BELLEVUE, Neb. (WOWT) - If these walls could talk, they’d have a lot to share.

“This church was founded as the first church west of the Missouri River,” says Rev. Martha Slocombe.

It was even founded before Nebraska became a state.

To celebrate 175 years, church members like Cathy Talmadge, who is also a volunteer with the Sarpy County Museum, spent time building this display: showcasing photos, items, and even dressing in clothing that’s true to the 1800s.

“In the pictures, you can see people in their dress and how it changes over the years,” says Talmadge.

In 1850, Reverend Edward McKinney founded the First Presbyterian Church with five members. Construction didn’t begin until 1856.

“Eventually the Bellevue College also started as a Presbyterian College for young men who wanted to

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