113 10 1856 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Baldwin City Public Library Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Prairie City Catholic Mission SE4 5-15-20 Subject The topic of the resource A Catholic mission was established in 1857 to serve the French and Irish Catholics of Prairie City. Father Ivo Schact of Lawrence built a small church on the crest of Liberty Hill in 1859. Later Father Swembergh, who was sent to Prairie City in 1869, built a stone parochial residence adjoining the church. For a short time, a small Catholic school was held in the residence. When a new frame church was constructed in Media (West Baldwin) in 1893 (SeeB84), this property was sold and the church abandoned. Description An account of the resource Two stone ruins, ashlar rubble masonry, rectangular forms with low stone walls and foundations--20 X 30 N and 18 X 34 S. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Dale Nimz,photographer Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Baldwin City Public Library Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Fall 1988 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Douglas County Historic Building Survey (1977) Liteer, "Along the Road to Nowhere" (1988) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource All rights reserved Language A language of the resource English Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Baldwin City Public Library Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Prairie City Cemetery Prairie City/Mt. Calvary cemetery 200 E 1600 Rd. Baldwin City, Ks 66006 Subject The topic of the resource Prairie City and Mt Calvary cemeteries are adjacent with a gateway between the two tracts. Prairie City was established in 1855 and the cemetery was designated as the settlement grew. Early records of Prairie City cemetery were destroyed by fire in the 1930's. The Mt. Calvary tract was purchased by Father Joseph Perrier who attended the Catholic Mission (P69). This cemetery was dedicated in 1868. Mt. Calvary also served the Ottawa Catholic community until 1884. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Dale Nimz, photographer Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Baldwin City Public Library Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Fall 1988 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Tombstone Census of Douglas County DCGS (1987) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource All rights reserved Language A language of the resource English Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Baldwin City Public Library Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Prairie City School #87 SE4 8-15-20 Subject The topic of the resource The Peach Grove and Prairie City districts were combined in 1903 to form District #87. The schoolhouse constructed that year burned February 7, 1919. During the summer a new building costing approximately $4000.00 was built by Joe Spurgeon. The Prairie City School was absorbed into the Baldwin district in 1960 and the building sold for a private residence. Description An account of the resource School, ell plan, one story, three front bays, wood frame and weatherboard construction, concrete foundation, gable roof with cornice return. Hipped stoop over entrance on timber brackets, paired 1/1 double-hung windows flanking recessed entrance, glazed wooden door, interior brick chimney NE. Modern sheathing in gable ends. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Dale Nimz, photographer Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Baldwin City Public Library Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Fall 1988 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Daniels, Rural Schoolhouses (1975) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource All rights reserved Language A language of the resource English Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Baldwin City Public Library Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Presbyterian Church Ives Chapel 1018 Miami Baldwin City, Ks 66006 Subject The topic of the resource The town of Media (W. Baldwin) was established in 1878 on the Southern Kansas Railroad. A Presbyterian Church began in 1881. In 1904, Charles P. Ives and his wife bought the church building. It became a Methodist Episcopal church, renamed in their honor. Description An account of the resource Church, rectangle with projecting square corner entrance tower, one-and-a-half story, one front and three side bays, wood frame construction with weatherboard, steep gable roof. Entrance tower crowned with round-arched bell cupola, steep polygonal roof. Pointed arched windows and entrance transom with stained glass parted modern wood entrance doors. Modern one-story rear ell addition NE. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Lance Rider, photographer Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Baldwin City Public Library Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Winter 1988 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Sanborn maps, 1893-1927 County assessment records, 1884-1910 Andreas, History of Kansas Ledger cent. ed. (1970) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource All rights reserved Language A language of the resource English Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Baldwin City Public Library Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Old Bishop Quayle farm SE4 NW427-14-20 Subject The topic of the resource This farm house is significant as the property of Bishop William A. Quayle (See also B352). Quayle graduated from Baker University in 1885 and became president in 1890. He left in 1894 to become pastor of a Kansas City church. Quayle was named a bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1908. Quayle was recorded as the owner of this property from c. 1902 until his death in 1925. Description An account of the resource Farm residence, rectangle with central entrance, two stories, wood frame construction, stone foundation (parged), sidegable roof. Gable entry on brackets, 1/1 wooden double-hung windows, nine-light glazed wooden entrance door. Substantially altered--modern siding, one story rear gable addition, exterior brick chimney E. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Dale Nimz,photographer Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Baldwin City Public Library Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Winter 1988 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Ebright History of Baker University (1951) Standard Atlas (1902, 1921) Language A language of the resource English Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Baldwin City Public Library Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource "Dreamhaven" 210 N. 6th Street Baldwin City, Ks 66006 Subject The topic of the resource This residence, known as "Dreamhaven" was built as the retirement home of Bishop William A. Quayle. Quayle owned a three-acre tract at this location in 1921. The house was built in 1924. Quayle died March 25, 1925. He graduated from Baker University in 1885 and taught there before becoming president in 1890. Quayle left in 1894 to become pastor of a Kansas City church; he was named a bishop of the Methodist Episcopal church in 1908. Description An account of the resource Detached residence, rectangle with side entrance, two stories and one-story rear gable T-wing, wood frame and shingle construction, coursed rough-cut stone foundation, basement, sidegable roof. Two story porch on stone piers S. wooden entrance steps, open railings, 1/1 double-hung wooden windows, tripartite ribbon windows, paired basement windows, external brick and chimney NW. Modern garage NE. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Dale Nimz, photographer Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Baldwin City Public Library Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Spring 1989 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Standard Atlas of Douglas County (1921) Ebright, History of Baker University (1951) Liteer, "Self-Guided" Tour of Baldwin" (1984) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource All rights reserved Language A language of the resource English Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Baldwin City Public Library Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource N. Reinert SW4 SE4 5-15-20 Subject The topic of the resource This property may be associated with Prairie City because of its location on the townsite. No residence was recorded in this location in 1873. The N. Reinert residence was shown on this tract (4.75 acres) in 1887 and 1902. Mary Parker was the owner in 1921. Description An account of the resource Farm residence, upright and wing type with entrance NE, two stories and one-and-a-half stories, wood frame and weatherboard construction, front gable and rear saltbox roof. Cellar under front block, loft in rear,4/4 double-hung wooden windows, wooden entrance door. Washhouse or summer kitchen ruin E. