63 10 1856 http://www.recollectionsks.org/files/original/1acd6dc18efd8f40c4c17834e45a64e5.jpeg 2eae2c3a54ab72c327d354ff64c6f9b0 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 1945-02-08 Christian Missionary Society meeting/church schedules, Rossville, Kansas Description An account of the resource February 8, 1945 Mrs. Frank Zickefoose was hostess to the members of the Christian missionary society at her home Friday afternoon. Fifteen members and guests were present. The pro- gram was led by Mrs. Minnie Navarre. The topic was "Christian Pageant in the Pacific." Four instructive topics were given: "No White Man had Known," a map talk by Mrs Viola McClain; "The Missionary Challenge," a letter by Mrs. Bert Hayes; "Thailand, the Key of the Southwest," an appraisal by Mrs. C. E. Cless and Mrs. Thelma Sigler, and "'Buddhism and Christianity", an interview by Mrs. Everett Pelfrey and Mrs. Cecil Lemon, with songs and prayers interspersed with the papers. The business session was conducted by the president, Mrs. Sigler. The meeting adjourned to meet with Mrs. Vida Stumbaugh for the March meeting. Guests were Mrs. Minnie Bird, and Mrs. Chapman of Topeka; members present included Mrs. Thelma Sigler, and Carol, Mrs. Everett Pelfrey, Mrs. James Lillard, Mrs. Viola McClain and Eldon, Mrs. Peter Navarre, Mrs. Walter Trubey, Mrs. Bert Hayes, Mrs. E. E. French, Mrs. C. E. Cless, Mrs. John Maus and the hostess. At the social period Mrs. Zickefoose served refreshments AT THE CHURCHES METHODIST CHURCH At Rossville— Sunday School at 9:45 Noel Ganoung, Supt. Church service at 11:00 a. m. At Silver Lake— Sunday School at 10 a. m. Paul Snavely, Supt. CHRISTIAN CHURCH Thelma Parr, Superintendent Buddy Martin, Asst. Supt. Bible School at 9:45 a. m. 11:00 a. m.—Communion Service KENT NEWMAN, Minister DELIA—ROSSVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES 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 February 8, 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 RCL0638 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 Olive Wood House 504 9th Street Baldwin City, Ks 66006 Subject The topic of the resource This property was unimproved in 1906. Construction of the existing building was indicated by the sale from J.M. Morgan to Olive M. Wood and the assessment of $3000.00 for improvements recorded in 1908. Description An account of the resource Detached residence, rectangle with central entrance and gable bays, two stories, wood frame construction, coursed rough-cut stone foundation, main hipped roof. Hipped front porch on columns, open railings, ell plan, 1/1 double-hung wooden windows, bay window N&S, glazed wooden entrance door. Ornamental gable mock dormer above porch entrance, curved cornice returns, gable end shingling. Modern asbestos sheathing and rear addition. 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 December, 1988 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource County assessment rolls, 1902-1910 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 James and Nora Williamson 504 Grove Street Baldwin City, Ks 66006 Subject The topic of the resource James and Nora Williamson were the owners of this property in 1921. The assessed value for improvements at that time was only $100.00. When they sold the property to Richard Randel c. 1924, the value was $2000.00 indicating construction of this house. Description An account of the resource Detached residence, rectangle with central entrance, two stories, four front bays, wood frame and weatherboard construction, concrete foundation, side-gable roof. Shed front porch on battered posts, open railing, 4/1 wooden double-hung windows, glazed wooden entrance door, front gable wall dormer. Craftsman decorative elements include exposed rafter tails and roof beams. Modern rear garage addition. 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 Douglas County assessment rolls, 1902-1928 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 Isaac Wilkins House 1203 High Street Baldwin City, Ks 66006 Subject The topic of the resource This property was unimproved in 1884 when acquired by Isaac Wilkins. The assessed value was $5.00 per lot. Construction of the existing house by 1888 was indicated by the increase in value to $250.00. Later Wilkins and his wife Catherine were listed as residing on High at the corner of 12th Street. Wilkins operated a gristmill in Media (West Baldwin). Description An account of the resource Detached residence, ell-plan with side entrance and rear entrance in ell, two stories, wood frame and weatherboard, rubble stone foundation, gable roof. Front hipped porch and side shed entrance door, interior brick chimney. Decorative porch brackets and dentil molding. Two rear additions; two-story gable SE and one-story hipped SW. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Dale Nimx, 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 assessment rolls, 1884-1902 City Directory, 1902-03 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 J.W. Widney farm Neis farm SE4 8-15-21 Subject The topic of the resource This farmstead appears to be associated with M.A. Wasson whose residence was recorded in this location in 1902 and 1909. Description An account of the resource Farm residence, ell plan with two adjacent entrances, two stories, wood frame construction, rough-cut coursed stone foundation, gable roof. Front ell porch with shed roof and pediment above entrance, rear hipped porch, 1/1 and 2/2 double-hung windows, bay window SW, glazed wooden entrance doors, two interior brick chimneys, gable wall dormer E. One-story rear shed addition, asbestos sheathing. 