A historic local landmark is entering a vibrant new chapter. Richard (Rick) Martin, a fifth-generation resident of Falls City, has announced the vision for the Presbyterian Performing Arts and Conference Center, a project born of 159 years of local mission and re-imagined to serve the region’s future.
Formed on August 28, 2025, Partners In Community, LLC was created to facilitate the transition of the historic First Presbyterian Church facility into a permanent home for a vital umbrella of community missions. Operating regionally under the name The Center, the independent entity will directly serve the residents of Richardson County, Nebraska, and Brown County, Kansas.
The facility will act as a “forever home” for four distinct pillars of community support and culture:
The Presbyterian Performing Arts & Conference Center, Mission Angel Food, Seniors at the Center, Respite Commons.
“We retain the ‘Presbyterian’ name to honor nearly two centuries of service, but we move forward as an independent entity dedicated solely to our neighbors,” said Rick Martin, President and Project Manager. “I am honored to introduce this vision not just as a representative of a new organization, but as a neighbor who shares our collective pride in the heritage of Richardson County.”
Grand Opening Event: “Community Amplification.”
To celebrate this milestone, The Center will host its maiden event kickoff on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at 2:00 PM, officially opening the 2026 Season under the theme of “Community Amplification.”
The premier performance will feature:
Brian Hoppe on the historic pipe organ; Michele Gaskill on the Boston-Steinway Piano and The Clefsmen, celebrating their landmark 60th anniversary this year, directed by June Bower and accompanied by Glenda von Behren.
The event is free and open to the public. Preserving History, Building the Future Since assuming stewardship, leadership has worked tirelessly to revitalize the historic venue. Upgrades include reconfiguring rooms for modern conference use, meticulously maintaining the historic pipe organ and Boston-Steinway piano, and installing state-of-the-art streaming capabilities to broadcast future cultural events globally.
The work is guided by a local Board of Directors and supported by an Advisory Board with local, national, and international networks.
To ensure professional stewardship during this transitional phase, The Center has partnered with the Richardson Foundation while its independent non-profit status is being finalized. All current donations are being directed through the Richardson Foundation (designated for The Center) to ensure donors receive proper tax-deductible credit.
“We thank each and every one of you for standing with us in prayer, emotional support, and financial considerations to make our dream a reality,” Martin added. “Please come to your Center a place to gather, grow, and celebrate.”