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Dale Nimz, photographer Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Baldwin City Public Library Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Fall 1988 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Atlas of Douglas County (1873) Standard Atlas of Douglas County (1902, 1921) Edwards, Map of Douglas County (1887) Kansas Farmer, Mail & Breeze directory (1920) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource All rights reserved Language A language of the resource English Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Baldwin City Public Library Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Frank Rhoades farm NW4 16-15-21 Subject The topic of the resource This farmhouse was built in 1882 and the barn was eredted two years later by the grandfather of present resident, Frank Rhoades. Description An account of the resource Detached residence, ell plan with central entrance in each block, 2/3 front bays, wood frame and weatherboard construction with stone foundation, gable roof. Shed porch in ell, one story rear hipped addition, cellar entrance W end, 1/1 wooden double-hung windows, one paneled entrance door and one glazed paneled door in ell, interior brick chimney E. Metal storm windows installed. Timber frame center section with vertical tongue and grooved sheathing, stone foundations; one shed addition N and two S with concrete foundations. Hipped addition W end. End aisles in additions. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Dale Nimz, photographer Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Baldwin City Public Library Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Fall 1988 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Interview: Frank Rhoades 11-1-1988 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource All rights reserved Language A language of the resource English http://www.recollectionsks.org/files/original/272cbff3582fa6bd0a0f78a99d9e71cf.jpg 152d6465b0ed1239a43f7e2d37b69d1b Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Rossville Churches History Subject The topic of the resource Churches in the Rossville, Kansas, area. Description An account of the resource Among the various cultural developments in Rossville none was more important than the establishment and growth of organized religions. Shortly after the village of Rossville was started in 1871, some of the settlers felt the need for a church. The first known organized church was the Baptist Church started in August 1871 with nine members. A newspaper account, dated May 1879, about the school house in town says, “…at this time the building is used on Sunday by various church denominations as they are not supplied with church buildings. Six denominations have organized: The Baptist, Presbyterian, Christian, Methodist, Episcopal, Methodist Southern and Advent. The Baptist have begun to erect a neat frame church building.” The Baptists built a small church on the approximate site of the Joe Navarre home on Spruce Street and dedicated this church on February 29, 1880. For a few years after that the Baptist, Christian, Presbyterian and Methodist shared this building—each having the use of it one Sunday a month, morning and evening. The Baptist church disbanded in 1910 and was torn down soon afterwards. Organization of the United Brethren was soon followed by the United Brethren Church, also known as the Olive Branch Church. The first church building in the community was built by its members in about 1877. The old landmark, five miles north of Rossville, was torn down about 1952. Some of the farm folk responsible for its organization and erection were Mr. and Mrs. Joe Franklin, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Franklin, Mr. and Mrs. Marion Lasswell, Mr. and Mrs. Lambert James and their sons, Robert and James, Mr. and Mrs. W.V. Hook, who donated land for the church. A decline in membership prompted the church officials to sell the building to the Czech Christian organization and it served as a worship center for many years. Other denominations organized early, which have little recorded history, including the Colored Baptist, also called Second Baptist. A news clipping shows the Colored Baptist Church was in existence in 1885 and meetings were held at the old school house. At that time they were endeavoring to raise funds for a structure of their own. It was later erected in the southeast part of town on Orange Street. Their building was repaired in December 1904, but soon after the church disbanded. The only information available about the Cambellites, followers of Alexander Cambell, shows that they gathered regularly early in the city’s history. The Cambellites here and in other localities were the forerunners of the early Christian Church. A church was organized with the name Church of Christ in 1872 with Bennet Swearingen, an elder. In 1879 a group was meeting in the school. Between 1880 and when it was decided to build a church, it is believed the members met in the Baptist Church. A deed was recorded on June 29, 1887, for three lots for which they paid $50.00. The exact date of the erection of the present church is not known. Revered Alex Montgomery