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) Plat-book and Survey of Douglas County (1909) 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 Walker Store 707 High Baldwin City, Ks 66006 Subject The topic of the resource From the rear this structure appears to be a wood frame residence. A building owned by J.V. Walker was standing on this lot as early as 1886. W.F. Osborn acquired the property from John Brady in 1890. Osborn, a Doctor, arrived in Baldwin in 1889. He later served as mayor and Douglas County representative to the state legislature. The existing structure was shown as a drugstore and a doctor's office from 1893-99. Then it was a harness and saddle shop(1905), moving picture theater(1912) and store(1927). Description An account of the resource House converted to commercial building in row, ell plan, one story, two front bays. Wood frame construction with modern false brick front, gable roof. Interior brick chimney W, modern sheathing. 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 Sanborn Insurance maps, 1893-1927 County assessment rolls, 1884-1928 Baldwin Souvenir, (1908). 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 S.N. Walker House 1137 High Street Baldwin City, Ks 66006 Subject The topic of the resource When S.N. Walker acquired this property from William Patterson in 1886, the assessed value was only $40.00. Construction of the existing house was indicated by an increase in value to $250.00 in 1888. Description An account of the resource Detached residence, T-plan with side entrance in wing, two stories, wood frame and weatherboard, rubble stone foundation, gable roof. Hipped entrance porch on round post, 1/1 double-hung wooden windows, paired projecting windows with pent roof NW and bay window SE, glazed wooden entrance door. Modern one-story rear shed addition. 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 County assessment rolls, 1884-1902 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 J.V. Walker House 504 5th Street Baldwin City, Ks. 66006 Subject The topic of the resource J.V. Walker bought these two unimproved lots in 1890. By 1894 the property value had increased to $400.00 indicating construction of the existing house. Georgr Funnell, president of the city council, and his wife Bridget lived at this location in 1902. They sold the property to William White that year. Description An account of the resource Detached residence, square plan with recessed central entrance, two stories, three front and two side bays, wood frame and weatherboard construction, rubble stone foundation, truncated pyramidal roof. Rear hipped porch, 1/1 double-hung wooden windows, paired projecting first floor windows, glazed paneled wooden entrance doors, interior brick chimneys S. Decorative elements include ornamental window brackets, hoods, and entrance spindle work. 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 Douglas County assessment rolls, 1890-1928 Baldwin City directory, 1902-03 Language A language of the resource English Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource All rights reserved http://www.recollectionsks.org/files/original/0c18f84dddbda7a10e93bb2fd689c019.jpeg db5930c3a62926382ff82955267e783d 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 Church Events/Meetings, Rossville, Kansas Description An account of the resource April 6, 1944 Thirty-one young people of the Protestant churches and their guests enjoyed a luncheon together at noon Sunday, April 2, in Wingerd Hall. Miss Velva Dreese, of the state office of the Christian Church, was the guest of honor. The tables were attractively decorated with black music notes on yellow and white crepe paper. On the speaker's table were a violin dish centerpiece and figurines graciously lent by Mrs. Joe Campbell. Buddy Martin was toast-master. During the meal Virginia Parr played a piano solo and Pauline Skidmore gave a reading. The speakers brought out the theme of the luncheon -Music. Gail Dunning spoke on the Rhythm of Christian Lives, Thelma Parr expressed the melody in "Personal Purity." Carroll McLaughlin spoke of the necessity for working together to produce the Harmony. Miss Velva Dreese summed these up in "The Christian Hope." The program was turned over to Miss Herron, who had a friendship circle formed and led our hearts in prayer. Those gathered for the luncheon were Miss Velva Dreese, Dorothy Lemon, Buddy Martin, Thelma Parr, Gail Dunning, Carroll McLaughlin, Norma Fawl, Josephine Barney, Miss Marie Nanninga, Henrietta McClain, Eleanor Fitzgerald, Willis Decker, Ted Fitzgerald, Gerald Decker, Miss Loreita Kaad, Miss Lorena Foreman, Winifred Stach, Freda Hackler, Betty Chambers of Maple Hill; Peggy Navarre, Elizabeth Fitzgerald, Betty Countryman, Margie Lillard, Virginia Parr, Mary Ellen Page, Evelyn Trubey, Mary Maus, Betty Trubey, Pauline Skidmore, Esther Page, Miss Bernice Herron. May 11, 1944 Mrs. Levi Henderson, Mrs. Anna Wilt and Miss Bernice Herron, teachers of the young people's classes of the three Protestant churches, sponsored a wienie roast at the City Park Tuesday evening. The young folk of the Catholic Church were invited as guests