13 10 150 http://recollectionsks.org/files/original/e70d4a216ff06f0bf7916a80fddf1cbf.jpg d7a30d98db6f4dc9ebe65b5e2f223bfd 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 1949 UMC Rummage Sale/W.S.C.S./Friendly Circle, Rossville, Kansas Description An account of the resource The W. S. C. S of the Methodist church met Thursday, Nov . 17, at the home of Mrs. C. S. Smith for an afternoon meeting. The president, Mrs. Vina McCoid, called the meeting to order and all repeated the Lords Prayer. A vocal solo was sung by Ann Boyd. Roll call was taken and minutes of last meeting read. The treasurer's report given by Irene Campbell. Leader of the worship service was Mrs. O'Donnell and Mrs. Moyer led the program. Special music was furnished by Mrs. Pauline Swenson and Mrs. Babicki. Those assisting the hostess were Mrs. Lenora Gresser, Ruth Gresser, Winifred Fawl, Inez Richardson. Lovely refreshments of pumpkin pie with whipped cream and coffee were served to, Mae Moyer, Velda O'Donnell, Comella Stevens, Stella Page, Vina McCoid, Myrtle Lillard, Ethelyn Ferguson, Linda Barney, Minnie Ellis, Grace Hartzell, Elsa Rasch, Adelle Bills, Vida Whitney, Ellen Steffee, Inez Richardson, Amy Meade, Winifred Fawl, Minnie Bird, Mrs. Alvin Perry, Pauline Swenson and Joyce, Mrs. Babicki, Marcia and Carolyn, Mrs. Don Jones and baby, Alice Boyd and Ann, Irene Campbell, Ruth Gresser, Mrs. C. E. Gresser and the hostess, Mrs. Smith. The next meeting will be at the home of Mrs. Comella Stevens, on December 22, for a Christmas party and gift exchange. Gifts not to exceed 50c in price. RUMMAGE SALE The Methodist Rummage Sale will be held Tuesday, December 27th. Please bring in your rummage. Criss Viergever completed the job of painting the residence of Mrs. Bertha Cless this week. The Friendly Circle class of the Methodist church met at the home of Mrs. Comelia Stevens, last Thursday, for an all day meeting and a Christmas exchange. Mrs. Ethelyn Ferguson was the assisting hostess. A covered dish luncheon was served at noon to the following members: Mrs. Stella Page, Mrs. Lulu James, Mrs. Myrtle Lillard, Mrs. Minnie Ellis, Mrs. Bird Vorhies, Grace Hartzell, Mrs. Ella Whearty, Mrs. Bills, Mrs. Daisy Crow, Mrs. Amy Meade, Mrs. Golda Cottle. Afternoon guests were: Vida Whitney, Mrs. Myrtle Stone, Mrs. Ellwood, Mrs. Mae Moyer and Mrs Stevens and Mrs. Ferguson. The W. S. C. S. of the Methodist church met at the home of Mrs. John Stevens, Dec. 22. with a Christmas program. Worship service was by Mrs. Fern Rogers. The program was led by Mrs. Irene Campbell; Jane Rogers played a piano solo, 'Jingle Bells." Irene Campbell gave a Christmas melody; Mrs. Hertha Coberly had the song, "Dear Heart and Gentle People," dedicated to the W. S. C. S. and sung by Mrs. Elmora Jones. A group of songs sang were: "Joy to The World," "Silent Night," following a lovely Christmas Story of the World, by Irene Campbell. The meeting closed and all gathered around a beautiful decorated table for a gift hunt. At the social hour lovely refreshments of ice cream, cake and coffee were served by the committee, Maxine Rawlings, Mildred Irwin, Minnie Ellis and Cormelia Stevens to the following present, Bird Vorhies, Velda O'Donnell, Velda Pardee, Fern Rogers and Jane, Mrs. Joe Babicki, Irene Campbell, Cora Mercer, Linda Barney, Mrs. Alvin Perry and daughter, Grace Hartzell, Inez Richardson, Ruth Gresser, Elsie Rasch and daughter, Daisy Crow, Stella Page, Lulu James, Vina McCoid Bess Conley, Amy Meade, Mrs. Smith 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 1949 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource All rights reserved Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RCL0605 http://recollectionsks.org/files/original/cf2d75fcc10f2848cbb4109d2373ed8e.jpg 81da03024e512df8329c6ea4538e3682 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 Friendly Circle/W.S.C.S., Rossville, Kansas Description An account of the resource The W. S. C. S. of the Methodist church met this Thursday afternoon at the home of Mrs. Beth Hartzell. The meeting opened with prayer by Irene Cleveland followed by the reading of the minutes and treasurers report and reports given by the committees. Mrs. Bess Conley's group had charge of the program. The lesson theme was "Women