Jackson County, Missouri - Chapter 17: Social Development of Kansas City, 1881 (part 1 of 2)

Chapter 17: Social Development of Kansas City

The History of the Press - Local Societies - Masons - Odd Fellows - Knights of Pythias - Other Secret Orders - The Churches, Schools and Social Institutions.

Tht Journal was established by a stock company composed of William Gillis, W. S. Gregory, H. M. Northrup, J. S. Chick, M. J. Payne, Dr. B. Troost, E. M. McGee, Thompson McDaniels and Robt. Campbell, and made its first appearance in October, 1854, under the name of The Kansas City Enterprise, with D. K. Abeel, Esq., as printer and business manager, and WiUiam A. Strong, Esq., as editor. One previous attempt had been made by a Mr. Kennedy to establish a paper called the Public Ledger but it failed, and its failure led to the organization of the above named company. In October, 1855, Col. R. T. Van Horn purchased the paper and took editorial charge. In 1857 its name was changed to The Western Journal of Commerce. About this time Col. Van Horn took into copartnership with him Mr. D. K. Abeel, who had remained with the paper from its first issue. In June, 1858, a telegraph line having been built from St. Louis to Boonville, Messrs. Van Horn & Abeel made arrangements for telegraphic reports, receiving them by express from Boonville, and established a daily edition, which made its first appearance on the isth of June, 1858. In the summer of i860 Col. Van Horn sold his interest in the paper to Mr. Abeel, but continued his editorial connection with it until the war broke out in 1861. Mr. Abeel continued the publication of the .paper as sole proprietor until June 14, 1863, when he sold it to T. Dwight Thacher, now editor of the Lawrence, Kansas, fournal. It was suspended, on account of the war, March 7th, 1861, and continued suspended for about a year, though it was issued as a daily news bulletin from May i6th to August 20th, 1861. March 23d, 1865, Mr. Thacher sold the paper, Col. Van Horn and A. H. Hallowell being the purchasers.

On the 2d of March, 1867, Col. Van Horn having been elected to Congress, retired from the paper, and on the 28th of April following, Mr. Hallowell sold it to Messrs. Foster, Wilder & Co. On the 9th of March, 1870, Col. Wilder was shot and killed by James Hutchinson, about a personal matter, and Mr. Abeel again became connected with the paper by the purchase of the interests held by Col. Wilder and Smith Baker. On the 30th of August, 187 1, Col. Van Horn purchased the interest of C. G. Foster, and on the 15th of February, 1872, the Journal Company was organized and incorporated under the State laws. CoJ. Van Horn continuing as editor, Mr. Abeel continued as business manager until August 9th, 1872, when he disposed of his stock in the company and was succeeded by Isaac P. Moore, Esq. Mr. Abeel, Chas. N. Brooks, M. H. Stevens and W. A. Bunker purchased a controlling interest in the paper and took charge of it August 8th, 1877, Col. Van Horn retaining his interest and continuing as editorin-chief. On the loth of January, 1881, Messrs. Abeel, Brooks and Bunker retired, and A. J. Blethen became business manager.

Since its first issue, under Col. Van Horn's management, in October, 1855, the Journal has been an able and influential paper. From that date it became thoroughly and fully devoted to Kansas City's commercial development, and has since been a most potent and watchful advocate. During the years intervening prior to the war its columns teemed with projects and schemes for the ad- vancement of the city, and among these was outlined and developed every railroad project which Kansas City has realized. And in subsequent years it has been none the less ardent and devoted in the development of other projects calculated to advance Kansas City's commercial welfare. At the same time it has alvvays stood prominent as a newspaper, careful and consistent in its positions, and newsy, without being sensational. It was Democratic until the war, and supported Douglas, in i860, since which time it has been one of the leading Republican papers of Missouri.

Its stock is now $40,000, and during the past year has sold at a high premium. It owns Its own building, an elegant structure on the corner of Sixth and Delaware streets, worth probably $50,000. It is issued daily, tri-weekly, and weekly, and has a very large circulation, considering the population of the city in which it is published, the daily alone averaging nearly 10,000 per day. To print this large edition it now runs a Scott-Webb Perfecting press, the third of its kind set up in the United States. It receives the paper in a continuous roll, prints it on both sides from stereotyped plates at the rate of 15,000 per hour, and delivers it folded for the mail or carrier. The position of the Journal in public esteem is unsurpassed by any western paper, and in influence, character, and circulation, it stands at the head of Missouri Valley journals.

On Tuesday morning, September 8, 1868, the first number of The Kansas City Times was issued. In starting the Times there was experienced that risk which every journalist that attempts to establish a new paper, encounters. For some time after its first issue the venture did not prove a succeess financially, but its later managers possessing a determination to succeed, in time placed it on a solid foundation.

The first paper was an eight-column folio, the size of the sheet being 26^x 44 inches. At its head it bore the national Democratic ticket for president and vice-president, and also for State officers. B. R. Drury & Co., were proprietors. On December 22, 1868, the paper changed hands, dnd a company was organized under the name of The Kansas City Times Publishing Company Messrs. Wm. E. Dunscombe, Chas. Durfee, J. D. Williams and R. B. Drury were elected directors. Mr. Williams served as business manager, and Messrs. John C. Moore and John N. Edwards, editors. In April of 1869, Mr. James E. Mc- Henry was installed business manager, and held the position until June 38th of the same year, when he was succed by C. E. Chichester. On September 29th, 1869, the office was removed to the corner of Fifth and Main streets, and on February 20th, 1870, the company was dissolved and the paper sold at public sale. Mr. Chas. Dougherty, of Independence, together with John C. Moore and John N. Edwards, were the purchasers. The paper moved along with varying fortunes until the 20th of August, 1871, when it again changed hands, and passed under the management that has controlled it since that time. Amos Green was elected president ; Thos H. Mastin, treasurer, and M. Munford, secretary and general manager of the new company. John N. Edwards was made editor-in-chief. In September of that year the Times removed to commodious quarters on Missouri avenue, betweeen Main and Delaware streets. On January 3d. 1872, the paper appeared in a new dress and enlarged to a nine-column folio. With that issue an extensive review of Kansas City was given in a supplement. The great panic of '73 was safely passed, and after the gloomy days the Times smiled happy and serenely. In April, 1872, Messrs. Mastin transferred their interests to Messrs. Green and M. Munford, and later Mr. J. E. Munford acquired an interest. In May of 1875, Mr. Green sold his interest to Messsrs. Munford. The "Old Times Publishing Company" was then dissolved, and on November 29, 1875, the property was transferred to the present organization,

"The Kansas City Times Company," which Messrs. Munford, in connection with Mr. Samuel Williams, had organized. Upon the retirement of the latter in 1878 his stock was purchase by the company. The directors of the company after Mr. Williams' retirement were James E. Munford, Morrison Munford and Chas. E. Hasbrook; and the officers were James E. Munford, President; M. Munford, Secretary and General Manager; and Chas. E. Hasbrook, Vice-President and Business Manager.

The enterprise of the Times has been marked. It was the originator of the great Oklahoma movement for the purpose of opening up the Indian Territory ; m 1876 it published a nine column twenty page review of Kansas City; it controlled a special train carrying its own papers containing the proceedings of the Kansas Legislature, between Kansas City and Topeka ; on the 15th of September, of the Centennial year, it established a branch office at Denver, Colorado, publishing a Colorado edition during the presidential campaign ; and previous to the nomination of a Democratic candidate for the Presidency 1876, it published an edition in St. Louis in opposition to the nomination of Samuel J. Tilden. These wonderful enterprises characterized the Times as the New York Herald of the west.

On the 20th of August of the present year, the Times will have been under the sole control and management of the present general manager for ten consecutive years. From a mere shell of a newspaper when he took it in August 187 1, it has grown and increased steadily, keeping pace with the growth of the city and section until now it is pre-eminently one of the "institutions" of Kansas City. It occupies its own building on Fifth street between Main and Delaware, where it has one of the finest counting-rooms in the city - and a thoroughly equipped outfit of machinery, presses, etc., required to publish its immense circulation. It is a newspaper establishment that any city of 100,000 inhabitants might well feel proud of.

The Evening Mail Publishing Company was incorporated as a stock company May 4th, 1875, by a few prominent business men of Kansas City, with E. L. Martin as President and John C. Gage as Treasurer, having for its object the publication of a journal opposed to the movements of the water works clique as it then existed. Col. John C. Moore was acting editor-in-chief.

In April, 1876, Mr. E. L. Martin resigned his official connection with the company, M. James T. Kelley being elected to the vacancy. John C. Gage and T. V. Bryant also resigned as directors, their places being supplied respectively by Col. John C. Moore and Frank Grice. Messrs. Moore, Kelley and Grice, all practical newspaper men, having come into possession of the stock, were publishers and proprietors of the Evenihg Mail.

On April 29th, 1876, a re-organization of the company was effected, and at a meeting of the directory John C. Moore was elected President, Frank Grice Secretary, while J. T. Kelley held as Director and Business Manager.

On the 7th of May, 1877, Joseph B. Strickland was admitted to the company, and held the practical position of foreman of the mechanical department and was elected director. Meantime Mr. Grice had retired, his stock having passed through W. Scott Ford to Strickland. Col. Moore was yet president of the company, while the secretaryship had fallen to J. T. Kelley, upon the retirement of Frank Grice. On the above date the title of the company was changed to "The Mail Publishing Company," the word " Evening " at the same time disappearing from the title page of the paper. At a meeting held November 2 2d, 1877, Col. Moore resigned his connection and retired from the Mail, having assigned his stock to Messrs. Strickland & Kelley. Mr. J. B. Strickland was chosen president and Mr. A. D. Gerard secretary of the company. A new pro- prietorship was effected December 3, 1877, by the purchase from Messrs. Kelley & Strickland of a controlling interest in the stock by Messrs. A. A. Whipple and T. Ambert Haley, the latter becoming president and Mr. Strickland, who still held an interest, being secretary. The organization took on a better working shape than it had presented since the first few months of its history, and the forward movement of the paper indicated the results. . Mr. tialey took active position as business manager, Mr. Whipple as treasurer, and Mr. Strickland as head of the typographical department.

