Conferences. It was first given the rather auspicious name of “The Association of Minister, Elders and Evangelists of the Free Churches of Nebraska and South Dakota.” A constitution was adopted and officers were elected. |
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The first annual meeting was held the following spring, February 24-26, at the Phelps Center Church in Holdrege, Nebraska. The infant organization was given another name, “The Scandinavian Free Mission Society of Nebraska and South Dakota.” An annual and a semi-annual conference were held every year. |
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At the annual meeting held at Holcomb in 1900, plans were made for greater extension work. A tent was purchased and strenuous evangelistic efforts were put forth. God blessed and the following year another tent was donated to the conference. In 1904, the society had grown considerably, so it was thought best to incorporate. This was done June 1, 1905, at Aurora, Nebraska, under the name of “The Scandinavian Free Mission Society of Nebraska.” In 1906 the Swedish Evangelical Free Church Mission Society of South Dakota formed its own society. |
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During the time of drought and depression within the district, there was an Extension Committee promoting evangelistic efforts in needy locations. Field workers held tent meetings in various places such as the Frank Naylor Community and the New Hope Community. |
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In 1937 Colorado became a part of the Midwest Conference. This arrangement continued for five years after which time the churches of Colorado requested a withdrawal from the Midwest District to form the Rocky Mountain District. |
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In 1943 the first church in Wichita was started under the joint efforts of the Midwest District and the National Home Mission Office. From 1955 until 1965, work began in Omaha. Focus was also placed on Kansas with new work beginning in Hutchinson. Wichita also became a strong work. The District has continued to grow in a number of new churches. Along with growth in the number of churches, there has been encouraging growth in churches of larger cities. |
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Even in the early days of the Free Church, the Midwest District became one of the most aggressive home missions efforts. At one time it had its own publication, “The Little Herald”. |
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The Midwest District has always been known as a strong district with great support from both pastors and the laity. God has blessed down through the years with many good things having been accomplished for God’s Kingdom. |