of the Church." Mrs Gresser and Miss Clara Ruff gave a short reading, followed by song and readings by the group on "The House of God," and Response. Mrs. Gresser gave the closing prayer. "Christian Life of Madame Chang-Kai-Chek," was given by Mrs. Irene Campbell. "Own Feeling for Church," was given by Mrs. Hertha Coberly and Mrs, Campbell. The meeting closed with prayer by Miss Clara Ruff. Refreshments were served by Edna Spears and her group Those present were, Irene Campbell Mrs. Minnie Rasch, Odessa Lambert, Mrs. Lila Bahner, Mrs. Hertha Coberly, Mrs. Thora Young, Mrs. W. E. Ellis, Mrs. Frank Steffee, Mrs. Grace Gresser, Miss Clara Ruff, Mrs. Irene Cleveland, Mrs. Bess Conley Mrs. Grace Hartzell, Mrs. Elsie Rasch, Mrs. Edna Spears, Mrs. Della Sebring Mrs. Gertrude Lambert, Miss Veda Whitney and the hostess. The Friendly Circle Class of the Methodist Church met Wednesday at the home of Mrs. Jennie Rogers, who was assisted by Mrs. Ralph Page, Mrs. Golda Cottle and Mrs. Frank Page at the noon hour luncheon. The nesting was opened by the secretary reading minutes of the last meeting and giving the treasurer's report. Roll call was answered three ways— either by verse of scripture, What can be done to beautify the yard, or just present. Two new members were taken in the Circle—.Mrs. W. A. Moyer, who recently moved to the Mesmer farm from Manhattan and Mrs. Lulu Ward who is making an indefinite stay with her sister, Mrs. Ida James. An Irish program and games arranged by the committee, Mrs. Lee Henderson and Mrs. Rollin Gresser afforded diversion for everyone present. Mrs. Lloyd Coberly Mrs. Rose Myers, Mrs. Lulu Ward, Mrs. Flora Spears, Mrs. W. A. Moyer and Mrs. Archie Lambert all made Irish models; Mrs. LaVerne Spears, Mrs. J. E. Watson, Mrs Goldie Cottle and Mrs. E. D. Hartzell gave Irish tongue twisters. Each lady made an Irish model out of gum. Mrs. Archie Lambert made the best Irish model and received the prize. Several cute things were made. Present were Mrs. W. A Moyer, Mrs. Lulu Ward, Mrs. Rose Myers, Mrs. Frank Steffee, Mrs. Ethelyn Ferguson, Mrs. L. B. Crow, Mrs. Archie Lambert and Loretta, Mrs. LaVerne Spears, Mrs. Flora Spears, Mrs. Adelle Bills, Mrs. Golda Cottle, Mrs Beulah Mclntyre, Mrs. C. W. Vorhies, Mrs. Rollin Gresser, Mrs. Lee Henderson, Mrs. Irene Cleveland, Mrs. Lloyd Coberly, Mrs, J. E. Watson and Jerry Cassidy, Mrs. L. P. Hartzell, Mrs. Vida Whitney, 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 RCL0604 http://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 http://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://recollectionsks.org/files/original/b789244cc88b2832fba2a12ac45fc5ac.jpg c844655fd41b42ba7a787e257ffed727 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/W.S.C.S., Rossville, Kansas Description An account of the resource The W. S. C. S. of the Methodist church, met at the home of Mrs. William Hesse, last Thursday. The meeting opened with group singing, "I Need Thee Every Hour.", followed by prayer by Mrs. J. E. Watson and quiet music by Mrs. Joe Campbell. Mrs. Ellis had charge of the devotions, assisted by Mrs. Frank Page and Mrs. Rollin Gresser. Meditation was given by Mrs. Noel Ganoung. Miss Dorothy Watson gave a vocal number accompanied by Mrs. Campbell at the piano. Mrs. Rose Myers read a short story of the life of Grace Nowell Crowell. Miss Vida Whitney had charge of the missionary program. Topics was "The Christian Response and Action to Suffering." She was assisted by Mrs. John Stevens who presented the home topic, and medical work in U. S.; Alaska, and Santo Domingo, was read by Mrs. Ailyn Hartzell.. The minutes were read and the treasurers report given. Those present included, Mrs. Frank Steffee, Mrs. Irene Cleveland, Mrs. Allyn Hartzell, Mrs. Rose Myers, Mrs. John Stevens, Mrs. J. E. Watson, Mrs. L. B. Crow, Mrs. Lloyd Coberly, Mrs. Harley McCoid, Mrs. Frank Page, Mrs. C. W. Vorhies, Mrs. W. E. Ellis, Mrs. L. P Hartzell, Mrs Joe Campbell, Mrs. C. E. Gresser, Mrs. Rollin Gresser, Mrs. Noel Ganoung Mrs. Thora Young, Miss Whitney, Mrs. Adele Bills. Visitors were, Miss Dorothy Watson and Mrs. Ray Hudson. The last quarterly meeting of this conference year was held at the Methodist Church Wednesday night. It was preceded by a covered dish luncheon