HERITAGE

The opening statement is from the script for the 25^th Anniversary Celebration. )

In the beginning, there was God ------- and Dorothy Reeves!! They were both on the Christian Education Committee of the North Kansas City Presbyterian Church along with Rex Brown, Charles Reed, Dorothy Hunt, John Poison, and Max Porter. God was the charter member of the group and Wilbur Whiteside was the Pastor at that time.

They noticed there were a lot of new churches opening up in this area but children were playing around in yards on Sunday morning with no apparent place to go to Sunday School. God said: LET THE LITTLE CHILDREN COME UNTO ME FOR SUCH IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. And their eyes were opened. The Believers gathered together with prayer and faith to find a place to start a Sunday School Outpost.

Everyone was looking with God to find a suitable building. Then he directed them to the Bit and Spur Club just a short distance from this very Church. Someone said "But it is just a stable"! The Lord replied, "My son was born in a stable"! And they said no more. Each went his own way - gathering together Bibles, lesson material, and song books to bring a message of faith and love to the chosen place,

Palm Sunday, April 1I, 1954 was "Bell Ringer Day" for the starting of this church. The building had been cleaned and made ready. Hand bills had been passed out, door to door, inviting people to worship.

John Dawson stood at the door and rang a bell. Men, women, and children came. God's blessing was on the 30 souls who attended that day. The Bit and Spur was a learning experience in many ways. Aside from the fact that it was a stable and riding club. it was a social center for its members. Paul Neidig, Warren Rogers, John Dawson, and Ed ]Elliott elected to prepare the place for Sunday School after Saturday night's revelry. Upon entering the room, they called upon the lord saying "GOOD LORD", look at this mess! Whiskey bottles, beer bottles, cigarette stubs, and trash all over the floor. This place smells to high heaven!!! To which the Lord answered them saying: " I have seen the affliction of my people and I have beard their cry. I will come to deliver them and I will bring them to a new place: a place flowing with cleanliness and beauty. Lo! Prepare ye the way of the Lord!"

So the bell rang, the word spread and the people came. The Chapel was organized officially, Sunday, March ~9th, 1955.

Mr. Paul Hopwood, a pre-ministerial student at William Jewel College, came to be a part-time Minister. Previously, Judge Keller Bell, of Liberty, and Rex Brown, as well as other men from the area, had brought the Sunday message. Nov. 1, 1954, Mr. Hopwood came to the mission to be a full time student supply. At this time the average attendance was about 110 for both Sunday School and worship. Florence McGinnis, sister to Evelyn Rogers Guthrie, came from Bethel, Kansas to play the piano.

Mrs. Lyle Brown organized a youth choir. The chancel choir had four members; Dorothy and Melvin Reeves, Delores Dawson, and Betty Neidig. The church office was five blocks away at the Roger's home. It was a moving experience to be a part of that church, literally. Every Sunday, books and babies play pens, art work, Sunday School supplies, all the paraphnalia needed to conduct a service had to be gathered together, taken into the chapel, and then taken back home again.

James Lowe was the first Sunday School Superintendent. He never knew where it was going to be held, sometimes even on the bleachers used for the horse shows. The first Family Night Dinner was at the home of Mildred and Paul Neidig. The first Easter Egg hunt was on their lawn. Mildred was the first President of the Women of the Church when it was organized the following year.

The time had come to choose a name for the Chapel. At that particular meeting, there were four men present whose name was "Paul". Had they been vain, this may very well have been "St. Paul's Presbyterian Church" Since there was an East, West, and Southminster, it was decided this would be "Northminster", thus indicating location and giving the church a meaningful name since Northminster means a chapel or abbey in the north.

One year later, in April 1455, a committee was appointed to purchase land on which to build. Warren Rogers was Chairman. They were directed to this tract of land. Five acres were purchased by the Upper Missouri Presbytery. Even then, a wee small voice was saying, "Don't Skimp on the Kitchen". But their ears did no t hear.

The Bit and Spur Club was to be sold, so a move was made to the Golden Oaks School. A short time later, the remodeling of classrooms at the school made it necessary to set up shop at Big Shoals School. The first Bible School was conducted in May, 1955, with enrollment of 46 children.