On the 6th of May, 1878, A. A. Whipple transferred a portion of his stock to his brothers, B. F. and Wayne Whipple, after which the organizatian stood as follows :

September 4, 1878, Mr. T. A. Haley and Whipple Bros, having sold their interests in the Kansas City Mail to S. M. Ford and Samuel Williams, Mr. Haley tendered his resignation as director and business manager. Mr. Ford was elected to these vacancies and the secretaryship. Messrs. Whipple also retired. On the day following an election was held with the following result :

On the 20th of January, 1879, the interest of S. M. Ford was purchased by John C. Shea and Col. Williams, and a few months later the interest of J. B. Strickland was bought by W. L. Campbell.

The organization of the Mail Publishing Company, as it now exists, is John C. Shea, President ; Samuel Williams, Secretary. Directors - Samuel Williams, John C. Shea, W. P. Campbell. The above gentlemen occupy the following positions on the paper :

The growth of the Mail\\as, been remarkable. In the winter of 1878-9 the Mail suffered severely from the effects of fire. The present management found the material of the paper in ashes and cinders. The expense of fitting up a respectable place of business on Missouri avenue was considerable, but the increase of business in the spring and summer of 1859 cleared the office of indebtedness and left a margin for future operations. So flattering was the outlook in the beginning of the present year that a new three-revolution Hoe press was ordered and a removal to a more commodious building determined upon.

The Evening Star

Recognizing the fact that Kansas City had become a metropolis and should have metropolitan adjuncts, Messrs. M. R. Nelson and S. E. Morss, formerly proprietors of the Fort Wayne (Ind.) Sentinel, came to this city in the fall of 1880 and established The Evening Star, a low priced afternoon journal, similar in size and style to those which have proved so popular and profitable in all the other large cities of the country. The first number of The Evening Star appeared on the 1 8th of September. The paper was a success from the beginning, and at once secured a very large circulation. This has constantly increased, and the business of the paper has grown so rapidly that on the first of March it was enlarged and removed to more commodious and convenient quarters at No. /4 West Fifth street, where it is at present located.

The Evening Star has achieved a remarkable success, which its publishers ^scribe to the fact that it is enterprising, thoroughly independent in politics, and furnished at a very low price. It is now well established on a firm basis, and is universally recognized as one of the institutions of Kansas City.

The history of this paper has been the history of the commercial growth of Kansas City and the live stock interest of the New West. The driving of Texas cattle to Kansas having reached such importance by 1871 as to attract capital and general attention that a publication in support of this growing trade was suggested, the Drover, a small folio paper, was started under the auspices of the railroads, Frank L. Hise, editor. It ran eighteen months, when it changed hands. Henry Dickson took it and changed its name to the Cattle Trail, making a more general advocate of the live stock business tributary to this market. In 1874 it was again sold, E. W. Perry, now of Chicago, becoming its purchaser. Our jobbing commission trade had grown by this time to considerable importance. Messrs. Perry & Co. made their paper more general in character and called it the Price Current and Live Stock Reporter. The paper at once took its stand among the first commercial journals of the west, and soon made for itself a high reputation. In 1875, the publishers, Messrs. Ramsey, Millett & Hudson, purchased a half interest, and the year following, bought full control. Charles E. Hasbrook, now business manager of the Kansas City Times, was given its business management and A. D. Simons became its editor, and the paper was steadily pushed forward. It had by this time won for itself a permanent place among the leading papers of its kind in the west and the recognized exponent of trade matters and the live-stock interest of this section. It was enlarged to a six column folio in 1876, and in the fall of 1879 changed into a six column quarto and enlarged its scope, the rapid settling up of the country west of us and its development opening up new fields of labor and necessitating a broader conduct of the paper. All matters pertaining to the material interest of the New West is now touched upon. The blooded stock and agricultural interests receive increased attention and commercial matters are more liberally treated.

About the beginning of the year 1878, Messrs. Hasbrook and Simons both withdrew and Cuthbert Powell, Esq., took charge of the editorial management of the paper and has conducted its columns since, with constantly increasing interest.

This publication was established on the 4th day of April, 1878, by Messrs. Etue, Holmes & Simons, as a six-column commercial journal, giving special attention to the grain, live stock and produce markets of Kansas City, and the live stock and agricultural interests of the country commercially tributary thereto. Messrs. Etue and Simons, who had special charge of the editorial conduct of the paper, were both well known in the city as superior commercial reporters, both having, at different times, filled that department of the Kansas City Times, and Mr. Simons more lately having been identified with the Price Current. \Vith such a start, and with such editors, the new journal was successful from the first beyond the expectations of its publishers. They owned and conducted a job printing office, in connection with the publication of the Indicator until the first of December, 1878, when the copartnership was dissolved, Mr. Holmes retiring and taking the job office, leaving the Indicator to Messrs. Etue and Simons. About three weeks afterward the office was destroyed by fire, but such was the energy and enterprise of the publishers that they procured new material, and continued their paper and the market circular issued in connection with it, without the loss of an issue. In April, 1879, the paper was enlarged to seven columns to the page, and since that time the pressure of has been accommodated by the use of smaller type, the publishers preferring this course to making their paper too large and unwieldly for the reader.

In January, 1880, the Indicator published a very complete statistical review of the live stock and grain trades, and of the general commerce and trade of Kansas City. Its reports of the Kansas City rijiarkets are used daily by the Western Associated Press, and as authority on markets and commercial intelligence generally, it occupies a leading position among western commercial journals. It has now become a large and valuable interest, and like most of the great papers of the country, has been built up with its own earnings. Such is its standing that its opinions are freely quoted by the great dailies of St. Louis, Chicago, New York, and other cities.

In addition to the Indicator, Messrs. Etue and Simons publish the Merchants Exchange Daily Indicator and Daily Live Stock Report, both of which were eistab- 11 shed by Mr. P. D. Etue, in January, 1877. The Daily Live Stock Report was the first publication of the kind in Kansas City, and is now the only one, though several others have been brought into existence and died, since it was established.

This publication was first issued in February 1877 by Col. Theodore S. Case, and has been successfully maintained as a monthly scientific magazine. It is now in its fifth year in an enlarged and improved form. The idea of the publication was thus stated by the editor in the first issue.

"The increasing taste for scientific study which now-a-days manifests itself among all classes of readers, and the evident impossibility of any considerable number of them being able to spare the time necessary to examine the score of journals and magazines devoted to its special branches and subjects, have given rise to the belief that a periodical consisting of a careful resume of the most important inventions, discoveries and treaties of eminent, practical workers in the various departments of science and industry would be a convenience and of service to such persons, and might meet with sufficient encouragement to make it a success." * * * "As announced in our prospectus, this periodical will -have for its object the popularizing of Science, and will be devoted to the interests of the artisan, the mechanic, the farmer and the household as well as of the more scientific reader."

The Review has been carefully conducted with close reference to this idea, and has met with the approbation and support of many of the best and most prominent scientists of this country and of Europe, many of whom have contributed original articles to its columns. It has also been the recipient of a great many compliments from the most noted scientific magazines and journals of the world.

Owing to the liberality of the Kansas City people, who feel it their duty, and make it a matter of pride to support every worthy enterprise originating here, it has succeeded beyond the publishers expectations, and is almost self-sustaining, the editor taking such pleasure in the work as to induce him to make up its deficiences rather than discontinue its publication. Being a western publication, devoted to western interests, research and discovery, and the exponent of western thought and western theories, it merits the cordial support of western people and ought to, and it is believed will, soon become a source of profit to its able and enterprising pubhsher. It is a sixty-four paged octavo monthly and is furnished to subscribers at two dollars and fifty cents a year, or twenty-five cents by the single number.

C. Swallow, F. H. Snow, E. A. Popenoe, E. L. Berthoud, H. S. Pritchett, A. J. Coutant, T. B. Smith, F. W. Clarke, F. E. Nipher, J. T. Lovewell, E. T. Nuson, S. H. Trowbridge, Drs. Ivon D. Heath, A. S. Child, Chas. H. Sternberg, Geo. Halley, Col. R. T. Van Horn, and a large number of other western writers of more or less note, beside such eastern scientists as Prof. H. C. Bolton, Prof. C. V. Riley, Dr. S. W. Williston, Capt. H. W. Howgate, Isaac P. Noyes, Prof. O. T. Mason and Prof. John Rae, F. G. S., of London, and M. F. Connor, of Paris. ,

This is a weekly journal devoted to the dissemination of philosophic free thought and scientific knowledge. It was established by David Eccles and E. P. West, of Kansas City, the first number being issued the 28th of June, 1879. The object was declared to be " To afford a channel for the unrestricted flow of honest opinion." "It will be devoted to science, art, literature, physics, metaphysics, philosophy, in a general sense, and whatever tends to an intelligent, honest individuality, and independence of thought." "We Jire aware," they say, "of the grave responsibility we assume ; but, with the honest support of the lovers of truth, we hope to do something toward developing the good which is innate in our race, and to add in some degree to the happiness of mankind."

Mr. Eccles retired from the paper with the twenty-second number on the i3lh of December, 1879. In his valedictory he assigns as a reason for so doing, "the relentless strain of a prolonged financial depression compels me most reluctantly to sever my connection with this paper and at the same time bury a most flattering ambition."

The Mirror of Progress was continued under the management of Mr. West until Nov. 20, 1880, when Dr. A. J. Clark, of Indianapolis, Ind., became associated with it under the name of Progress. Dr. Clark's association with the paper was very brief owing to the culmination of circumstances not anticipated when entering upon the work. His retirement left Mr. West again the sole heir to the venture.

