The Asbury Neighborhood received its name from the Asbury Methodist Church; named for a Methodist leader from the east. The church was built on land, in Indian Creek, donated by Joshua Durbin. Many pioneers helped with the church's construction. They built a bell tower on the little church; however, were never able to afford a bell. All that remains is the very large evergreen tree, still left on top of the hill. The church building is long gone.

The church also served as the Farmers Union building for several generations. It was central to the lives of the pioneers that homesteaded in the area, as well as, several generations thereafter. The Asbury Church of rural Emerson was located 2 miles SW of Emerson, now the 4000 block of Marh Ave & 390th street (aka Old Hwy 59). The church was sold in auction in 1928 to Frank Lang for $400. The proceeds went to the Emerson Methodist Church.

Source: Christine Eagan, great-great-granddaughter of
John William Lang and Catherine Kesterson, co-founders of the church.