at 7 o'clock. The meeting was in charge of Carol McLaughlin, the pastor and a short program was given. It was then turned over to Dr. Leslie Miller, who conducted the business session. Mrs. L. P. Hartzell was elected as lay delegate to attend conference at Iola, in October, from Rossville Church. Mr. McLaughlin, who has been the minister here for a year, has attended school at Baldwin, taking extra work all summer. He has enlisted and will be inducted into the Army soon. The W. S. C. S. of the Methodist church met at the home of Mrs. Allyn Hartzell this Thursday afternoon. Meeting opened by group singing. "I Need Thee Every Hour," followed by prayer by Mrs. Lloyd Coberly with quiet music by Mrs. Thora Young. Scripture lesson by Mrs. J. E. Watsen [sic. Watson] Mrs. Ellis gave the lesson, "Called according to His purpose" Mrs. Ferguson told of the W. S. C. S. of Manhattan and Mrs. Rollin Gresser gave the program of the W. S. C. S. at Agenda and how it is conducted. A poem by Mrs. W. E. Ellis was followed by a song service. The Missionary lesson, "Call and the Answer," was given by Mrs. Irene Campbell. Mrs. Rose Myers read "India and the Peace." Roll call, was answered by bible quotations. Business was in charge of the president, Mrs. Coberly. Minutes of the last meeting and the treasurers report were given. The meeting closed with the benediction Those present were, Miss Clara Ruff, Mrs. Jim Conley, Miss Cora Mercer, Mrs. L. B. Crow, Mrs. W. E. Ellis, Mrs. J. E. Watson, Mrs. Ethelyn Ferguson, Mrs. John Stevens, Mrs. Rose Myers, Mrs. Ed Lambert; Mrs. Joe Campbell, Mrs. James Lillard, Mrs. C. E. Gresser, Mrs. Rollin Gresser, Mrs. Frank Page, Mrs. Lee Henderson, Miss Veda Whitney, Mrs. Irene Cleveland, Mrs. E. D. Hartzell, Mrs. Thora Young, Mrs. Lloyd Coberly, Mrs. Adell Bills and the hostess. The W. S. C. S. of the Methodist church entertained Saturday night at the home of Mrs. Allyn Hartzell honoring Mrs. Ted Fields who will leave soon for a new home in Topeka The evening was spent in games and a short program. Refreshments were served to, Mrs. Fields, Mrs. Pearl Martin of Topeka; Mrs. Francis Martn [sic Martin], Mrs. C. E. Gresser, Mrs. Rollin Gresser, Mrs. L. B. Crow, Mrs. J. E. Watson, Mrs. Joe Parr, Mrs. W. E. Ellis, Mrs. E. D. Hartzell, Miss Velma Lambott, Miss Esther Sebring Mrs. Martin Whearty, Mrs. Lee Henderson. Mrs. Irene Cleveland, Mrs. C. W. Vorhies, Mrs. Beulah Mclntyre, Mrs. Lloyd Coberly, Mrs. Ethelyn Ferguson, Mrs. Joe Campbell, Mrs. John Stevens, June Hartzell and Mrs. Hartzell. Mrs. J. E. Watson entertained the W. S. C. S. this Thursday afternoon. The meeting opened by singing, "I Need Thee Every Hour." Prayer followed by Mrs. Rollin Gresser. Mrs. Ed Lambert had charge of the devotions by scripture reading and group singing, "Praise Him Praise Him," and "He Keeps Me Singing As I Go." A poem was given by Mrs. Lambert, followed by singing "Praise God from whom all Blessings Flow." Mrs. L. P. Hartzell gave a report of the W. S. C. S. at Conference. Business meeting was conducted by president, Mrs. Coberly. Minutes of last meeting were read and the treasurers report given. Roll call was called. The missionary program was led by Miss Veda Whitney, who gave the history of the Deacons of M. E. church. Barbara McCoid gave the life of Miss Mary Ora Durham. Miss Louise Whitehead another deaconess was given by Virginia Parr. The meeting adjourned with prayer by Mrs. Coberly. Those present included, Mrs. Rollin Gresser, Mrs. Adella Bills, Mrs. Lee Henderson, Mrs. Noel Ganoung and Marieta, Mrs. Ethelyn Ferguson, Mrs. E. D. Hartzell, Mrs. Joe Campbell, Mrs. L. P. Hartzell, Mrs. Glen Sebring. Mrs. Allyn Hartzell Mrs. E. D. Hartzell, Mrs. Rose Myers, Mrs. L. B. Crow. Mrs. Lloyd Coberly, Mrs. C. W. Vorhies, Mrs John Stevens, Miss Veda Whitney, Mrs. Irene Cleveland, Mrs. Ed Lambert, Mrs. Frank Page, Barbara McCoid, Virginia Parr, Mrs. Watson and Mrs W. E. Ellis. 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. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource 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 RCL0601 http://recollectionsks.org/files/original/d257cd86e1aa1cf72c7b9852c60ee00e.jpg 01e571f6af6e2820bb3e09c3df6e56dc 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 W.S.C.S., Rossville, Kansas Description An account of the resource J99</ The W. S. C, S. of the Methodist church, met at the home of Mrs.C. S. Smith, this Thursday afternoon. The meeting opened by singing "I Need Thee Every Hour," followed by prayer by Mrs. Charity James. Meditation was given by Mrs. W. E. Ellis. A group of sentence prayers and the song, "Come Thou Almighty King," was then given, and Mrs. Theo Young led in prayer. Social and Evangelical work in China Was given by Mrs. Adelle Bills. Roll Call was answered by daily Bible reading. The minutes of the last meeting were read and the treasurer's report given, The meeting closed with the song, "God Be With You Till We Meet Again." A White Elephant Sale followed, sponsored by the White Division with Mrs. Allyn Hartzell as auctioneer. Receipts of sale was over $11. Those present: Mrs. Glen Sebring, Mrs. Lloyd Coberly, Mrs. L. B. Crow, Mrs. Lee Henderson, Mrs. Frank Page, Mrs. Charity James Mrs. John Stevens, Mrs. J. E. Wat¬son, Mrs. Allyn Hartzell, Mrs. W. E. Ellis, Mrs. Thora Young, Mrs. C. E. Gresser, Mrs. L. P. Hartzell, Mrs. Adelle Bills, Mrs. Joe Campbell, Mrs Ed Lambert, Miss Clara Ruff, Mrs. E. D. Hartzell. Mrs. James Lillard was a visitor The W. S. C. S. of the Methodist church sponsored a Silver Tea, Tues¬day afternoon at the church, and de¬spite the rain a large crowd attended. An entertaining program was given including several musical numbers, a reading and a one-act play. Mrs. Joe Campbell gave 2 violin solos, accom¬panied by Virginia Parr; a reading, "Heritage" was given by Margie Lil¬lard and Joyce Navarre sang, "The Lord's Prayer" accompanied by Peggy Navarre. A one-act play, "Women Who Wait" was given by six High School girl, directed by Miss Bernice Herron. The cast included, Betty Countryman, Betty Parr, Bar¬bara McCoid, Esther Page, Peggy Navarre, and Thelma Parr. The program was highly complimented and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone present. The church was decorated in spring flowers. Following the program, tea was served in the church parlor. The table decorations were pink cut flowers, white candle sticks and pink candles. Mrs. J. E. Watson poured. All during the serv¬ing Mrs. Joe Campbell and Virginia Parr furnished piano music. RUMMAGE SALE Don't forget the Rummage Sale May 22nd in Topeka, sponsored by the W. S. C. S. of the Methodist Church. Please leave your contri-bution's at the homes of Mrs. Page, Mrs. Coberly or Mrs. Ed Lambert. Mrs. Lambert will call for your things if you will phone her. The W. S. C. S. of the Methodist church met at the beautiful country. home of Mrs. Joe Campbell, this Thursday, June 1. A box luncheon Was served and the hostess served ice cream and ice tea. The past president was honored with a gift and Miss Donna Stitt sang, "When They Ask About You. ' and "I'll Be Around." The meeting opened by-singing, "I Need Thee Every Hour," followed by prayer by Mrs. Charity James. Quiet music was played by Mrs. Campbell. Mrs. W. E. Ellis had charge of the devotion by hav¬ing a group reading and all sang "Eaith of Our Fathers" with Mrs. Cleveland at the piano. Mrs. Farris played her own composition on the piano. Mrs. James gave a talk on "Juvenile Delinquency". Business period was conducted bv president Mrs. Coberly. Minutes of last two meeting was read and the treasurers report was given. Missionary topic was given by Miss Esther Sebring on "Child On His Own." Miss Vida Whitney gave the poem "T h e Sculptor." A poem read b y Mrs. Stitt, was "Little Town." Miss Esther Sebring and -Mrs. Merwin McKnsey, sang "In Jesus" and "The Cross." accompanied by Mrs. Rollin Gresser The meeting closed with prayer by Mrs. Stitt and all singing "God Be With You Until We Meet Again." Mrs. Cleveland accom-panied at the piano. The next meeting will be with Mrs. L.. B. Crow in July. Those present were, Mrs. Charity James, Mrs. Irene Cleveland, Mrs. Rollin Gresser, Mrs. C. C. Gresser, Mrs. Allyn Hartzell, Mrs. Dave Stitt, Miss Dona Stitt, Miss Esther Sebring, Miss Vida Whitney, Mrs. C. W. Vorhies, Mrs. Lloyd Coberly, Mrs. Mervin McKinsey and Adrain, Mrs. W. E. Ellis, Mrs. O. R. Farris, Mrs. E. D. Hart¬zell, and Mrs. Campbell. The W. S .C. S. of the Methodist church met at the home of Mrs. L, B. Crow, this Thursday