On the 17th of March, 1881, the transfer of the paper, under the old name of the Mirror of Progress, to Mrs. Mattie Parry Krekel and Mr. David Eccles, who was formerly associated with it, was consummated, and Mr. West's connection with it was severed after an association of more than twenty months from the beginning of the enterprise. Mr. West, on leaving the paper, said :

" On the 28th day of June, 1879, more than twenty months ago, the Mirror of Progress began its battle for existence amid opposing forces, sometimes environed by trying difficulties, and has become firmly rooted in the vast field of journalism, and, I hope, in the affections of a generous people; or those, at least, who seek, through mental freedom, the elevation and happiness of man. I have devoted my entire time as faithfully as I could, and without pecuniary compensation, besides the expenditure of large sums of money to establish the paper. In this I have succeeded; the Mirror of Progress is firmly fixed among the journals of the day, and although I may not enjoy its fruits, it is no small satisfaction to know that I have planted and nourished to a vigorous growth in the west a journal devoted to the highest human aspiration, mental freedom and the amelioration of the human race.

Mr. Eccles, on the 7th of May following, "retired," leaving Mrs. Krekel the sole owner and manager of the paper. Under her able management, the Mirror of Progress may be considered permanently fixed. She has the means aswell as the inclination to continue its publication; and, although new in the editorial field, she has won an enviable distinction and greatly improved the paper in the limited time she has controlled it. By the inspiration of genius Mrs. Krekel has the happy faculty of saying just the right thing at the right time, and

The Western Newspaper Union

The Western Newspaper Union, 529 Delaware street, is one of the branches of a strong corporation, the principal office of which is located at Das Moines, Iowa. The company have a paid-up capital of $100,000, and have large and thoroughly equipped houses at Des Moines, Kansas City, Omaha, and St. Paul. They are now furnishing sheets to more than 400 newspapers in the great " New West," with an aggregate circulation of more than 200,000 copies weekly. In addition to this they have a large and rapidly increasing wholesale paper trade and an extensive and growing stereotyping business. The Kansas City house was established in 1877 by W. A; Bunker and others. When the present corporation was formed, those associated with him retired from the concern and he was appointed manager. The business of this branch has increased to such an extent as to render their present quarters inadequate, and a building is now being erected on the corner of Ninth and Ann streets for their use. This structure will be 30x120 feet and four stories high, with basement and sub-cellar. When completed it will be one of the largest and most convenient printing establishments in the country. This enterprise will not absorb any part of the working capital of the Western Newspaper Union, the necessary funds being supplied from the private resources of two members of the corporation.

The success of this concern furnishes another example of what may be accomplished in the rapidly developing west when business ability and ample capital are employed. Every member of this corporation is a practical newspaper man, and devotes his entire time and attention to the furthering of its interests. It is therefore not surprising that they have achieved a degree of success of which they may well be proud.

Church Of The Immaculote Conception

The early records of this church date back as far as 1834, when Father Benedict Roux had charge of the congregation, which had been previously organized by some Jesuit Fathers from St. Louis, probably in 1825. The church records of this earlier date were swept away in the great flood of 1844, and the earliest record now extant is of a baptism which was performed by Father Verrey in February, 1834. During the stay of Father Roux the first log church was built and served the needs of the scattering congregation embraced within an area of fully twenty square miles, for upward of twenty years. Father Bernard Donnelly, the first stationary pastor of western Missouri, was sent, in the summer of 1845, to take charge of the mission at Independence and Kansas City, then known as Westport Landing. From this time the church developed slowly but steadily until, in 1857, the brick church at the corner of Broadway and Eleventh street was erected. After the close of the war the church rapidly increased in numbers and has developed in this direction up to the present time. The financial condition of the church is good, the present valuation of the property, including the ten acres originally purchased by Father Roux, being $105,000. Within the past year a bishop has been appointed to reside in Kansas City, on account of the growing importance of this denomination.

This is one of the pioneer churches of Kansas City, being organized as early as 1845. Col. Chick, father of J. S. Chick, Mrs. Chick and James Hickman, were three of the five original members, none of whom are now Uving. The first services were conducted at the residence of Col. Chick, and afterward in an old log school-house on the corner of Missouri avenue and Locust street. Not long after its organization the society purchased lots on the west side of Delaware, street, near Fifth, for ninety dollars, and made preparations for the erection of a house of worship. The building was completed in 1852, and dedicated by Bishop Paine. This was the first house of worship buih in Kansas City, and for several years was used by the various religious denominations for organization and worship. The handsome brick edifice on Walnut street, now occupied by this society, was completed in 1879, at a cost of $35,000, and was dedicated the same year by Bishop Wightman. It is one of the finest church edifices in the city, handsomely furnished, and convenient of access. It will accommodate an audience of over 800, comfortably. This church is rapidly extending its influence, during the past year having organized two churches, expending over $10,- 000 for this purpose, and also secured property and commenced the erection of another building which will cost about $4, coo. The membership is large, numbering 400 at present, and steadily increasing. About $8,000 are annually contributed by this society for benevolent objects and incidental expenses, two members of the chuich giving $1,000 each for educational purposes. Among the pastors who have labored in the church are W. M. Leftwich, D. D., J. W. Lewis, D. D., C. D. N. Campbell, D. D.,and S. S. Bryant, D. D. Rev. C. C. Woods, D. D., is the present pastor of the church, and his labors among his people have been abundantly successful.

First Baptist Church

The First Baptist Church was organized April 21st, 1855, with twelve charter members, whose names appear upon the church records in the following order : Robert Holmes, Mary A. Holmes, T. M. James, Sarah J. James, A. L. Martin, Elizabeth M. Martin, D. L. Mimms, Martha Lykins, Dr. J. Lykins, Julia Lykins, Rev. R. S. Thomas, Elvira Thomas. Before the erection of the first church edifice the regular services of the church were conducted alternately in the old court-house, and the school-house, or in some one of the different churches. In 1858 the brick building at the corner of Eighth and May streets was erected at a cost of three thousand dollars, and was occupied until the completion of the new building in r88o. During the twenty years which have elapsed since the organization of the church, ten pastors have been connected with it: Rev. Robert Thomas, being the first, followed by R. S. Doolan, J. B. Fuller, J. W. Warder, Joseph Maple, F. M. Ellis, J. E. Chambliss, J. C. Bonham, C. Monjeau and J. E. Roberts, the present pastor. The new house of worship, on the southwest corner of Baltimore avenue and Twelfth street, was built by Col. W. H. Harris, of Cleveland Ohio, as a memorial of Stillman Witt, of Cleveland. It was dedicated February 15, 1881, by Rev. Dr. Bowker, and donated to the society free of all encumbrance. The church is built in the Elizabethan style, is richly finished and handsomely furnished, and has a seating capacity of over four hundred. The church has steadily increased in numbers, the present membership being two hundred and fifty. The Sabbath school is in a prosperous condition, having an average attendance of nearly two hundred. The annual contribution of the church amounts to four thousand dollars.

Central Presbyterian Church

The Central Presbyterian Church, in its original elements and organization, dates with the year 1857. A preliminary meeting was held in the old Barclay residence then standing on the bluff, near the southeast corner of Delaware and Third streets, and at that time a petition was agreed upon to be presented to the Presbytery of Lafayette, asking for the appointment of a commission to organize a Presbyterian church at Kansas City - the pioneer of its denomination. In re- sponse to this request, and by appointment of Presbytery, Revs. Symington and Bracken met with the original members first constituting the church and completed its organization in May, 1857, at the old Seminary home of Prof. Thomas, now remaining between Delaware and Wyandotte, on Fifteenth street. About two-thirds of this first membership are yet living, and remain members of the present Central Church. Rev. Robert S. Symington, now residing in California, was the first minister who served the congregation, continuing about three years, and was followed by Rev. John Hancock, Rev. George Miller and Rev. Robert Scott, with others, filling up the period to 1865, when Rev. J. L. Yantis, D. D. (now a resident of Lafayette county. Mo.), was invited to preach and finally took charge of the church in October, 1865. with encouraging prospects. The membership had increased from the original ten or twelve to almost fifty at the beginning of the year 1866. The first house of worship regularly occupied was located on Third street, between Main and Walnut, which, after several years, became unsuitable, services being for a time held in other places; and the congregation were worshiping in Long's Hall, on Main street, when a lot was procured, and, during the ministry of Dr. Yantis, a comfortable frame church was erected on Grand avenue near Ninth street. About this time a number of members separated from this church, forming a new organization, now known as the First Presbyterian church, and which consequently participates in a common history up to that time. In 1868, Dr. Yantis, having resigned his charge, was succeeded by Rev. , J. M. Cheney, who, with others, supplied the pulpit until August, 1869, when Rev. A. D. Madeira was called and finally duly installed as pastor, continuing in that relation nearly twelve years. In July, 1869, initiatory steps were taken to secure a location and build thereon a permanent and more commodious house of worship, adapted to the requirements of an increasing congregation. Selection was finally made and subscriptions obtained to build the substantial and tasteful brick edifice now located on the southwest corner of Grand avenue and Eighth street, completed about ten years ago, which is now known as the Central Presbyterian church.

The first duly elected officers of this church, in 1857, were W. P. Allen and C. M. Root, as elders, and J. C. McCoy and S. J. Piatt, as deacons, all of whom, with one exception, are still living, and remain members therein.

First Presbyterian Church

Perhaps none of the religious denominations of Kansas City have had more financial disabilities to contend with than the First Presbyterian Church. Their building has been destroyed by fire and storms at different times, necessitating an unusual outlay for building purposes, and in a measure retarding the growth of their church. No less than four church edifices have been erected since the first organization in 1857, at an expenditure of over eighteen thousand dollars. The original site for the church was on Wyandotte street near Seventh, but after the destruction by fire of the third building, the location was abandoned, the lots were sold and property purchased on Grand avenue, where the present building was erected in the winter of 1869-70, under the pastorate of Rev. Robert Irwin. The society expended about three thousand dollars in the erection of this church, exclusive of the amount invested in the purchase of lots. Since then the building has been enlarged and improved, the membership increased, and the society is now in a prosperous condition. The fund annually contributed by the church is over four thousand dollars, and the present valuation of church property is about ten thousand dollars. The present building will not long suffice for the increasing needs of the congregation, and the erection of a larger house of worship is under contemplation. The church was organized with fifteen charter members, and this number has been increased to three hundred and fifty. The Sunday-school is large and well attended, and the exercises conducted in an interesting manner. About three years ago the services of Rev. S. B. Bell were secured, as pastor, and under his ministrations the church has rapidly extended its influence, and the present outlook is very encouraging.