was a stone mason and laid the church foundation. Charles Bixby, father of the late Albert Bixby, was a carpenter and supervised the building of the church. Lumber was hauled from Topeka by Alex Nadeau and others. The supplies were purchased from the Thomas Lumber Company at Topeka. The first funeral held in the church was for William Lacock, grandfather of the late Albert Bixby. The oldest Sunday School record is dated September 7, 1884, with May Parker its first secretary. Due to an increase in the Christian Church's membership, in 1949 a large room was added to the north side of the building. Other improvements included new colored glass in the windows, and pews from the old United Brethren Church. In December 1960, another addition to the building was completed. As more settlers moved to this community, those who were of the Presbyterian faith organized their group in 1878 and met in the school in town. Reverend E.P. Sempel was the first pastor. A.C. Sherman, Richard Binns, Daniel Wilt, J.C. Bradley, William Bond, Henry Kassebaum, W.M. Mitchner, Sam Kerr, Dr. H.H. Miller and Isaac Trostle were the founders of the church. Later the Presbyterians met in the Baptist Church. In 1883, the Presbyterian group purchased the land on which the present church stands and began to build. The first church was built of red bricks which were made at a brick kiln located at the east edge of town. As the years passed a crack appeared between the bricks in the east end of the building. This fault was used as the reason for tearing town the old building. The present structure was constructed in 1917. The Reverend J.H. Naismith, the originator of the game of basketball, served as pastor in 1922 and 1923. Mr. Gus Kassebaum served as a Trustee for 39 years, from 1915 to 1954. His wife, Mrs. Lula Kassebaum served most of these years as president of the Ladies Missionary Society. The Rossville Charge was organized in the James School House, three miles west of Rossville in the year 1872 under the leadership of Mr. Paul Strimple, a local lay preacher. Shortly afterwards, another group of Methodists (Southern Methodists) met in Rossville and had services at the school in town. These two groups joined in planning construction of a church. Since the Baptists were the first to build a church, the two Methodist groups shared the building. The Methodist Church was chartered and registered with the Secretary of State, June 13, 1881. The first trustees and signers of the charter were: W.G. Gilbert, Isaac Larrance, Joseph Andrews, J.W. Miller, A.E. Strimple, J.T. Heslet, and T.M. Attebury. Building of the new church began in 1884, and it was dedicated on March 1, 1885. Nine years later the south room was added, and it was used as a dining room and meeting room. The Sunday School addition was added in 1960. The name was changed from Methodist Episcopal to Methodist, October 11, 1939. It was again changed in 1968 to United Methodist when the United Brethren and Methodist merged. The Election Day dinner was first served in 1882 and has become an established tradition. Dinner and supper were served to over 175 persons at a cost of 25 cents per person. Some of the men who took an active part in the life of the church were C.E. Gresser, E.G. Griswold and Frank Strimple. Before St. Stanislaus became a reality, according to Ellen Leonhardt of St. Marys, Kansas, Mass was held monthly sometime before 1894 in the Fritz Hall. She remembers accompanying Father Krier, a Jesuit priest, from St. Marys to Rossville along with other girls to sing in the choir. The first St. Stanislaus Church was built under the auspices of Father John B. Kokenge, S.J., who collected about eleven hundred dollars to procure the ground and put up the structure. It measured 42 x 30 feet with a sanctuary that added twelve feet to its length. The corner stone of this mission church was laid by Bishop Fink on June 18, 1899. Many notables from the St. Marys College were present as well as Reverend H.A. Schapman, S.J., former president of Detroit College. The document placed in the stone contained the following: “Leo XIII being Pope, William McKinley being President of the United States, W.E. Stanley being the Governor of Kansas, Joseph Calvin Bradley being Mayor of the city of Rossville, this church to be erected to the honor of God under the invocation of St. Stanislaus Kastka was begun today when the corner stone was laid this the eighteenth day of June in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and ninety-nine.” The dedication of the completed church took place on October 29, 1899. In 1967, the parish purchased the home across the street from the church, so that the expanding catechetical classes would have a better place to meet. A $20,000 renovation