Mormon church's local beginnings

Dear Editor,

Almost 78 years have passed since the devastating flood that took place in May 1935 in the McCook area and other parts of Southwest Nebraska.

The recently completed expanded chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 411 Elizabeth Lane exists because of that life-changing event.

In 1935, our country was in the middle of the Great Depression. Madison Bowman, a young engineer from Utah, was engaged to marry Shirley Larsen, my father's cousin.

My father, Ted Hancock, who lived in job-depleted Denver, suggested they investigate job possibilities in Nebraska.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt was concerned about the bad economy and hardships placed on the farmers, as well as the flood's damage. He sent in the U.S. Corps of Engineers to evaluate the situation.

Young Madison Bowman was hired with several other Mormon engineers from Utah.

From 1935 to 1955, numerous engineers worked on man-made reservoirs in our part of Nebraska.

Madison Bowman saved enough money to marry Shirley Larsen.

In 1956, Mormons in McCook met on the second floor of the old YMCA. In 1975, they held meetings in the City Council Chambers of the McCook City Auditorium.

The first section of the church on Elizabeth Lane was completed in 1976. A second addition was built onto it in 1998.

In February 2013, a new, greatly enlarged meeting house was completed. It faces east instead of west. The parking lot curves around, providing space for many vehicles. The landscaping is beautiful.

Sadly, Madison Bowman didn't live to see it.

Helen Ruth Arnold,

Trenton, Nebraska