July 1st, 1955, the Rev. Charles Owens became the first permanent minister, transferring from Shawnee Presbyterian Church in Louisville, KY with his 17 yr. old daughter, Elizabeth. Mrs. Owens was deceased. Having had a wide experience in starting new churches, and being a former salesman, he was instrumental in reaching many new people. When he saw a moving van unloading furniture, he would be knocking on the door almost before they could hang the bird cage and let the cat out of its carrier

, Dorothy Reeves was the first music and choir director. One of her most memorable experiences was the morning she was playing "Safely Through Another Week" while the choir was singing "Oh Day of Rest and Gladness"

The Lord said "BUILD ME A CHURCH". So the people got busy making plans for a new Church building. Earl and Dorothy Service were on the committee that engaged architects Monroe & LefIever to draw up plans. Again a wee small voice said "Don't Skimp on the Kitchen" ,--------but their ears did not hear.

The ground breaking ceremony was July 2Sth 1956. From that time forward, the congregation spent a lot of time first gazing into the hole for the foundation and then observing as every stick and stone was laid in place. Much of the interior work was done by the men of the church.

The first service was held in the new building on Sunday, Nov. 18th. The congregation was escorted from Big Shoals School by the police, with sirens and horns blowing "making a joyful noise unto the Lord". A week later, on Nov. 2Sth the dedication ceremony was held. With a lump in his throat, Rev. Whiteside beamed with pride at everyone.

Under the direction of Bob McArthur, Scout Commissioner, a Boy Scout troop was formed. Troup 288, of Northminster, has always had a great impact on our community. The Troop has produced many Life and Eagle Scouts over the years. Two of our members, George McKinney and Jack Phillips have been responsible for the success of the troop and have received many awards themselves for outstanding service to the Boy Scouts.

The first Men of the Church group was organized with Borden Stoll as president. Another interesting fact - the first church budget was $ 4,418.55. In the spring of 1957,

Rev. Owens requested release from this church to join the St. Louis Presbytery and his wish was granted.. A Pulpit Committee was elected, with Evelyn Rogers Guthrie as Chairwoman, to seek a minister. With prayerful consideration, Rev. Grey Dashen was selected, coming from Grace Presbyterian Church in Crystal City, MO ,Jan. 5th, 1957.

Rev. Dashen endeared himself to the congregation by his gracious, kindly manner and deep concern for his flock. He had a great love of music. Anew piano and the first church organ were purchased during this time. The first Bible Studies were started during his ministry. It was with Thanksgiving the church property was paid off and the deed, with clear title, recorded.

In July of 1960, a request was granted to Rev. Dashen to terminate his ministry here and answer a call to First Presbyterian Church in Oberlin, Kansas.

Homer Orr chaired the pulpit committee to find the right man to fill the vacancy. Divine Guidance led them just across the river to the South Presbyterian Church and Rev. Robert Boston.

Sunday, Oct. 2nd, 1960, Rev. Boston was installed as our fourth minister, (We were training them pretty fast there for a while). Bob, Rose, and 10 month old Robin moved into the manse, and into our lives and our hearts, like clockwork. Rusty was born 2 years later. Their youth and sincerity was an inspiration and challenge to everyone.

The Church grew. The first paid Choir Director was hired, Ann Davidson. Lindy Bennett established our first Church library. The nice tradition of the Thanksgiving Breakfast was begun. Sunday School classes were held everywhere including the manse basement.

We were outgrowing our facilities, so a Building Committee was appointed, ably led by Homer Orr, Dorothy Service, and others to form long range plans for church development. With prayer, time, talent, and commitment, $72,000.00 was pledged to build what we now use as a fellowship hall, but at that time it was our sanctuary.

Jan. 10, 1965, ]Rev. Boston requested his pastoral relationship be dissolved as be was to become a Chaplin in the U. S. Army. On Jan. 31st~ a farewell reception was given in his honor.

Another pulpit committee was formed with Bob Slentz as chairman, to seek a minister. The good Lord had messed around with us until he was tired of it, so, he sent Rev. William Vaughan from the church in Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina. He came with Beccy and the children; Will, Alan, and Amy. Five years later, Morgan was born.

For 18 years, Bill lived among us with quiet dignity and a warm sense of humor. Strong in his faith, he guided this church with a steady hand to fulfill it's work as a Mission Church. The largest Communicants class in the history of Northminster entered the membership in April, 1966. Thirty six young people were added to the rolls of the church.

Attendance climbed and the need for more room was apparent; meaning another building fund campaign was just around the corner. Homer Orr, Dorothy Service and others worked with H. P. Demand to raise money for the new addition. The end result is the south wing of the building. A fine addition for Sunday School rooms, lounge, restrooms, and a bit of breathing space.

Bill encouraged benevolent giving. At one point he wrote a letter saying "Take a look at your own commitment. If it doesn't look too Christian, make it Christian" Under the guidance and influence of Rev. Vaughan two young men , Ray Smith and Steve Miller, entered the Ministry.