project in 1975-1976 added a brick extension to the front of the church and a full basement. In 1998 Dekat Hall was dedicated and the mortgage was paid off. By 2009 the parish, which encompassed Rossville, Silver Lake, Willard, and Maple Hill, was in need of a bigger building so Don & Kathleen Damon donated a $1.1 million gift for the building of a new church. After raising the additional needed funds, the new worship space for 400 people was built in 2012 near the former church. In the early 1950s a group of believers who met together for weekly Bible Study grew in number so that they were encouraged to secure a property, call a pastor and organize a church. The Stewart property on the corner of Main and Pottawatomie was purchased in June 1952. After renovation, the first services of the Rossville Bible Church were held on September 7, 1952, with Reverend Clarence Swihart as pastor. Reverend Floyd Gee became the second pastor in June 1954. The church purchased a building site from the Hesse family that adjoins the Grade School in August 1960. Reverend Hugh Gardner, Wichita, superintended the construction of a basement to be used for an auditorium. A building was moved from Forbes Air Force Base and set on the basement. June 7, 1970, was a day of rejoicing for the congregation as they had a mortgage-burning service with Reverend Joe Arnedd, Des Moines, Iowa, evangelist, as speaker. Thus is the history of the early churches which no longer exist in the community and the churches which continue to function--though in somewhat different roles than in the early years. Once, the church, as well as the school, was the center of most family activities. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Rossville Community Library Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Rossville Centennial Booklet, 1971 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Rossville Community Library Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Public Domain due to copyright expiration. Original narrative content by RCL is available for use by public. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1944 UMC Election dinner/Rummage Sale/W.S.C.S., Rossville, Kansas Description An account of the resource ELECTION DINNER AND HARVEST HOME SALE The ladies of the Methodist church announce the Annual Election Dinner and Harvest Home sale, for Tuesday evening, Nov. 7, at the Wingerd hall. Dinner will be served at 6 o'clock Tuesday evening. Remember the date, Tuesday Nov. 7, at Wingerd hall. The ladies are requested to bring in food between 5 and 5:30. RUMMAGE SALE On Monday, Nov. 13, the ladies of the Methodist church, will have a Rummage sale, in Topeka. Bring garments and articles to the home of Mrs. Ed Lambert, Saturday without fail. Make a special effort to hunt up everything available for the sale. Search for another sock, coat, dress or pants. Make this sale a big success. The date is Monday, Nov 13 A delicious luncheon was served Tuesday at the home, of Mrs. Edward Lambert, by the ladies of the "Blue" division of the W. S. C. S. Over eighty tickets were sold for the serving at noon and 1 o'clock. A long dining table and seven card tables were lovely dressed with fine linens, silver ware and choice china The ladies are to be complimented on the dainty serving and bountiful dinner served. The W. S. C. S. of the Methodist church, met at the home of Mrs. John Stevens Thursday afternoon for a Christmas party. The meeting opened by singing, "Oh Come All Ye Faithful," followed by prayer by Mrs. James Conley. Mrs. Noel Ganoung gave a very interesting talk on the "'Madonna in Art." Roll call was called, minutes of the last meeting was read and the treasurers report was given. Mrs. Allyn Hartzell and Mrs. W. E. Ellis were given a gift by the President, Mrs. Lloyd Coberly for perfect attendance for the year. A paper, '"A Grumbler" was read by Mrs. Coberly. An inspiring candle lighting service was conducted by Mrs. Coberly, the retiring president. She also read a very appropriate poem "Friendship" as follows: "We have talked and laughed together, We have enjoyed the selfsame things. We have known the happy feelings True understanding brings. And with all my heart I'm hoping That whatever God may send Throughout the years that lie ahead, I'll have you for my best friend." Refreshments were served to the following, Mrs. Loma Jamieson, Mrs. Charity James of Topeka; Mrs. W. E. Ellis, Mrs. James Conley, Mrs. C. W. Vorhies, Mrs. Ethel Ferguson, Mrs. Flora Spears, Mrs. C. S. Smith Mrs. C. E. Gresser, Mrs. Frank Steffee, Miss Clara Ruff, Mrs. Ed Lambert, Mrs. Lavern Spears, Mrs. Glen Sebring, Mrs. L. B. Crow Mrs. Rose Myers, Mrs. Irene Cleveland, Mrs. Allyn Hartzell, Mrs. Marian Rasch, Mrs. Lee Henderson, Mrs. Ben Rasch, Mrs. Joe Campbell Mrs. Adella Bills, Mrs. Noel Ganoung, Mrs. Russel Minnis of Chicago; Mrs. Thora Young, Miss Vida Whitney, Mrs Axel, Mrs. E. D. Hartzell, Mrs. John Stevens, Mrs. Rollin Gresser, Mrs. Frank Page, Mrs. Lloyd Coberly and Mrs. L. P. Hartzell. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Rossville Reporter, Rossville, Kansas This work is copyrighted; the copyright holder has granted permission for this item to be used by the Rossville Community Library. This permission does not extend to third parties. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1944 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource All rights reserved Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RCL0602 http://www.recollectionsks.org/files/original/903414c41bfb800035563909cdc176f3.jpg 614e933a7d0efcabf7f5a9e73c0b7724 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Rossville Churches History Subject The topic of the resource Churches in the Rossville, Kansas, area. Description An account of the resource Among the various cultural developments in Rossville none was more important than the establishment and growth of organized religions. Shortly after the village of Rossville was started in 1871, some of the settlers felt the need for a church. The first known organized church was the Baptist Church started in August 1871 with nine members. A newspaper account, dated May 1879, about the school house in town says, “…at this time the building is used on Sunday by various church denominations as they are not supplied with church buildings. Six denominations have organized: The Baptist, Presbyterian, Christian, Methodist, Episcopal, Methodist Southern and Advent. The Baptist have begun to erect a neat frame church building.” The Baptists built a small church on the approximate site of the Joe Navarre home on Spruce Street and dedicated this church on February 29, 1880. For a few years after that the Baptist, Christian, Presbyterian and Methodist shared this building—each having the use of it one Sunday a month, morning and evening. The Baptist church disbanded in 1910 and was torn down soon afterwards. Organization of the United Brethren was soon followed by the United Brethren Church, also known as the Olive Branch Church. The first church building in the community was built by its members in about 1877. The old landmark, five miles north of Rossville, was torn down about 1952. Some of the farm folk responsible for its organization and erection were Mr. and Mrs. Joe Franklin, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Franklin, Mr. and Mrs. Marion Lasswell, Mr. and Mrs. Lambert James and their sons, Robert and James, Mr. and Mrs. W.V. Hook, who donated land for the church. A decline in membership prompted the church officials to sell the building to the Czech Christian organization and it served as a worship center for many years. Other denominations organized early, which have little recorded history, including the Colored Baptist, also called Second Baptist. A news clipping shows the Colored Baptist Church was in existence in 1885 and meetings were held at the old school house. At that time they were endeavoring to raise funds for a structure of their own. It was later erected in the southeast part of town on Orange Street. Their building was repaired in December 1904, but soon after the church disbanded. The only information available about the Cambellites, followers of Alexander Cambell, shows that they gathered regularly early in the city’s history. The Cambellites here and in other localities were the forerunners of the early Christian Church. A church was organized with the name Church of Christ in 1872 with Bennet Swearingen, an elder. In 1879 a group was meeting in the school. Between 1880 and when it was decided to build a church, it is believed the members met in the Baptist Church. A deed was recorded on June 29, 1887, for three lots for which they paid $50.00. The exact date of the erection of the present church is not known. Revered Alex Montgomery was a stone mason and laid the church foundation. Charles Bixby, father of the late Albert Bixby, was a carpenter and supervised the building of the church. Lumber was hauled from Topeka by Alex Nadeau and others. The supplies were purchased from the Thomas Lumber Company at Topeka. The first funeral held in the church was for William Lacock, grandfather of the late Albert Bixby. The oldest Sunday School record is dated September 7, 1884, with May Parker its first secretary. Due to an increase in the Christian Church's membership, in 1949 a large room was added to the north side of the building. Other improvements included new colored glass in the windows, and pews from the old United Brethren Church. In December 