This parish was among the early organizations of Kansas City, and the earliest of the Episcopal denomination. In the year 1857 Rev. J. I. Corbyn first began his labors here," and in December of this year organized the society long known as St. Luke's. Parish. The communicants were few in number, but soon commenced operations for building a house of worship. A lot was donated and the foundations of a building were laid, but eventually the work was abandoned, and Mr. Corbyn resigned his pastorate. In i860 Rev. C. M. Calloway was called to take charge of the work already begun, and from this time services were held regularly in a hall on Market street, until the beginning of the war, when the members became scattered and regular services were suspended for a period of nearly four years. In the spring of 1865 efforts were made to gather the scattered members together and in the fall of that year Rev. Joseph Wood, of Coldwater, Michigan, commenced services, and received a unanimous call to the rectorship of the church. He commenced his regular labors in January, 1866. The services were at this time conducted in the M. E. Church every Sabbath afternoon.

On Easter Day, April ist, 1866, for the first time in five years, the full service of the church was rendered. On this occasion an organ was used by the choir, being the first instrument of the kind ever used in Kansas City. In 1867 arrangements were completed for the erection of a neat frame building at the corner of Walnut and Eighth streets, which was finished and ready for occupancy in August of the same year. A Sabbath school was organized and the regular services of the church were conducted in the new house of worship. The consecration ceremonies occurred April 29th, 1869, Right Rev. C. F. Robertson, Bishop of the Diocese, officiating. The church was enlarged to its present dimensions in 187 1, and now has a seating capacity of five hundred. Rev. Van Antwerp succeeded Mr. Wood as rector, and he was followed by Rev. Geo. C. Betts. At the expiration of his pastorate Rev. M. E. Buck was called and remained with the church but a short time, when death brought his labors to an end. Rev. H. D. Jardine then took charge of the work and still presides over the church. There is now a membership of three hundred and twenty, and the society is in a prosperous condition. The Sabbath-school is well attended and gradually gaining in numbers. In 1879 the name of the church was changed from St. Luke's to St. Mary's and is now known by that name.

This church was organized as a mission church within the last two years, and is under the charge of St. Mary's Church. A frame building has been erected on East Fourth street, wherein services are regularly conducted by Rev. H. D. Jardine assisted by Mr. Allen. The services are usually well attended and a growing interest manifested in the enterprise.

First Christian Church

The organization and building of this church occurred at an early date in the history of Kansas City, the society being organized in 1858, and the church erected the following year. From a small beginning the church has increased its mem- bership to four hundred and twenty. The original building, situated at the corner of Twelfth and Main streets, and which was used by the congregation for upward of twenty years has recently been removed, and the society have secured a desirable lot on the northwest corner of Eleventh and Oak streets, where a new house of worship will be erected during the present year, at a cost of $27,- 000. It is to be built of brick, with stone trimmings, and will have a seating capacity of eight hundred. Rev. J. Z. Taylor is the present pastor of the church. His pastorate has been long and successful, and through his earnest and untiring efforts, both the spiritual and temporal affairs of the church have been steadily advanced. Revs. H. H. Haly, G. W. Longan, J. W. Mountjoy and Alexander Proctor have presided over the church as pastors since its organization.

Is situated on Charlotte street, near Tenth. The church was organized in 1864, Rev. Clark Moore, Michael Jones, J. Wiggins, Thomas Stewart, James Allen, Mrs. Prude Anderson and Mrs. Grace Bell as charter members. The church building was erected in 1872, costing about five thousand dollars, and was dedicated in September of the same year, by Rev. S. J. Anderson, of St. Louis. The church has rapidly increased its membership, and now numbers over five hundred, one hundred having been added since January i, 1881.

Rev. Henry Roberson took charge of the church in 1872. At this time the spiritual and financial condition of the church was not very prosperous, the membership was not large, and the house of worship consisted of a board shanty. Through the labors of Mr. Roberson, the church has greatly advanced in all its relations, and his ability for carrying forward the work has bean fully demonstrated by the success which has crowned his labors here and elsewhere.

Mr. Roberson was born a slave in 1839, near Charlottsville, Virginia, and was brought to Sahne county, Missouri, by his master when about two years of age, where he lived until 1863. During his servitude he received some private instructions, and had succeeded in acquiring a fair education previous to becoming a free man by the Emancipation Proclamation. After obtaining his freedom, he went to Springfield, Illinois, and was engaged in business and farming for two years, when he began a course of study, which he supplemented by a full theological course. He was ordained to the ministry in 1869, and soon took charge of the Second Baptist. Church at Sedalia, Missouri. He was subsequently called to the church at Lexington, Missouri, where he remained until called to his present charge,

This organization belong to the German Evangelical Synod of North America. The society was organized in the year 1865, with a small membership, consisting of about twelve heads of families. The church building is situated on the east side of Walnut street, between Ninth and Tenth streets. It was erected in 1866, costing between three and four thousand dollars, is built of brick, and arranged for the accommodation of the pastor's family. The church was dedicated in 1867, by the present pastor, John C. Feil, who also organized the society and was the first pastor of the church. He was succeeded by Henry Kirchhoff, who filled the pastorate until Mr. Feil was again called to take charge of the work. The Sabbath-school is well attended, and also the day school, in which the children receive religious instruction. The average attendance at both is about eighty. The services of the church are conducted in the German language.

Grand Avenue M. E. Church

The present society was organized by Rev. Mr. Nesley, in 1865, and worshiped for about a year in an old frame building on Walnut street between Twelfth and Thirteenth streets. Pevious to this, however, in 1863, under Rev. A. H.

Powell, a society of as many as forty members had been gathered in Kansas City and vicinity. The corner of Sixth and Walnut had been secured for a church site, but during the war this society was broken up and the lot sold.

Rev. S. G. GrifBs took charge in 1866, and the meetings were held in an upper room of a frame building on Main street, west side, between Eighth and Ninth. During this year a lot on Walnut street was secured for a church, which was afterward disposed of and the present site, corner of Ninth and Grand avenue, was purchased. The foundation of the church building was commenced but the work was suspended for lack of funds.

In the spring of 1867 Rev. J. N. Pierce came to Kansas City and took charge of the society. A wooden tabernacle was built on Delaware street (now Baltimore avenue), near the English Lutheran Church, in which the society worshiped until the basement of the church on Grand avenue was so far completed as to admit of occupancy, in which the meetings were held during two years. In the spring of 1869 Rev. Mr. Pierce was succeeded by Rev. J. W. Bushong, who continued as pastor until 1872. During his pastorate the building was completed and dedicated by Doctor, now Bishop, Thomas Bowman in 1870. The cost of the lot and building was about $30,000. A debt of some $7,000 remained on the building.

There are now 450 members and probationers. The Sunday-school, of which W. H. Reed is Superintendent, has an average attendance of about 1,100.

During the past year the entire debt has been paid. .The contributions to the Missionary Society and other benevolences amounted to $1,155.90, which, with current expenses and indebtedness paid, make the total amount paid by the church last year, $11,247.90.

Second Presbyterian Church

The Second Presbyterian Church was among the early religious organizations of the city, and encountered many of the vicissitudes incident to the pioneer settlement of the country. The work of establishing a church of this denomination was begun by the New School Presbytery, who sent Rev. Timothy Hill to this field, as the first pastor of the church, after its organization in r865, by Rev. A. T. Norton, D. D. The first house of worship was erected in the spring of 1866 and the money needed for this purpose, amounting to nearly four thousand dollars was mostly secured through the eiforts of the pastor, Rev. T. Hill, D. D.

The organization of the church was completed with ten original members, consisting of T. W. Letton, C. F. Smith, Mrs. Seth Coleman, Mrs. Dr. Aruoldia, Mrs. Sarah A. Waterman, Mrs. J. K. Cravens, Mrs. Q. N. Smith, Mrs. C. N. Boutin, Miss Mary E. Smith and H. R. Crowell. ,. Four of these members are still connected with the church. In 1869 Dr. Hill relinquished the pastorate to undertake what has since developed into a most successful work in behalf of Home Missions in ^Kansas and New Mexico. He was followed by Rev. C. D. Nott, D. D., and he in turn by Rev. W. M. Cheever, whose pastorate was terminated by his death in 1878. Rev. C. C. Kimball, D. D., was then called to the pulpit and for the past three years has discharged the duties of this responsible position in a very acceptable manner, meeting the full requirements of this large and influential congregation. Soon after the commencement of his pas- torate steps were taken to secure a location on which to erect a more commodious house of worship which should meet the demands of the rapidly increasing congregation. As a result of these efforts a beautiful site on Central street, valued at $5000, was donated by Mr. S. B. Armour, and generous contributions toward building soon followed, and the work was immediately begun. The foundations are already laid and it is expected the building will be completed during ihe summer and autumn of 1881, as the money needed for the purpose has already been subscribed. It will be in Gothic style, brick, trimmed with stone, fiftyseven feet wide and one hundred and thirty feet long. The main audience room will have a seating capacity of about one thousand. The seats are to be arranged in semi-circles facing the pulpit platform, and the floor will descend in every direction toward the pulpit The interior of the church is to be handsomely finished and conveniently arranged for Sabbath-school rooms, parlor, kitchen, etc. The cost of the building is estimated at forty thousand dollars, and when completed it will be the largest and most elegant church edifice in Kansas City.