Rev, Vaughan was called to the Church Triumphant on Feb. 2nd, 1983. He was greatly loved and greatly missed.

On the advice of Presbytery, Northminster was without a full time minister for a year. A Pulpit Committee was finally given permission to begin the search for a Minister. John Barco, chairman, and his committee gave prayerful consideration before bringing the Rev. Paul Swedlund to fill the pulpit. Paul, Andrea and Scott came to us from Philadelphia, PA where Rev. Swedlund was Pastor of the St. Luks United Church of Christ. We was accepted by the Missouri Presbytery and declared Presbyterian. Me was installed at Northminster Jan. 29th, 1984.

Faithful attention to the needs of the church and its mission in the community and the world resulted in the fourth building program. Again a committee was formed, headed by Homer Orr, On October 25th, 1987 ground was broken for a new sanctuary. The building program also included remodeling the existing structure to create additional classrooms, an enlarged kitchen and a fellowship hall. The cross that hangs in the chancel was made by Jack Phillips. The eight art glass windows in the sanctuary were given by members as memorials to loved ones. The building was dedicated on October 30, 1988 with Rev. Wilbur Whiteside presiding.

In 1989 the J.O.Y. Group (Just Older Youth) was organized at Northminster with Lloyd and Jean Thrapp as Co-ordinators. This is a monthly social gathering for senior citizens and retired persons, It has been a very popular program and has reached out to many people, not just members of the church.

Also at this time, members of the congregation started a "Meals On Wheels" route and continue with this project today.

On September 20th, 1990 groundbreaking was held for the Safehaven Shelter for battered families to be built on the church property. Pastor Swedlund who was active in community affairs felt this was a very important gift that Northminster could give to the community. The Shelter has since been enlarged and serves a good purpose in the Northland.

A Bell Choir was organized after the Memorial Fund of Della Mae Reynolds was earmarked to purchase the bells. The Bell Choir has grown over the years and is a very important part of the music program at Northminster.

On August 17, 1994 Pastor Paul Swedlund met his maker when he fell to his death while mountain climbing. He loved to climb mountains, it was a challenge as were so many things in his life, and he had made it known that when his time came to go be with Jesus that was the way he wanted to go. Paul was part of everybody's family in the church and loved by all those who knew him. Under his guidance, Northminster had grown, especially the Christian Education and Youth Ministries programs. He was greatly missed by all, but Northminster continued on with the efforts of the loving, caring people who make up this Church.

At this time the Rev. Barry Robinson came to be our Interim Minister. He retired from the Lawson Presbyterian Church one week and came to Northminster the next. He answered our urgent call for help and endeared himself to Northminster's congregation.

At this time a committee was appointed to search for a permanent Pastor. The members \were Amy Clapham, Bonnie Grabowski, Rich Luther, Tim Asby, Gen Masters, and Mark McGehan.

On September I7th, 1995 a congregational meeting was held to accept the recommendation of the committee to call Dr, James Alien Thompson as our new minister, We welcomed our new pastor Jim Thompson and his wife, Jane. Dr. Thompson was installed on Dec. 10th, 1995 and his last Sunday in the pulpit was May ~8th, 1997.

On September 23rd and 24th, 1995 Northminster celebrated its 40th Anniversary. This gathering was attended by many former members and Ministers. The gallery of pictures of all our ministers in the narthex was completed and unveiled at this time.

In 1996 the "Friends of Music" were able to purchase the beautiful Steinway grand piano for the sanctuary. The purchase was made possible by many fund raising events, contributions from Memorial Funds and a most generous gift from Mr. Claude L. Woods,

In 1998, Dr. Clark Hargus, on recommendation from the Presbytery became our Interim Minister. Under Dr. Hargus guidance the congregation developed a vision for our church as follows:

REFORMED TRADITION, IS ENTHUSIASTICALLY COMMITTED TO FAITHFULLY SERVING

GOD AND TO GROWING BY; JOYFULLY SHARING THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST;

In May 1998 we celebrated the building debt retirement and "Miracle Sunday" which raised $49,000.00 in one day for future needs of the Church.

In 1998 Alarice Jones became Director of Music and still serves in that capacity. The music department has grown under her leadership.