afternoon. The meeting was led by Mrs. W. E. Ellis The opening song was, "I Need Thee Every Hour." followed by prayer by Mrs. Adelle Bills. Barbara McCoid gave the history of "The Little Brown Church in the Vale. Call to worship was read by Mrs. Ellis Mrs. E. D. Hartzell gave a reading, "The Minister's Sermon." Mrs. Lea Henderson read meditation, and "Deacon Jone's Trials," was given by Mrs. Lulu Ward. Mrs. C. E. Gresser gave extracts from the report on mis-sions of- the Secretary of General Conference, which ended with prayer Mrs. T. H. Attebury gave the missionary lesson on "Africa.". Mrs. Rollin Gresser read John 1. Roll call was answered by a bible verse. Minutes of last meeting was read and the treasurers report was given Those present were, Mrs. Lulu Ward, of Oklahoma City; Mrs. Marlin Evans of Myrtle Point, Ore.; Mrs. C. E. Gresser, Mrs. Rollin Gresser, Mrs. Glen Sebring, Mrs. Allyn Hartzell, Mrs. Frank Page, Mrs. Frank Steffee Mrs. T. H. Attebury, Mrs. Ethelyn Ferguson, Mrs. John Stevens, Mrs. Rose Myers, Miss Veda Whitney, Mrs. E. D. Hartzell, Mrs. Lloyd Coberly, Mrs. Ed Lambert, Mrs. W. E. Ellis, Miss Barbara McCoid, Mrs. Joe Campbell, Charlotte and Karen Stevens, Esther Sebring, Mrs. Adelle Bills, Mrs. Lee Henderson and Mrs. Crow. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource 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 RCL0600 http://recollectionsks.org/files/original/2160ee32d95b2c34dc635f4fcbc00017.jpg 87502e4b0b261516b811e78644941f7a 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 Friendly Circle, Rossville, Kansas Description An account of the resource THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 1944 The Friendly Circle class of the Methodist church met in the church parlor, Wednesday, April 19, at a noon covered dish luncheon. Mrs. C. W. Vorhies, Mrs. Thora Young and Miss Vida Whitney were hostesses. There were twenty one members and two visitors present. At 2 o'clock the president, Miss Whitney opened the meeting. Mrs. Lee Henderson had charge of the devotionals by reading the scripture taken from Psalms and led in prayer. Roll Call was answered by giving a household hint. Minutes of the last meeting were read and the treasurers report was given and the business of the class was discussed. A plant exchange followed. Meeting closed by benediction. The next meeting will be with Mrs. Amy Meade, on Wednesday, May 17, at noon with Mrs. Frank Steffee and Mrs. Rose Myers as assistant hostesses. Members included, Mrs. Irene Cleveland, Mrs. Frank Steffee, Mrs. Lee Henderson, Mrs. L. B. Crow, Miss Marie Nanninga, Miss Lorena Foreman, Mrs. Charity James, Mrs. Martin Whearty Mrs. C. E. Gresser, Mrs. John Stevens, Mrs. Adell Bills, Mrs. Dave Stitt, Mrs. Lloyd Coberly, Mrs. Jennie Rogers, Mrs. Ralph Page, Mrs. Frank Page, Mrs. Rose Myers, Mrs. E. D. Hartzell, and the visitors were Miss Bernice Herron, Mrs. Pearl Cless of Denver and the hostesses. Mrs. Lee Henderson assisted by Mrs. Grant Meade, Mrs. Rose Myers and Mrs. Frank Steffee entertained the Friendly Circle class of the Methodist church, at the Henderson home Wednesday noon May 17. President Vida Whitney called the meeting to order at 2 o'clock by all singing, "Faith of our Fathers" Mrs. Stevens had charge of the devotions by reading Math:32-39 and led in prayer. Roll call was answered by "One's Hobby" Minutes of the last meeting was read and the treasurers report given. At the social hour, Mrs. Farris favored by playing a piano solo "Birds in the Woods." Mrs. Myers gave "Neighbors" Math. 64. A poem 'Mothers Day" was read by Theo Young. Mrs. Stitt gave the poem "Habits" Mrs. Archie Lambert whistled two solos, "Good Night Sweetheart" and "Dancing with Tears in your Eyes" accompanied by Mrs. Farris at the piano. Next meeting in June will be a picnic in the park unless unfavorable, then it will be held in the church. Roll call for next meeting will be to name a "Bible Woman." The meeting closed with the benediction. Visitors present were Mrs. Mary Binns, Mrs. Farris, Larry and Mareita Ganoung, Miss Bernice Herron, Mrs. Archie Lambert, Lee Henderson, Don Stovall, Lester Whearty and Kenneth Olson. Members included Mrs. Charity James, Miss Marie Nanninga, Miss Helen Bernard, Miss Lorena Foreman, Mrs. Grant