The prospects of the churgh are more than usually encouraging, and everything gives promise of future success. There is now an actual membership of three hundred and forty, and the congregations are large. The Sunday-school is in a fine condition under the management of Dr. E. W. Schauffler, the efficient superintendent, and has an enrolled membership of two hundred and forty. Within the year a mission has been established on Madison avenue which has developed into a work of considerable importance, and services are held regularly every Sabbath, besides the usual Sunday-school exercises.

African Methodist Episcopal Church

Rev. John R. Leving organized this society in the month of October, 1866, with nine original members. Two years from this time the first church building was erected on the southeast corner of Tenth and Charlotte streets, and dedicated in'.iSyi by Rev. J. C. Embry, assisted by Moses Dixon. This building, which cost over ^1,500, was destroyed by fire in 1876, and replaced the same year by a substantial brick edifice at a cost of about $8,000. The church now has a membership of 230, and is gradually paying off an indebtedness of $3,000 incurred in putting up the present house of worship. Rev. John Turner is now pastor of the church, having labored in this capacity for one year. Under his ministrations the affairs of the society are in a prosperous condition.

United Presbyterian Church

In 1866 Rev. Randall Ross, the well-known western war correspondent, visited Kansas City, and, being a member of the United Presbyterian Church, called upon several families of this denomination. The interest awakened by his visit resulted in a report to the Presbytery which secured the first preaching by this denomination in Kansas City. In 1867 the West Missouri Presbytery appointed Rev. Matthew Bigger, of Warrensburg, Mo. , to canvass the city in the interests of the church, and his report was so favorable that the Presbytery established a mission station here in April, 1868, which was supplied for a time by the Presbytery, but was turned over to the executive 'committee of the Board of Home Missions in June of the same year, W. C. Williams being the stated supply. The mission grew rapidly, and on March 12th, 1869, the United Presbyterian congregation was organized with twenty members. Up to this time the services had been held in a school-house, but during this year, at the request of the session, an appropriation of $5,000 had been granted by the General Assembly, a lot was purchased on Walnut street, between Ninth and Tenth, and a church building erected. It was completed and dedicated the third Sabbath in February, 1870, by Rev. Robert Irwin, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Kansas City.

The church now has a membership of seventy-six, and the usual church services are well attended. Rev. D. M. McClellan has been the regularly installed pastor of the church for the past seven years, being called to the charge in 1874. Under his ministry the society has been prosperous, and there has been a manifest increase of spiritual power.

First Congregational Church

In the. early history of Kansas City the conditions of society were unfavorable to the principles held by the Puritans. Still during the border strife and our civil war. Rev. R. D. Parker, then pastor of the Congregational church of Wyandotte did much missionary work in Kansas City, fostering the elements that subsequently received an organization. In 1866, Rev. Leavitt Bartlett came to Kansas City under the auspices of the American Home Missionary Society for the purposes of carrying forward the work already initiated, and of establishing a Congregational church. Congregationalism was very little understood in Missouri at that time, and the field was, in many respects a difficult one. But Mr. Bartlett undertook his work with a hopeful and earnest spirit, and soon succeeded in effecting an organization. The church was organized January 3d, 1866, the following named persons being original members : Rev. Leavitt Bartlett, Mrs. Emily Bartlett, Mrs. Caroline C. Scales, Edward Vaughn, Mrs. Mary C. Vaughn, W. P. Winner, Mrs. Mary Winner, Mrs. D. A. Williams, M. B. Wright and Jonathan Copeland. Five of this number are still connected with the church. The church structure, a frame building, was erected in 1866 at a total expense for building and lot of about $4,500, and the building was enlarged and improved in 1879, at an expense of about $2,000. The original church was dedicated June, 24th, 1866, Rev. E. B. Turner, of Hannibal, then Home Missionary agent of Missouri, preaching the sermon. The following named persons have, in the order given, been pastors of the church : Rev. Leavitt Bartlett, Rev. E. N. Andrews, Rev. James G. Roberts, and Rev. Henry Hopkins. The Church has purchased an eligible site on the corner of McGee and nth streets, and will soon erect a church building to correspond with the demands of the growing city.

In the spring of 1880, a committee was appointed with reference to the advisability of establishing a mission enterprise in Kansas City, Kansas. As a result of this movement, the Kawsmouth Chapel was built and opened for worship in December, 1880. This chapel has been open for gospel meetings, a sabbath school, a free dispensary, and a reading room.

Under the pastorate of Rev. Henry Hopkins, the Congregational church has received a steady and vigorous growth, and seems destined to push out other mission enterprises and occupy this important field which is already "white for the harvest."

This is a German Roman Catholic church, situated at the corner of Ninth and McGee streets. The church was built on the petition of the German Catholics who desired a church in which their language would be spoken. Rev. Father N. Gross was sent out from St. Louis to establish the new parish. He began his labors in the yea» 1867, and succeded in erecting the present church building. Father Gross remained in charge three years, when he was succeeded by Father Andre who remained nearly two years, when Father E. Zechenter took the charge and is still presiding over the church. Attached to this church is a well attended and prosperous school, called St. Joseph School Society. It was established in 1872.

First English Luthbrn Church

The First English Luthern church is situated on Baltimore avenue, near Eleventh street. It is a neat brick edifice, erected in 1867, costing about eight thousand dollars. It is built in Gothic style, the interior being very tastefully and handsomely finished, and capable of seating two hundred persons, comfortably. Recently the society has expended something over twelve hundred dollars in improvements and furniture, which adds much to the comfort and attractions of the church. The church was organized April 4, 1867, with Edward Stine and wife, J. S. Schrell and wife, J. W. Keefer and wife, S. Tholander and wife, Edward Diveley and wife, A. Raub, Daniel Schroll, MeUnda Hendricks and Mary Miley, as charter members.

In 1868 Rev. Dr. Conrad, of Philadelphia, conducted the dedication services ; Rev. A. W. Wagenshals then being pastor. Since that time Rev. W. H. Steck, Rev. T. F. Dornblaser and Rev. S. S. Waltz have been pastors of the church, the latter having been called in April, 1879, ^^'^ '^ still in charge of this congregation. The church is in a very prosperous condition; has a membership of sixtyfive; an interesting Sunday-school of over two hundred pupils, and a rapidly increasing congregation. The pastor. Rev. S. S. Waltz, is greatly beloved by his people, and during his two years' pastorate has been instrumental in greatly extending the influence of the church.

First Unitarian Church

In the summer of 1868, Henry N. Smith, Agnes Smith, E. D. Parsons, Amos Towle, G. S. Morrison, Alfred Pirtle, Ross Gufifin and Henry A. White, met and organized the First Unitarian society of Kansas City. Soon after the organization the society made arrangements for the erection of a building, which was completed in 1871, at an expenditure of about four thousand dollars. It is situated on Baltimore avenue, near Eleventh street.

W. E. Copeland was the first pastor who had charge of the organization. After his labors ceased, the pulpit was filled, first by C. E. Webster, then by Enoch Powell and W. S. King. For some time after this there was an interruption in the regular service, during which, the members became somewhat scattered. I n the month of May, 1881, Rev. D. N. Utter was called to take charge of the work, and since that time the society has been rapidly increasing in numbers, and its financial condition greatly improved. At present the congregation is large and attentive, the Sunday-school interesting, and the general affairs of the society in a prosperous condition. The annual contribution of the society is something over fifteen hundred dollars.

Third Presbyterian Church

During the latter part of the year 1869 it was decided by some friends of the Presbyterian Church to establish a church in the western part of the city, and measures were immediately taken for this purpose. Rev. T. Hill, T. S. Reeve, G. W. Goodale and Dr. O. S. Chapman were among the number who were actively enga:ged in this enterprise, and in securing funds for the erection of a house of worship. Through their efforts lots were donated at the corner of Fourteenth and Hickory streets, and by March first of the same year, a neat frame edifice had been erected and was ready for occupancy. The original cost of the building was two thousand dollars, eight hundred of which was furnished by the Board of Church Erection, the greater part being raised in the western part of the city. After the completion of the building the church was organized and given the name of the Third Presbyterian Church, and the organization placed under the charge of the Lexington Presbytery, then known as New School. Among the original members were Dr. O. S. Chapman, J. E. Reeve, Mrs. Alice Reeve, Mrs. Jane E. Reeve Mrs. Mary Goodale, Mrs. Mary Mann, Mrs. Anna Stevenson and Miss Mary B. Reeve. Rev. J. H. Byers was the first pastor called to preside over the church. He was ordained and installed January ist, 1871, and remained in charge until 1872, when Rev. D. C. Milner became pastor of the church. In 1875 Rev. L. Railsback received and accepted a call to the church and has labored successfully in this field up to the present time. The church has been largely prosperous, growing in strength and increasing in numbers, and gives every evidence of having been founded in wisdom. The present membership exceeds one hundred, while the Sabbath-school, organized in 1870, has increased its numbers to one hundred and fifty. The annual contributions for church expenses exceed one thousand dollars.

Hberty Street Methodist Episcopal Church

In the spring of 1869 P.. G. Siess, A. G. Allen, W. H. Barnes, Chas. Vogt, Joseph Sweeney, Catherine Siess, Mrs. Vogt and Miss Mollie Cozad met for the purpose of organizing the Liberty Street Methodist Episcopal Church. Rev. Matthew Sorson was at this time the presiding elder of the district. The organization was completed with Rev. Thomas Walcutt as missionary preacher, and the first meeting and the first quarterly conference were held in a building used for a day school on the corner of St. Louis avenue and Mulberry street, more commonly known as Siess' corner. The church building was commenced in the autumn of 1869, and in the spring of 1870, Rev. A. Waitman was sent by conference to take charge of the work. He was the first regular pastor connected with the church. During his pastorate the church was completed. Rev. Dr. George, of St. Louis, presiding at the dedication services in 187 1. At this time the membership had increased to fifty and the church was in a prosperous condition. The first Sabbath-school organized in West Kansas was perfected by the members of this church, and known as the West Kansas Union Mission Sabbath-school. In the summer of 1867, the Sunday-school services were held under the shade trees where the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific Railroad freight depot now stands, and the first sermon was preached at this place by Rev. J. N. Pierce. Since its organization, there have been eight pastors connected with the church. Rev. Wesley Johnson being the last. There are now one hundred members and the congregations are usually large. The Sunday-school is increasing in numbers, and has at the present time an average attendance of one hundred and thirty. R. G. Siess is the present superintendent of the school.