In January, 1999 a Pastor nominating committee was selected and approved by the congregation. On Sept. 12, 1999 this committee recommended the calling of Rev. R Michael McDowell to our new pastor. The congregation approved and Rev. McDowell started his pastorate at Northminster Nov, 1, 1999 coming to Kansas City from Iowa where he had been serving as an Interim Pastor,

In the same month a family night dinner was held to honor departing interim Dr. Clark Hargus and Julia. The people of Northminster were grateful for the efforts of Dr. Hargus to unite our congregation and lead us forward.

In 2000 a mid-week program for grade school children was started called the "Pioneer Club" We continued to share special services with the First Presbyterian Church of North Kansas City at Easter, Advent, and other religious holidays. Also in 2000an emphasis was placed on Missions and the 2nd Sunday of each month was set aside as Missions Sunday. In October, 2003 a contemporary worship service was started on Sunday morning as requested by the Youth Ministries.

In February 2004, the late Thelma Flathers was honored on her birthday for her 35 years service as Nursery attendant at Northminster. Many of "Her Children" attended.

In May 2004 a new project was started by the church, a Memorial Garden was planted on the church property.

In September, 2004, Rev. McDowell answered a call to serve as Interim Pastor in Joplin ,MO. Once again we found ourselves without a minister, Dr. Clark Hargus graciously stepped in to help us while a committee searched for an Interim. We feel very fortunate that Dr. Bob Magee answered our call and became our Interim pastor the First of April, 2005.

This brings us to April 23rd and 24th, 2005 when we gratefully thank God for the opportunity to hold this Jubilee celebration, 50 years at Northminster.

This is but a brief glimpse of the history of Northminster Presbyterian Church. So much more could be said about the faith of the souls who have been a part of this family of God's people. How blessed we are to be the inheritors of their faith.

The future lies ahead and there is more history to be written, The clergymen who have had their names on the sign out in front have been a great part of our story. The Elders and Deacons are unsung heroes who make the wheels go around. The Women of the Church are the backbone of the congregation. The youth, the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, the Choirs and the Sunday School all are an important part of this Mission.

We pray that we may have enough vision to keep reaching; we may have enough love for mankind to keep busy; and enough grace to be humble.

We may have enough Love for mankind to keep busy:

And enough Grace to be humble.----

(NOTE - This history was revised and updated by Dottie Hagan and Delores Eylar in 2005 for Northminster's Jubilee celebration.)

The following up was written by Mrs. Delore Eylar and adderd inJuoy of 2007.

In April, 2005 Dr. Robert Magee was chosen to serve as our Interim Pastor. Under his able leadership our numbers have grown and many of our programs have expanded.

In April, 2005 the Session voted to honor Rev. Wilbur Whiteside with the title of Pastor Emeritus in recognition for his many years of service to northland churches.

A new director was chosen for the Northminster Pre-School, Lynn Wollard. The pre-school is a very important part of Northminster, offering excellant early learning opportunities for children in the area.

In May of 2005 Bonnie Grabowski was appointed to serve as Associate Minister of Adult Education.

The Memorial Garden located outside the windows of the fellowship hall has added beauty to the Church grounds. It includes many flowers, shrubs, 4 "Memorial Benches" and a fountain. This project was headed by Rich and Mary Thompson.

We enjoy annual happenings at Christmas time that are special to our Church family. The "Hanging of the Greens" and many Advent services bring us together to celebrate the birth of Jesus. This is also a time when we have a renewed appreciation for our wonderful music program directed by Alarice Jones-Corrao with music by the vocal choir and the bell choir.

At Easter time we participate in many Lenten services in our own Church and together with other congregations in the area.

Our Missions program has grown considerably the last few years. Just a few of the programs we support:

Metropolitan Lutheran Ministries

Habitat for Humanity

Presbyterian Disaster Fund

Jean Ford Memorial Heifer Fund

Jamaican Medical Mission

A MIssion trip to the Choctaw Indian Reservation to build a hall

Many of the programs referred to earlier in this history are successfully continuing to be a part of our Church program. The Joy Group, The Women of the Church, The Pre-School, our outstanding Music program, and the Computer Club offer something of interest to every member.

We presently have one of our members, Collins Hunter, in the Seminary studying for the ministry.

On July 1, 2007 Jim Cole, Chairman of the Pastor Nomination Committee presented to the congregation Rev. Seth Wheeler to become our new permanent pastor. The congregation voted unanimously to accept this recommendation. Rev. Wheeler accepted the call and will bring his family to Northminster from a church in Wynne, Arkansas filling the pulpit beginning Aug. 1, 2007.

We are thankful for the 2 years we have had with Dr. Magee and his wife Shirley. They have earned a special place in all our hearts.

We are now looking forward to a new chapter in the life of Northminster.

HISTORY