Meade, Mrs. Irene Cleveland, Mrs. Frank Page.Mrs. Rollin Gresser, Mrs. Dave Stitt, Mrs. Beulah Mclntyre, Mrs. L. B. Crow, Mrs. J. E.Watson, Miss Veda Whitney, Mrs. Thora Young, Mrs. John Stevens, Mrs. Adelle Bills, Mrs. C. W. Vorhies, Mrs. Lloyd Coberly, Mrs. Martin Whearty, Mrs. E. D. Hartzell and the hostesses. Mrs. L. B. Crow entertained the members of the Friendly Circle Class of the Methodist Church Wednesday for an all-day meeting. A covered dish luncheon was served at Noon. She was assisted by Mrs. Irene Cleveland and Mrs. Grant Meade. Mrs. Carrie Whitney had charge of the devotions. The thought for the day was "The Lord is My Strength and Salvation." Roll call was answered by quotations. The Minutes of the previous meeting were read and the treasurer's report given. A poem was given by Mrs. Joe Watson. The business session was conducted by the class president, and the meeting closed with benediction. Visitors were Mrs. Gertrude Meade, Mrs. Opal Olson and Kenneth, and Mrs. M. S. McElvain. Members attending included Mrs. Beulah Mclntyre, Mrs. L. P. Hartzell, Mrs. C. W. Vorhies, Mrs. W. E. Ellis, Mrs. Rose Myers, Mrs. Martin Whearty, Mrs. J. E. "Watson, Mrs E. D. Hartzell, Mrs. Iva Stitt, Mrs. Stella Henderson, Mrs Carrie Whitney, Miss Veda Whitney, Mrs. Thora Young, Mrs. John Stevens, Mrs. L. F. Page, Mrs. Loma Jamieson, Mrs. Noel Ganoung and Marietta, Mrs. Rollin Gresser, Mrs. C. E. Gresser, and Mrs. Adelle Bills The Friendly Circle Class of the Methodist church met at the home of Mrs. Dave Stitt, at Willard, Wednesday. She was assisted by Mrs. W. E. Ellis, Mrs. Mildred Martin and Mrs. E. D. Hartzell in serving a covered dish luncheon at noon. After lunch a business meeting was called by the president, Miss Veda Whitney. Minutes of the last meeting were read and the treasurer's report given. Roll call was answered by a Bible quotation. Mrs. L. P. Hartzell gave a very interesting report on her attendance at conference at Iola. New officers were elected, including Mrs. J. E. Watson, president; Mrs. Stella Henderson, vice-president Mrs. L. B. Crow, secretary-treasurer. Three officers are to be appointed. At this time the Circle friend of each member was revealed. The next meeting will be with Mrs. J. E. Watson on November 15. Present were Mrs. Dick Lewis, Mrs. Harley McCoid, Mrs. J. E. Watson, Mrs. L. B. Crow, Mrs. Frank Page, Mrs. Rose Myers, Mrs. Ethelyn Ferguson, Mrs. John Stevens, Mrs. Lee Henderson, Mrs. Rollin Gresser, Mrs. Irene Cleveland, Mrs. Jennie Rogers, Miss Veda Whitney, Mrs. Noel Ganoung and Mareita, Mrs. Tom Attebury, Mrs. L. P. Hartzell, Mrs. Ralph Page, Mrs. C. W. Vorhies, Mrs. Adelle Bills, Mrs. Amy Meade and Kenneth Olson Mrs. Loma Jamieson, Mrs. Thora Young and the hostesses. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource 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 RCL0599 http://recollectionsks.org/files/original/39637365ac75d4ec7e3dad1e6a3254d0.jpg 679445a77d3eb93887a2264a3d8ee50b 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 1943-1944 UMC W.S.C.S./Friendly Circle/W.M.S., Rossville, Kansas Description An account of the resource The W. S. C. S. met at the home of Mrs. Lloyd Coberly this Thursday afternoon. She was assisted by Mrs. Ben Rasch, Mrs. Rose Myers, Mrs. C. E. Gresser and Mrs. May Stiles, and Mrs. Harley McCoid. The meeting opened by singing, "Joy to The World." The scripture lesson was read from Luke 2:7-16, by Mrs. Laverne Spears. Business was conducted by the president, Mrs. Harley McCoid. Minutes were read and the treasurers report given. The missionary lesson given by Mrs. Spears was on the subject, "Needs for Christian Literature from Mexico, Cuba, Uruguay and South Africa." A discussion followed on the question "Does a Christian Ever Retire from their Duties to God?" A Christmas Gift exchange was enjoyed by the group. A mixed chorus of nine High school students sang several Christmas carols with Peggy Janette Navarre accompanying at the piano and Mrs. Irene Campbell on the violin. The music was lovely and everyone was happy to have the young folk sing. Refreshments were served and the members present included Mrs. Frank Page, Mrs. Allyn Hartzell, Mrs. C. S. Smith, Mrs. Ted Fields, Mrs. John Stevens, Mrs. Thora Young, Mrs. Charity