The church edifice is a neat frame building situated on the corner of Liberty and Thirteenth streets. Its original cost was $2,500 and the present valuation is $6,000. A very neat and convenient parsonage has been built at the rear of the church lot. Both church and parsonage are free of debt, and the prospects of the church are encouraging.

First Cumberland Presbyterian Church

This church was organized on the 21st day of March, 1878, as a missionary congregation, under the care of the Lexington Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The following persons were present and united in the organization : Mrs. Love, J. Sharp, Miss J. T. Smithers, Mrs. E. A. Shoemaker, Mrs. O. Q. Mosely, Mrs. Tryphena Venable, Miss Jennie Longworth, Mrs. Caroline Arnold, Mrs. M. M. Harber, Mrs. Jane Lea, Judge R. C. Ewing, WiUiam Arnold, W. J. Shoemaker, Thomas Harber and Rev. J. E Sharp, the missionary. The church building now occupied by the congregation is a small frame building, gothic in style, being 26x40 feet, and was built in the fall of 1869 at a cost of about $2 000. During the year 1872 the house was dedicated, Rev. J. E. Sharp preaching the dedication sermon. Rev. James E. Sharp was the first pastor, and served the congregation about four years, when he resigned, and Rev. Walter Schenck succeeded him and served about six months, when he resigned. The congregation was then without a pastor until 1877, when Rev. C. P. Duvall was sent as a missionary, who served one year and a half and resigned. Near six months thereafter the Presbytery called Rev. B. P. Fullerton as the missionary, who is yet the pastor.

The present reported membership is forty-three. The church has suffered many reverses in the change of pastors and in the interregnum between the different pastorates. But the present prospects are very encouraging to the congregation. The old property has been sold and a more suitable lot chosen, on whicji a more commodious and attractive building will soon be erected, when it is the purpose of the friends of the enterprise to make the work self-sustaining.

Sixteenth Street Methodist Episcopal Church

Is situated on the corner of Sixteenth and Cherry streets. It is a neat frame building, and was first owned by the Missionary Baptist Society, but was bought by the Methodists about the year 1870, for five hundred dollars. It was improved and enlarged to its present dimensions soon after the purchase was made. After its organization by the Methodists, the membership consisted of Messrs. Benson, Campbell, Patterson, Wakeman, Thomas Gray and Henry Godwin. It was first conducted as a mission church, the pulpit being supplied by local preachers. Revs. Campbell, Wakeman and Thomas Gray serving the church in this capacity. The first regularly stationed pastor was I. J. K. Lunbeck, sent from the St. Louis conference.

He took charge of the church in 1873. Since that time the following pastors have been connected with the church : Revs. George Reed, W. V. Hamel, and the present pastor. Rev. Olin B. Jones. The church now has a membership of one hundred and five full members, and seventy on probation. For several years the Sabbath-school has been in a prosperous condition, and now has an average attendance of one hundred and ninety. The present superintendent is James Allen. The valuation of the church property is sixteen hundred dollars. The pastorate of Rev. O. B. Jones expires this year, and the pleasant and harmonious relations existing between him and the church will be severed with feelings of deep regret.

Swedish Eg. Lutheran Elim Church

The organization of this church occurred in the year 1870. Among the original members were P. Nelson, N. Johnson, A. Bergquoist, P. J. Youngquoist, J. A. Johnson, W. Erlandson, S. E. Spencer, J. G. Spencer, A. W. Lonquist. In 1871 a neat frame building was erected on west Fifteenth street, between Broadway and Washington, at a cost of two thousand dollars, and was dedicated the same year. Rev. A. Audreen, from Swedana, Illinois, conducting the ceremonies. The first pastor who had charge of the church was S. J. Osterberg, who remained pastor until Rev. A. Rodell was called to preside over the church. The present pastor, J. P. Neander, has been in charge for the past year, laboring with great acceptance to his people. The church now has a membership of one hundred and forty, besides eighty children, who are also members. The Sundayschool has one hundred and twenty members. Three months in each year a day school is conducted for the purpose of teaching the children the doctrines of the Gospel. The society has commenced the erection of a neat parsonage, which will soon be completed, costing over two thousand dollars.

Grace Church

This parish was first called St. Luke's Parish, and organized August 29, 1870, with about forty communicants. Three years after the first organization the name was changed and it is now known as Grace Church. Previous to the erection of a house of worship the services were held in the basement of the Opera House the greater part of the time, up to the winter of 1874-5 - when the new building was completed and ready for occupancy. The church edifice, erected on the southeast corner of Tenth and Central streets, is a well arranged and neatly finished frame building, costing the society between four and five thousand dollars. Within the past year it has been found necessary to enlarge the dimensions of the church to meet the increasing demands of the congregation, and the work will soon be completed. The enlargement will cost about two thousand dollars and will increase the seating capacity to nearly seven hundred. The communicantsnow number two hundred and fifty and the Sunday-school one hundred and fifty. Since the organization of the church the following rectors have filled the pulpit : F. R. Haff, Algernon Batte, J. E. Martin, H. C. Duncan and Cameron Mann. The society contributes over four thousand dollars annually for benevolent purposes and incidental expenses.

Church Of The Annunciation Of The Blessed Virgin

This church was organized June 23, 1872, Father Wm. J. Dalton, the present pastor, was appointed by the Archbishop of St. Louis to establish this parish. With the assistance of his people, composed mostly of the laboring classes, he has erected a temporary church, costing over three thousand dollars, and a large and beautiful pastoral residence, costing about four thousand dollars. The property belonging to the parish is valuable and well located. The parish was somewhat embarrassed for a few months during the panic which occurred soon after its organization, but is now out of debt and prosperous. The number of parishioners is estimated at two thousand. There are two schools connected with it, one for boys and one for girls. There is also a Young Men's Benevolent Society attached to the parish which numbers about one hundred. The officers are Wm. J. Dalton, President; Joseph Monahan, Secretary; Patrick Kirby, Treasurer. This church is located in West Kansas, corner of 14th and Wyoming streets.

In the eastern portion of the city is the handsome brick church edifice belonging to St. Patrick's Parish of the Catholic Church. It is a large and handsome building and was erected by the voluntary contributions of the friends of the church. Rev. Father Halpin commenced the erection of a substantial church building on the corner of Sixth and Oak streets, which was used many years by the Saint Patrick's congregation. The growth of the city, and the increase of the congregation created a demand for more commodious quarters, and a new church was decided upon during the pastorate of Father Archer. The new building was erected in 1873 ^^'^ the first services were held on Christmas Day. The church is situated at the corner of Eighth and Cherry street and is presided over by Fathers Dunn and Smith.

Is a mission enterprise first undertaken by the members of Grace church, under the superintendence of Rev. Mr. Batte. It was organized by him in 1873, with a small membership, but as the society was unable to build and the seruices were conducted at somewhat infrequent intervals there has not been a very encouraging increase in membership. The mission is now under the charge of St. Mary's church, and the more recent services of the church have been conducted in the Cefiiberland Presbyterian church, by Rev. F. R. Holeman, rector of St. Mary's. The regular services of the society have been discontinued during the past year, but will be resumed as soon as suitable property can be secured and a building erected.

The Jewish Synagogue is a substantial frame building, situated near the corner of Wyandotte and Sixth streets. It was erected in 1875 ^t a cost of seven thousand dollars. The church was completed and dedicated in 1876, the services being conducted by Rev. Emanuel L. Hess. The membership of the church has been increased to one hundred, and the average attendance at the usual church services is good. The annual expenses of the church are between three and four thousand dollars inclusive of pastor's salary.

The pastors who have been connected with the church since its organization in 1870, with twenty-five original members, are Dr. N. R. Cohen, Emanuel L. Hess, David Burgheim, Dr. I. Grossmann and Dr. E. Eppstein, the present pastor.

This church was organized by Rev. H. Roberson in 1876, with seven charter members, which have been increased to seventy-five. The services of the church have been conducted in a small building in West Kansas up to the present time, but arrangements have been made for the erection of a brick building on property owned by the society. This church is a mission enterprise, originating in the Charlotte Street Baptist church, and for several years was conducted by this society. Rev. P. T. TuUiver is now pastor of the church. The new house of worship will be situated in West Kansas, in a locality where the needs are great for the extension of religious influence, and where ample opportunity is afforded for Christian labor.

Calvary Baptist Church

The Calvary Baptist church was organized February 7, 1876, with a membership of thirty-eight. Within two years from the date of its organization, the brick building now occupied by the society, was completed, at a cost of eight thousand dollars, and was dedicated December 2, 1877 - the pastor. Rev. J. E. Chambliss, officiating, assisted by Dr. A. W. Chambliss, Dr. J. C. Bonham and Prof. C. S. Sheffield. The church is now in a prosperous condition ; has increased its membership to two hundred, and has a flourishing Sabbath-school, with an average attendance of one hundred and fifty. The society has in contemplation the erection of a more commodious building on the present site, as the increasing needs of the church demand an increase of room, and other facilities for church worship. Rev. J. E. Chambhss, formerly pastor of the First Baptist church, has been pastor of the Calvary church since its organization. J. L. Peak, is the present Sabbath- school superintendent.

The annual contribution of the church for pastor's salary, church expenses and benevolent objects, average two thousand and five hundred dollars. The church is situated on Grand avenue, near the corner of Eleventh street, and the new house of worship will occupy the remainder of the lot, extending to Eleventh street, and will be adapted to the growing needs of the society.

Church Of The Redemptorist Fathers

In the year 1877 the Redemptorist Fathers purchased ten acres of land on a commanding elevation a short distance from the city, on the Westport road. Here they have erected substantial buildings, improved the grounds with walks and gardens, and converted one of the buildings into a spacious chapel, which serves as a church for the Catholics in the vicinity. The pastoral residence of the Father, with the church building and the property belonging to the parish, has a present valuation of $42,000. In connection with this it may be stated that -the total valuation of church property belonging to the Catholics of Kansas City is $343,600.

