Family Album, Vol. II | Kansas Methodism History

kansas methodism

(Church Histories)

LENEXA

UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

1869 to 1969

First building in 1918 of Lenexa Methodist Church

The history of the Lenexa United Methodist Church dates back to 1866 when this territory was known as Baldwin City District, Olathe Circuit. Eighty to ninety members were served by James H. Rapp at four points: Pleasant Prairie, Olathe, Williams and Hammond. As early as 1860 some Classe Meetings were being held in these places but the troubled conditions of the times were not conducive to stable organizations. Bushwhackers were ever running the country, murdering and robbing to such an extent that it was not safe for a Methodist preacher to travel through this part of the state. In 1869 a class was organized at Lenexa consisting of 5 female members. During the year it increased to fifty. Services were held in a school house one half mile south of town. During the year of 1867, an attempt was made at building a parsonage. However, this was a discouraging year for the local farmers as grasshoppers had invaded the area. This pressure of the times and the lack of unanimity as to the location of the building caused the attempt to fail. The first church building was erected in 1878 where the present building now stands.

(you may click on the images for larger pictures)

The present sanctuary was completed in 1924 at a cost of $25,000.00 and much volunteer labor. When the mortgage was burned in 1943 a big celebration was held. At that time there were ninety-seve active members. With the rapid rise of population in northeast Johnson County and the growth of the church, building expansion became a necessity. The fellowship Hall and educational unit were dedicated in 1956. In 1964 a new parsonage was purchased. In September, 1968, ground was broken for a building addition that will include offices, classrooms, lounge, new main entrance and narthex to the sanctuary. Major remodeling of the sanctuary also will take place. As church and community growth continues, Methodists look to the future with eager expectation. In August of 1969 there are approximately 792 members.

(the pictures that accompany this text were scanned from photocopies of the originals)

. Cast members of a play by Lenexa Methodist Church between 1915-20

(Front Row) Frank Legler, Tom Cobb, Clark Switzer, Americ Grey, Geo. Wolf, Mr. Ernest Dickerson, Mr. Roy Legler, Mrs. Dewey Towner, Mrs. Roy Legler, Mrs. Harry Ehyart, Mrs. Albert Wedd.

Index to Church Histories

This site is maintained by Linda Morgan Clark, MTh., a United Methodist ministerial member of First United Methodist Church, Muskogee, Oklahoma, Oklahoma Conference of The United Methodist Church. It is not the official webpage for Lenexa United Methodist Church, Lenexa, Kansas. See Lenexa United Methodist official website

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