James, Mrs. Frank Steffee, Miss Veda Whitney, Mrs. Irene Cleveland, Mrs. Vilanda Barney, Mrs. Joe Campbell, Mrs. Grant Meade, Mrs. Glen Sebring, Mrs. Ed Lambert, Mrs. Grant Meade, Mrs. E. D. Hartzell, Mrs. W. E. Ellis, Mrs. Laverne Spears, Mrs. Harley McCoid, Mrs. L. P. Hartzell, Mrs. Francis Martin, Mrs. Noel Ganoung, Larry and Mariette, Kenneth Olson and the group of young people who sang were, Helen Spears, Betty Countryman, Louise Marney, Peggy Navarre, Barbara McCoid, Virginia Parr, Billy Hesse, Dean Page, Buddy Martin, and Harold Sebring. The W. S. C. S. of the Methodist church met at the home of Mrs. Allyn Hartzell, this Thursday afternoon, Jan. 6. She was assisted by Mrs. Harley McCoid, Mrs. Francis Martin and Mrs. Kenneth Wingerd. The meeting opened by singing "I Need Thee Every Hour." Mrs. Thora Young accompanied at the piano. Prayers by Mrs. John Stevens and Mrs Charity James gave the affirmation of Faith. Mrs. C. E. Gresser read an article on Susanna Kinsey Salter, who as a native of Silver Lake and the first woman to be elected Mayor in U. S. This was at Argonia, Kansas. "Norfork in War" was given by Mrs. Amy Meade. Mrs. L. B. Crow, gave, "Women War Workers in Detroit." Business was conducted by the new president, Mrs. Lloyd Coberly. Minutes of the last meeting were read and the treasurers report was given The New Year books were given out and plans were made for the years work. Refreshments were served by the hostesses. Members present were, Mrs. Charity James, Mrs. Glen Sebring, Mrs. L. P. Hartzell, Mrs. Phillip Hartzell, Mrs. C. E. Gresser, Mrs. C. W. Vorhies, Mrs. Ed Lambert, Mrs. Grant Meade, Mrs. Thora Young, Miss Vida Whitney, Mrs. Frank Steffee, Mrs. Lloyd Cobely, Mrs. J. E. Watson, Mrs. E. D. Hartzell, Mrs. C. S. Smith Mrs. W. E. Ellis, Mrs. John Stevens, Mrs. L. B. Crow, Mrs. Joe Campbell, Mrs. Laverne Spears, Mrs. Vilanda Barney, Mrs. Noel Ganoung, Larry and Marieta and the hostesses. GALLOPING TEA? "What's a galloping tea?" one Rossville business man asked another, Monday morning. "Dunno; what do you think" was the reply. It seems the Methodist W. S. C. S. seemed to be sponsor of Monday's "gallop." It appears that a member of the society starts out (time of day or night immaterial), and notifies other members that a "'Galloping Tea" is imminent. The movement gathers momentum and by the time the ladies arrive at the home of the victim, there is quite a crowd. Mrs. Helen Wilt was called upon to furnish the tea. One of the conditions of going on a "Galloping Tea" is that the ladies called upon must go in the clothing they happen to be dressed in at the time of the call, or pay a nominal fine. The dangers: Mrs. Lloyd Coberly lost control While galloping to the, rendezvous in the vicinity of one member's home and fell flat on her back, sustaining injuries which incapacitated her the rest of the week. Mrs. Grover Kesler entertained the members of the W. M. S. of the Presbyterian Church at her home Thursday afternoon, January 27. Those attending were Mrs. Ethel Berry, Anna Wilt, Viola Trostle, Ethel Kerr Arlene Reid, Etta Gutshall, and a guest, Mrs. Alice Bacon. The program, outlined in the monthly magazine, was followed. Members with assignments responded, the theme for the month being “Singers of the Triumph of the Soul.” The February meeting with Mrs. Nellie Dannefer as hostess, will be one of importance and all members are asked to especially keep this in mind and attend. The meeting was closed in usual form after which the hostess served lunch during the social period. Mrs. Lloyd Coberly, assisted Mrs. Frank Page, and Mrs. Loma Jamieson, entertained the Friendly Circle Class of the Methodist Church at the Coberly home with a covered dish luncheon Wednesday noon. After the business meeting the afternoon was spent in Red Cross sewing and a short program given. Present were Mrs. Irene Cleveland, Mrs. L. B. Crow, Mrs. C. S. Smith, Mrs Charity James, Miss Vida Whitney, Mrs. Grant Meade Mrs Frank Steffee Mrs. Sam Cottle, Mrs. C. W. Vorhies, Mrs. Noel Ganoung, Larry and Marieta, Kenneth Olson, Mrs. Martin Whearty, Mrs. W. E. Ellis, Mrs. J. E. Watson, Mrs. Rose Myers, Mrs. E. D. Hartzell, Mrs. C. E. Gresser and the hostesses. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource 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 1943 - 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 RCL0598 http://recollectionsks.org/files/original/33eb8788b5865f0e8806b6b45e0afe35.jpg 0b56c01257ae7945fd8e36dba07e285b 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 1938 UMC Sunday School Class activities, Rossville, Kansas Description An account of the resource Mrs. Thora Young entertained her Sunday School class with a weenie roast Monday evening at her home. Members present were Lee Small, Bobbie Berry, Clay Young, Joan Patton, Marlene Maddox, Wilma Coke, Maxine Reed, Ardith Axelton, Ruth Spears, Jackie Lloyd. Guests present were Mrs. Whitney, Miss Veda Whitney, Mrs. A. F. Buchmeier and Betty Ann. All had a happy time with lots of good things to eat. Mrs. E. H. Gibson entertained the members of her Sunday School class Wednesday evening with a wiener roast. Members present were Josephine Barney, Vena Mae Countryman, Roberta Gibson, Ella May Hartford, Betty Countryman, Becky Patton, Velma Reed. Lillian Small, Donis Jean Cottle, Mary Ellen and Esther Page. Guests were Clara Belle Hartford, Dale Barney and Billy Hesse. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource 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 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 RCL0597 http://recollectionsks.org/files/original/b15d7e85ce39aba58f892774620de8e7.jpg 5156974e78982d5e0b2d47f15ffc81d0 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 1937 UMC Ladies Aid/Friendly Circle/ W.F.M., Rossville, Kansas Description An account of the resource Mrs. C. E. Van Vleck was hostess at a covered dish luncheon last Wednesday at her home for the M. E. ladies aid. The day was spent in working and planning for the annual dinner and bazaar to be held November 11 at 5:30 at the church. Those who attended were Mrs. Georgia Lambert of Silver Lake; Mrs. Bertha Cless, Mrs. Irene Cleveland, Mrs. Mary Bailey, Mrs. R. A. Shipley, Mrs. Adelia King, Mrs. Ray Simmons Mrs. A. S. Parr, Mrs. Kermit Patton, Mrs. Wm. Hesse, Mrs. C. E. Gresser. Mrs. M. O. Johnson, Mrs. T. L. Bouse, Mrs. Jennie Rogers, Mrs. John Stevens, Mrs. C. W. Vorhies, Mrs. Frank Steffee, Mrs. Carrie Whitney, Mrs. Thora Young, Miss Vida Whitney, Mrs. C. R. Kimerer, Miss Blanch Parr, Mrs. Frank Page, Mrs. A. F. Buchmeier, Mrs. Lois McConnell, Mrs. Walter Cormack, Mrs. Robert Meade, Mrs. J. W. Barney, Mrs. Van Vleck. The W. F. society of the Methodist church met at the church Wednesday afternoon and the following officers were elected: Mrs. Fern Rogers, president; Mrs. Belle Buchmeier, vice president; Mrs. Helena Bouse, treasurer, Mrs. Irene Cleveland, recording secretary and Mite box secretary; Mrs. Lena Gresser, correspondant secretary; Mrs. Amie Meade, extention secretary and Mrs. Annie Van Vleck, stewardship secretary. The Ladies Aid society of the M. E. church will serve a chicken pie supper in the church dining hall, Armistice Eve, November 11. Please keep this date in mind as this meal, in connection with a bazaar, will take the place of the regular annual election day event. The W. F. M. society of the Methodist church will meet Thursday, June 3rd, at 7:30 with Mrs. Chettie Howard. Mrs. Grant Meade will have charge of the lesson. Mrs. Irene Cleveland, secretary. The Friendly Circle class of the Methodist church met Wednesday with Mrs. Amy Meade. A lovely luncheon was served at noon. The day was spent piecing quilt blocks. Those present were, Mrs. John Stevens, Mrs. Jennie Rogers, Mrs. Charley Vorhies, Mrs. Robert Mead, Mrs. A. A. Cless, Mrs. Ethelyn Ferguson, Mrs. Mary Hartzell, Mrs.Rose Myers, Mrs. T. L. Bouse, Mrs. Irene Cleveland, Mrs. M. L. Whearty, Mrs. Axelton, Mrs. Frank Page. Visitors were: Mrs. Boyd from Texas, Henrietta Ferguson, Opal Mead, Mrs. F. Steffee, Lena Mead, Mrs. Martin Whearty. Mrs. Page won a lovely prize. The Friendly Circle Class of the Methodist church will have their covered dish luncheon on Wednesday, May 26th, with Mrs. Grant Meade. A full attendance is desired. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource 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 1937 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource All rights reserved Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RCL0596