Washington Street Methodist Episcopal Church

The Tabernacle, as this church was formerly called, was a private enterprise of W. B. Barber, a Methodist layman. He built it during the fall of 1877, and conducted the services as an independent institution for about six months, when he yielded to a pressure brought to bear upon him by a number of Meth odists.

Diamond Flouring Mills, Kansas City, Mo

to organize the society into a Methodist Episcopal church. At the time of doing so he deeded the property to five trustees, and continued the pastoral charge for about two years longer, when he resigned, in March, 1880, and Rev. A. C. Williams became pastor and remained in charge until Rev. John R. Eads was called to the position. During the pastorate of Mr. Eads the society felt unable to pay either interest or principal on a $3,000 mortgage, and the church property was sold under foreclosure of same and bought in by Mr. Barber, its originator, for $2,500, and was sold by him to some members of the Walnut street M. E. church, who subscribed the amount needed to place the church out of debt and upon a permanent basis. The church was then organized by this denomination with about twelve members, and Rev. Mr. Scarrett was appointed pastor until the meeting of Conference in the fall, when Rev. George Meredith took charge of the work. The membership has increased to fifty during the year, and the present prospects of the church are very encouraging. .The society is without a pastor at present.

This church is situated on Oak street, between Fourteenth and Fifteenth streets. The organization is of recent date, occurring in 1878 with eleven original members. The building is a neat brick structure, capable of seating three hundred people comfortably. The society expended about ^3, 200 in its construction, and had it completed in 1879. The dedication ceremonies occurred in September of the same year. Rev. Mr. Kurtz organized the church and was its first pastor. He was followed by Rev. Henry Mattill, who has recently been appointed to a new field of labor. Rev. S. B. Brown is the present pastor. The membership is now over fifty, and the society is in a prosperous condition. The services of the church are conducted in the German language.

The society of this church is, at present, holding services in a rented house, but will, during the present year, complete a house of worship. The lot owned by the society, at the northwest corner of Tenth and McGee streets, is a beautiful location for the handsome building in contemplation. Although the organization of the church is of recent date, occurring in July, 1878, the membership has rapidly increased, and the original number of forty-nine members has more than doubled. Rev. David Walk was the first pastor of the church, remaining one year, when he was succeeded by Prof. A. E. Higginson, who still has charge of the congregation. The society is prosperous, harmonious in action, and earnest in their endeavors for the prosperity and welfare of the organization The Sabbath-school is well attended and in a flourishing condition. The annual fund contributed for church expenses and benevolent purposes exceeds $2,000.

Rev. F. R. Holeman has been rector of St. Mary's church since its first organization in the year 1879. The original members were C. W. Freeman, J. W. Dunlap, J. F. Ramage, L. B. Austin, G. W. Dunlap, J. M. Lee, F. C. Lee, J. O. Bradenbaugh, P. M. Austin, C. S, Lee, W. H. Lee, Mrs. B. B. Kerr and Mrs. L. B. Austin. The house of worship belonging to the society is situated on the corner of Locust street and East Missouri avenue. It is a neat frame buildng, erected in the spring of 1880, costing about $1,000. The society has had some serious disadvantages to contend with, as the building was partially destroyed by storm, necessitating considerable outlay for repairs. But the members are hopeful, and are helping to carry forward the work, despite all difficulties, and at present there are good prospects ahead. The membership has increased to fortyfive, and the Sunday-school, under the superintendence of J. W. Freeman, is in a

The new church on the corner of Lydia avenue and Ninth street was first opened for service on Sunday, May ist, 1881. Rev. L. P. Norfleet, the pastor, preached a very interesting sermon to a good audience. This church was built during the present year as a mission enterprise of the Walnut Street Methodist church. It is in a part of the city which is being rapidly buDt up, and exactly meets the present demand for the extension of religious influences. It starts under the fairest auspices, and meets with the hearty encouragement and cooperation of the people. The church building, though not an extensive edifice, is neat and well adapted to the purpose for which it was intended, and is, to a certain extent, a novelty in church architecture in the West. The building is an octagon, with a high, steep roof in the Gothic style, toned with many elements of Greek. The facade is essentially Greek, as well as the porticos and trimmings. The remainder of the building being Gothic, gives it a very pleasing and unique appearance.

The dedication services occurred the second Sunday in June, 1881, and were conducted by Dr. E. R. Hendricks, president of Central College, Fayette, Mo. Although the organization of this church is of such recent date, the congregations are already large, the services interesting, and the prospects for the upbuilding of an influential church and society is highly encouraging.

Kansas City R. A. Chapter No. 28, holds its regular convocation at Masonic Hall on the first and third Thursday of each month. The charter was granted by the Grand Chapter of Missouri to J. W. McDonald, Geo. E. Pitkins, J. M. Ridge, and several others on May 9, 1869. The total number of names on the register is 218, present membership being 73. The officers are, W. E. Whiting, M. C. H. P.; F. H. Bruce, E. K.; H. G. Russell, E. S.; H. C. Litchfield, Secretary.

Kansas City Lodge No. 220, A. F. and A. M. The charter of this lodge was granted by the Grand lodge of Missouri on the 30th day of May, 1861. W. M. Leftwich, J. T. Moores, B. H. Sevugs and several others being the charter members. Since its organization some 397 names have been enrolled ; the present membership is 129. The officers are W. J. McCullough, W. M.; J. S. Botsford, S. W.; D. H.- Eaton, J. W.; H. C. Litchfield, Secretary. Meetings are held every second and fourth Monday in each month at Masonic Hall.

Palace Council, R. & S. M., No. 24, was chartered October 5th, 1877. H. C. Duncan, P. Baker and J. D. A. Cook being among the first members. There are nineteen members. The officers are : P. Baker, D. M. ; H. C. Litchfield, Secretary. The Council meets, at Masonic Hall on the third Tuesday of each month.

Temple Lodge, No. 29, A. F. & A. M., meets at Masonic Hall every first and third Tuesday in each month. Asa Maddox, W. M. ; J. H. Waite, Secretary.

Oriental Commandery, No. 35, was organized June 3d, 1880, and at present has a membership of between forty and fifty, and is in a flourishing condition. The meetings are held at Masonic Hall, northwest corner of Seventh and Main, over the post-office. Sir J. K. Hardy, Eminent Commander ; Sir S. D Thacher, Generahssimo; Sir A. J. Close, Captain-General; Sir W. P. Moores, Treasurer; Sir W. A. Drowne, Recorder ; Sir A. J. Mead, Senior Warden ; Sir H. C. Parker, Junior Warden ; Sir G. D. Sherwin, Sword Bearer ; Sir N. K. Wager, Warden ; P. Casey, Captain-Guard. The office of Prelate and Standard Bearer are at present vacant.

Emanuel Chapter Eastern Star, No. 81, meets every first and third Tuesday in each month. Mrs. Chas. Knickerbocker, M. W. ; Wm. McCuUough, W. P. ; Mrs. A. A. Holmes, D. W. M.; Mrs. Wm. McCullough, Treasurer; Mrs. Bell Knickerbocker, Secretary.

Masonic Board of Relief, is composed of two members of each lodge in the city, with W. M. Potter, President ; W. F. Ford, Secretary and Treasurer ; R. C. Crowell, D. D. G. M.; J. H. Ward, D. D. G. L. Meetings are held in Masonic Hall.

Kansas City Commandery K. T., No. 10, hold their regular conclave at their Asylum, Masonic Hall, on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at seven p. m. H. C. Litchfield, E. C; W. J. Connely, Secretary,

Odd Fellows

Kansas City Lodge, O. F., No. 257. - Meets at their hall, 531 Main street, every Saturday evening. C. M. Clark, N. G.; Chas. Long, Secretary.

Kansas City Encampment, No. 27. - T. P. Skinner, C. P.; N. Schwartz, Scribe. Holds its meetings on the second and third Thursdays in each month.

Riverside Lodge, Knights and Ladies of Honor. - Meets at Knights of Pythias Hall, on the second and fourth Thursday nights of each month. Mrs. Mary Randall, Secretary.

Knights of Honor, Kansas City Lodge, No. 1255. - Meets at Knights of Pythias Hall, on first and third Thursday evenings of each month. A. Lynch, Reporter.

Gate City Lodge, No. 1256, K. H. - Meets first and third Wednesdays of each month, at K. of P. Hall, 617 Main street. R. Lampe, P. D.; Dr. G. Hoffmann, Secretary.

Uhland Lodge, No. 416, D. O. H., Kansas City, Kansas. - Herman Friese, 0. B.; Wm. Rose, Secretary; E. G. Pueschel, D. D. G. B. of Kansas. Meets second and fourth Wednesdays in each month, at Western Hall, 1919 Sixth street, Kansas City, Kansas.

Knights Of Pythias

Kansas City Lodge, No. i.^ - At a meeting held on the - day of February, 1870, in Vaughan's Diamond, a hall located at the junction of Main and Delaware streets, Kansas City, Mo , Sol. Smith, Theo. Stritter, C. M. Kendall, H. St. Clair, Chas. Herold, Jacob Bohlender, Henry Scheid, August Weber, Robt. Roth, P. Cooper, S. C. Delme, D. S. Marvin, Sam. Hulme, James DeLuce, Anton Antlaner, G. W. Dyas, W. F. Marshall, Oscar Persons, Geo. R. Filer, L. M. Thompson and S. Brill met for the purpose of considering the propriety of organizing a lodge of the Knights of Pythias in Kansas City, Mo. Peter L. Cooper was elected as Chairman, and Mr. Robert Roth as Secretary. It was resolved unanimously that application be made to organize a lodge in this city, to be known as Kansas City Lodge No. i, K. of P., of Missouri.