1960, another addition to the building was completed. As more settlers moved to this community, those who were of the Presbyterian faith organized their group in 1878 and met in the school in town. Reverend E.P. Sempel was the first pastor. A.C. Sherman, Richard Binns, Daniel Wilt, J.C. Bradley, William Bond, Henry Kassebaum, W.M. Mitchner, Sam Kerr, Dr. H.H. Miller and Isaac Trostle were the founders of the church. Later the Presbyterians met in the Baptist Church. In 1883, the Presbyterian group purchased the land on which the present church stands and began to build. The first church was built of red bricks which were made at a brick kiln located at the east edge of town. As the years passed a crack appeared between the bricks in the east end of the building. This fault was used as the reason for tearing town the old building. The present structure was constructed in 1917. The Reverend J.H. Naismith, the originator of the game of basketball, served as pastor in 1922 and 1923. Mr. Gus Kassebaum served as a Trustee for 39 years, from 1915 to 1954. His wife, Mrs. Lula Kassebaum served most of these years as president of the Ladies Missionary Society. The Rossville Charge was organized in the James School House, three miles west of Rossville in the year 1872 under the leadership of Mr. Paul Strimple, a local lay preacher. Shortly afterwards, another group of Methodists (Southern Methodists) met in Rossville and had services at the school in town. These two groups joined in planning construction of a church. Since the Baptists were the first to build a church, the two Methodist groups shared the building. The Methodist Church was chartered and registered with the Secretary of State, June 13, 1881. The first trustees and signers of the charter were: W.G. Gilbert, Isaac Larrance, Joseph Andrews, J.W. Miller, A.E. Strimple, J.T. Heslet, and T.M. Attebury. Building of the new church began in 1884, and it was dedicated on March 1, 1885. Nine years later the south room was added, and it was used as a dining room and meeting room. The Sunday School addition was added in 1960. The name was changed from Methodist Episcopal to Methodist, October 11, 1939. It was again changed in 1968 to United Methodist when the United Brethren and Methodist merged. The Election Day dinner was first served in 1882 and has become an established tradition. Dinner and supper were served to over 175 persons at a cost of 25 cents per person. Some of the men who took an active part in the life of the church were C.E. Gresser, E.G. Griswold and Frank Strimple. Before St. Stanislaus became a reality, according to Ellen Leonhardt of St. Marys, Kansas, Mass was held monthly sometime before 1894 in the Fritz Hall. She remembers accompanying Father Krier, a Jesuit priest, from St. Marys to Rossville along with other girls to sing in the choir. The first St. Stanislaus Church was built under the auspices of Father John B. Kokenge, S.J., who collected about eleven hundred dollars to procure the ground and put up the structure. It measured 42 x 30 feet with a sanctuary that added twelve feet to its length. The corner stone of this mission church was laid by Bishop Fink on June 18, 1899. Many notables from the St. Marys College were present as well as Reverend H.A. Schapman, S.J., former president of Detroit College. The document placed in the stone contained the following: “Leo XIII being Pope, William McKinley being President of the United States, W.E. Stanley being the Governor of Kansas, Joseph Calvin Bradley being Mayor of the city of Rossville, this church to be erected to the honor of God under the invocation of St. Stanislaus Kastka was begun today when the corner stone was laid this the eighteenth day of June in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and ninety-nine.” The dedication of the completed church took place on October 29, 1899. In 1967, the parish purchased the home across the street from the church, so that the expanding catechetical classes would have a better place to meet. A $20,000 renovation project in 1975-1976 added a brick extension to the front of the church and a full basement. In 1998 Dekat Hall was dedicated and the mortgage was paid off. By 2009 the parish, which encompassed Rossville, Silver Lake, Willard, and Maple Hill, was in need of a bigger building so Don & Kathleen Damon donated a $1.1 million gift for the building of a new church. After raising the additional needed funds, the new worship space for 400 people was built in 2012 near the former church. In the early 1950s a group of believers who met together for weekly Bible Study grew in number so that they were encouraged to secure a property, call a pastor and organize a church. The Stewart property on the corner of Main and Pottawatomie