for the evening. Outdoor games followed the meal, and a merry evening was enjoyed by about forty young people. July 27, 1944 Fourteen members of the Christian Endeavor went to Maple Hill last Sunday evening and were guests of Miss Bernice Herron who served a picnic supper on the lawn at her home. Following the supper the Endeavor meeting was led by Miss Herron. Those attending included, Betty Chambers, Margie Lillard, Barbara McCoid, Betty Trubey, Evelyn Trubey, Mary Maus, Peggy Navarre, Thelma Parr, Gene Pelfrey, Buddy Martin, Helen Spears, Dorothy Lemon, Jack Warren and Miss Herron. WEST UNION September 28, 1944 The West Union Ladies Aid met at the home of Mrs. L. T. Fitzgerald for an all-day meeting on Wednesday, September 27. A covered dish dinner was served at noon. Guests present were Mrs. Chet Skidmore and daughter Sandra Sue, Miss Norma Crow. Members present were Mrs. Bert Miller and granddaughter, Ruth Miller; Mrs. Joe Stevens, Mrs. Sadie Grant and daughter, Fern, Mrs. Ralph Grant and daughter; Mrs. Boegle and son; Mrs. Minnie Givens, Mrs. Paul Edwards, Mrs. F. Edwards, Mrs. Lawrence Crow, Mrs. Harry Billings, Mrs. Albert Stevens, Mrs. Andy Viergever, Mrs. Racheil, Mrs. Earl Miller, Mrs. Ralph Miller and son, Mrs. John Smith and daughter, Mrs. Elmer Olson, Mrs. Auty Sage and daughter, Mrs. Kay Crow and son, Mrs. J. Watson, Mrs. Raymond Stevens and son and the hostess, Mrs L. T. Fitzgerald. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1944 FDR DOESN'T ATTEND CHURCH Folks keep writing to ask us, says Pathfinder Magazine, about President Roosevelt's church-going habits. The Rev. Howard S. Wilkinson, rector of Washington's staid St. Thomas's Episcopal Church, says: Before the War he came fairly regularly—five or six times out of ten. Now the Secret Service doesn't like for him to attend. I have held services for the President at the White House a number of times." 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 RCL0637 http://www.recollectionsks.org/files/original/2e6b8429cf264a1c9183826fa7dbc778.jpeg 48bfd4f516ac1dad9fc81deafb45cce9 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/. Description An account of the resource THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1935 AT THE CHURCHES ROSSVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Sabbath School every Sunday at 9:45 a. m. Rev. H. L. Nelson will conduct the morning services at the Presbyterian church next Sunday at 11 a.m. You are cordially invited to attend. CHRISTIAN CHURCH Bible School at 9:45 a. m. Y. C. U. at 6:30 p. m. METHODIST CHURCH Next Sunday has attractions that should make it one of the best of the whole year. At the 11 o'clock services Mr. Gomer Williams and friends from Emporia will bring a group of musical numbers that you will enjoy thoroughly. Come and hear them. Sermon, "Preparing God's Way." Come for Sunday school and stay through. Two hours and fifteen minutes will go quickly. Junior League and Y. C. U. at 6:30 at our church. Evening worship at 7:30, with sermon "Dinosaurs." At West Union at 2:30 p. m. Dr. McFadden will preach. Join with us in this service. Sunday school precedes this at 1:30 p. m. Willard had several visitors Sunday night. Remember the services there next Sunday, at 10:00 a. m. and at 8 p. m. On Saturday, Dec. 21, at 8 p. m. a group of local citizens will present the temperance play, "Prisoner at the Bar." A court trial of a man who killed his wife while under the influence of drink. We are expecting a full house for this event. Wright M. Horton, Pastor ROSSVILLE, REPORTER THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1936 AT THE CHURCHES CHRISTIAN CHURCH Bible School 9:45 a. m. Y. C. U 7 p. m. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Sunday School at 9:45 a. m. Don't forget that you are welcome to the preaching service Sunday morning at 11 o'clock. Dr. Nelson will have a message that will do us all good. METHODIST CHURCH Sunday School 9:45 a. m. Morning worship 11 a. m. Evening worship 8:00 p. m. The morning service will be conducted by Geo. T. Codding of Silver Lake, while the pastor fills the pulpit at Silver Lake. Cool weather is a sign for everyone to increase their activities. While you have that feeling of new energy why not spend part of it in the activities of the church? Our revival plans will probably be completed and in operation within the next thirty days. That should be a season that will mean something to the church for months to come. H. E. STRAW, Pastor. AT THE CHURCHES October 20, 1938 CATHOLIC CHURCH Beginning Sunday, September 25, Mass will be held at 9:15. a. m. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Sunday School at 9:45 a. m. H. L. Nelson, Pastor. CHRISTIAN CHURCH Sunday School at 9:45. G. Willis Schnelle, Minister METHODIST CHURCH SERVICES: The Church, what is it? Why have a Church? Can we not do without it? What has been the Church's past record? Is it one to be ashamed of, or does it stand all tests victoriously? Is it true that it is a waning institution? Our subject is "The Church, What Is It? Its Past." Yours in His service, Wm. C. HARTFORD. 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 1935, 1936, 1938 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource All rights reserved Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RCL0636 Title A name given to the resource 1935-1938 Church Schedules, Rossville, Kansas