was purchased in June 1952. After renovation, the first services of the Rossville Bible Church were held on September 7, 1952, with Reverend Clarence Swihart as pastor. Reverend Floyd Gee became the second pastor in June 1954. The church purchased a building site from the Hesse family that adjoins the Grade School in August 1960. Reverend Hugh Gardner, Wichita, superintended the construction of a basement to be used for an auditorium. A building was moved from Forbes Air Force Base and set on the basement. June 7, 1970, was a day of rejoicing for the congregation as they had a mortgage-burning service with Reverend Joe Arnedd, Des Moines, Iowa, evangelist, as speaker. Thus is the history of the early churches which no longer exist in the community and the churches which continue to function--though in somewhat different roles than in the early years. Once, the church, as well as the school, was the center of most family activities. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Rossville Community Library Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Rossville Centennial Booklet, 1971 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Rossville Community Library Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Public Domain due to copyright expiration. Original narrative content by RCL is available for use by public. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1945 UMC W.S.C.S./Friendly Circle, Rossville, Kansas Description An account of the resource Mrs. Lloyd Coberly was hostess to members of the W. S. C. S. of Methodist church, this Thursday afternoon. The program for the afternoon was prepared by Mrs. Rollin Gresser and Mrs. Levi Henderson and included a broadcast. The announcer from Rossville was Mrs. Beth Hartzell and the announcer from Holy Land was Mrs. Vina McCoid. Musical numbers included a duet by Mrs. Irene Campbell and Mrs. Levi Henderson; a quartet by; Mrs. Coberly, Mrs. Archie Lambert, Mrs. C. E. Gresser and Mrs. Edgar Lambert and a duet by Mrs. C. E. Gresser and Mrs. Campbell. Prayer was offered by Mrs. Rose Myers. New group leaders are, Vina McCoid Mrs. Stella Page, Edna Spears, Bess Conley, Veda Whitney and Mrs. Ellis. The February meeting will be with Mrs. Ed Lambert. Vina McCoid's group will have charge of the program and Veda Whitney the refreshments. Mrs. L. B. Crow entertained the members of the W. S. C, S. at her home this Thursday afternoon. The president had charge and after the business session, the devotionals were led by Mrs. McCoid. Others taking part on the program were, Mrs. C. E. Gresser, Mrs. Ed Lambert, and Mrs. Rollin Gresser. The lesson was given by Mrs. Ed Lambert. At the social hour refreshments were served by group 2, with Veda Whitney in charge. World Day of Prayer was announced for Tuesday February 16. Mrs. Charley Baird and Mrs. Robert Cassidy were guests present. The members included, Mrs. Joe Watson, Veda Whitney, Ruth Page, Jennie Rogers, Della Sebring, Cornelia Stevens, Beth Hartzell, Mary Hartzell, Stella Henderson, Gertrude Lambert, Odessa Lambert, Vina McCoid, Daisy Crow, Golda Cottle, Minnie Ellis, Ethel Ferguson, Lena Gresser and Grace Gresser. A special number thoroughly enjoyed was given by Phyllis Page, who gave a reading on the song, "Home Sweet Home," and was accompanied by music played by a music box all during her reading. Mrs. Noel Ganoung was hostess to the members of the Friendly Circle Class of the Methodist Church Wednesday. She was assisted by Mrs. Ed Lambert, Mrs. Rollin Gresser and Mrs.. L. P. Hartzell at the Ganoung home at a covered dish luncheon at Noon. The meeting opened with all repeating the Lord's Prayer. Roll call followed. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and the treasurer's report given. The program committee took charge and had arranged contests and games all enjoyed. The next meeting will be at the home of Mrs. Jennie Rogers, Wednesday, March 21. Those having birthday anniversaries in March are urged to attend. Present were Mrs. J. E. Watson, Mrs. Dave Stitt, Mrs. L. B. Crow, Mrs. Lee Henderson, Mrs. Jennie Rogers, Mrs. Frank Page, Mrs. Flora Spears, Mrs. Frank Steffee, Mrs. Lloyd Coberly, Mrs. Ralph Page, Mrs. June Elliot, of Baxter Springs, Kansas, Mrs. Martin Whearty, Mrs. E. D. Hartzell, and the hostesses. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Rossville Reporter, Rossville, Kansas This work is copyrighted; the copyright holder has granted permission for this item to be used by the Rossville Community Library. This permission does not extend to third parties. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1945 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource All rights reserved Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RCL0603