The application list was forwarded on the 2 2d of February, with forty-five signatures, by Robert Roth, the Secretary pro tern., who was also a member of Tremont Lodge No. 128, of Tremont, Pennsylvania.

In pursuance to a call from the Secretary, the applicants met at Vaughan's Diamond at eight o'clock on the evening of March 3d, 1870, Robert Roth being called upon to preside.

Pursuant to adjournment and call the following named persons, who had signed the application for a dispensation to organize Kansas City Lodge No. i, met at Good Templars' Hall on the evening of May 5th, 1870, for the purpose of perfecting the organization of said Lodge, viz : Robert Roth, J. E. Neal, Sam. Hulme, Sol. Bertenstein, M. H. Card, August Weber, Henry Scheid, Theodore Stritter and F. A. Taft.

Past Grand Chancellor John Q. Goss, of Nebraska, was also present, and stated that Supreme Recording and Corresponding Secretary Clarence M. Barton, of the District of Columbia, had forwarded to him the appHcation for said lodge at Kansas City, Mo., with the dispensation granted, authorizing him as special deputy to organize and institute said lodge, and that he was now here for that purpose. He then called the meeting to order and proceeded to perform the duties assigned him.

D. S. C. Goos, appointed Bro. J. E. Neil as Grand Venerable Patriarch, Bro. Roth as Grand Vice-Chancellor, and Bro. Sam'l Hulme as Grand Recording and Corresponding Secretary. Bros. Wm. Schmahlfeldt and J. B. Guentzer, of Humboldt Lodge No. 2, of Illinois were appointed as Grand Guide and Grand Inner Steward, respectively.

The Deputy Sup. Chancellor administed the obligations of the three ranks to Messrs. M. H. Card, August Weber, Sol. Bertenstein and Theo. Stritter, after which he opened a Lodge of Knights of Pythias with the ofificers above named, and filled the remaining offices as follows: Bro. M. H. Card, G. F. S.; Bro. A. Weber, as Grank Banker; and Bro. Bertenstein, as G. O. S.

Deputy Sup. Chancellor Goss presented the cards of Bros. Roth, Neal and Hulme, which were placed on file, and on motion it was resolved to go into the nomination and election of ofificers for said lodge. The result of the ballot at said election was as follows :

For Worthy Chancellor, Robert Roth; for Vice-Chancellor, Samuel Hulme; for Venerable Patriarch, J. E. Neal; for Recording Secretary, M. H. Card; for Financial Secretary, Sol. Bertenstein ; for Banker, August Weber ; for Guide, Henry Scheid; for Inside Sentmel, Theo. Stritter; for Outside Sentinel, F. A. Taft.

Whereupon Dep. Sup. Chancellor Goss installed the above brethren in their respective offices; and, after making appropriate remarks in regard ,q the great and grand principles on which the superstructure of Pythianism rests, and giving valuable advice and counsel as to the duties of officers and members of the order generally, and this lodge in particular, he closed by declaring Kansas City Lodge No. r. Knights of Pythias of Missouri, duly organized and instituted in accordance with the laws and usages of the order.

It is proper here to state that of all the original charter members and officers of Kansas City Lodge No. i, but one only remains in the Lodge, that one is P. G. C. Robt. Roth, who has ever since its inception been a live, active and working member of the order and of his lodge, and ever stands ready to lend his aid, influence and energies to the cause of friendship, charity and benevolence.

This lodge, like most other lodges, has had its times of adversity as well as prosperity; but, although upon several occasions since its institution it had almost given up in despair, by the help of a few brave and valiant knights it has stood the test, and today stands forth as a living monument of the grand principles of friendship, charity and benevolence.

It would be impossible to give a detailed account of the rise and progress of this lodge from its inception to the present date. Suffice it to say, Kansas City Lodge No. I is now in the height of her glory, with a membership of about one hundred and twenty good, trie and tried knights, her exchequer is in fine condition, and she is soon to occupy one of the finest halls in the State. All of her members are live, active business men, and all are possessed with earnest love and ardent zeal for her success and that of the Order throughout the world.

Meetings are held at their hall, northwest corner of Main and Eleventh streets, on Monday evening of each week. John Conlon, K. of R. and S.

At a meeting of Kansas City Lodge No. i, which was held June 7, 1881, a communication was read from the Supreme Lodge, notifying the lodge that a Grand Lodge would soon be instituted, and authorizing them to elect three past chancellors, as representatives thereto. The result was the election of Thomas Phelan, Robt. Roth and Joseph S. Norman, as representatives. Thus were the first steps taken for the organization of the Grand Lodge of Missouri, which has grown into such a prosperous and influential society. In 1874 this lodge consolidated with Lucas Lodge No. 9, the membership in both lodges then being but thirty-two. Meetings are held regularly at their hall, northwest corner Main and Eleventh streets.

The following named Grand Lodge officers reside in Kansas City : R. E. Cowan, Supreme Representative, office is at the Court House; J. F. Spalding, Supreme Representative, at 916 and 918 Main street ; R. H. Mabury, D. D. G. C, at 404 Delaware street.

Sicilian Lodge, No. 39. - This lodge was organized February 11, 1876, with thirty-two charter members, all gentlemen of high social position. The lodge started under very favorable auspices, and its progress has been onward and upward from the beginning. The membership has increased rapidly. The lodge meets at 720 Main street, on Friday evening of each week. Present officers: John C. McCoy, C. C; T. S. B. Slaughter, K. of P. and S.

Kansas City division. No. 3, Uniform Rank. - meets at 720 Main street, the first Thursday of each month. S. B. Prevost, Commander, J. E. Hicks, Recorder.

Endowment Rank, No. 52. - Meets at 720 Main street, the fourth Thursday of each month. Robert Roth, President, W. J. Ward, Secretary and Treasurer.

Humboldt Lodge, No. 4 (German). - Meets at 617 Main street, Tuesday evening of each week. Charles Fuchs, C. C, Charles Hiltwein, K. of R. and S.

Grand Army Of The Republic

charter members, and at present has a membership of over two hundred. This Post is not of a political character, being purely benevolent in its aims. The present officers are : Frank Snow, Post Commander, N. M. Gwynne, Adjutant, of the Post, Mr. Wade, V. P. C, Dan Kern, 2nd V. P. C, Thomas Clowdsley, Chaplain. Meetings are held every second and fourth Wednesday evenings in each month, at 1301 Grand avenue.

The Order Of Mutual Protection

Kansas City Lodge, No. 11 - Meets every second and fourth Monday evenings in each month, at the corner of Grand avenue and Thirteenth streets. President, Asa Maddox, Secretary, E. Willoth,

Order Of Chosen Friends

Irish Benevolent Society. - Meets on the first Sunday in each month, southwest corner Seventh and Oak streets. Jeremiah O'Dowd, President; Bernard Owens, Vice-President; James Burk, Treasurer; Wm. Hanloy, Secretary; Hugh Reiley, Corresponding Secretary.

Ancient Order of Hibernians. - Meets on the first Monday of each month at their hall, northeast corner Main and Seventh streets. Michael White, President; George Dugan, Vice-President; Michael Madick, Secretary; Thomas Conway, Treasurer.

Kansas City Academy Of Science

The Kansas City Academy of Science was organized December 2, 1875. When Prof. John D. Parker, the originator of the Kansas Academy of Science, moved to Kansas City in the summer of 1875, ^^ determined to effect another organization on the same general plan, believing that the two societies would mutually strengthen each other. After conferring with citizens possessing scientific procHvities, he pubHshed several articles on the subject calling public attention to the importance of effecting such an organization at an early period. In November of the same year he circulated the following call for the organization of the Academy :

Kansas City, Mo., November 13, 1875. We, the undersigned, desirous of giving a more systematic direction to scientific pursuits, and of securing the advantages arising from association in scientific investigation, do hereby invite all persons interested in science to meet in the parlors of the Coates House, on Thursday evening, November 18, 1875, to organize an Academy of Science for Kansas City and vicinity.

Chas. E. Locke, John C. Moore

In pursuance of the above call about thirty gentlemen assembled in the parlor of the Coates House, where a prehminary organization was effected, and a committee consisting of E. H. Allen, P. Lucas and J. D. Parker, appointed to draft a constitution and by-laws. The meeting adjourned for two weeks at the call of the committee on constitution and by-laws.

The regular adjourned meeting of the persons agreeing to form an Academy of Science, for Kansas City and vicinity, was held in the High School building, December 2nd, 1875. The committee on constitution and by-laws then made their report which was accepted, and, after thorough discussion and amendment, was adopted. The following named persons then signed the constitution : R. T. Van Horn, A. R. French, Henry A. White, Dr. George Halley, E. Case, Jr. , Dr. J. H. Ridge, Philander Lucas, H. W. Ess, Harry P. Child, H. H. West, Dr. C. D. McDonald, Dr. J. S. Teed, G. W. Fitzpatrick, Dr. John Wilson, L. Traber, D. M. McClellan, B. L. Woodson, Dr. T. J. Eaton, W. H. Sibert, E. P. West, Theo. S. Case, W. E. Winner, James Scammon, W. H. Miller, M. D. Trefren, D. Ellison, Rev. A. M. Colver, John D. Parker, P. S. Mitchener, C. S. Sheffield, Dr. John Fee, W. P. Wade and C. N. Brooks.

Ermine Case, Jr., T. J. Eaton, Dr. J. L. Teed and J. D. Parker, were elected members of executive committee. At a subsequent meeting the office of Corresponding Secretary was created, and Col. Theo. S. Case was elected to fill said office, which he has held, by successive elections, to the present time. At the annual meeting. May 29th, 1877, R. T. Van Horn was elected President, which office he still holds by succesive elections.

R. T. Van Horn, President ; W. H. Miller, Vice-President ; T. J. Eaton, Treasurer; Theo. S. Case, Corresponding Secretary ; J. D. Parker, Recording Secretary; Harry Child, Curator; Sidney Hare and Dr. R. Wood Brown, Assistant Curators ; Robert Gillham, Librarian. Dr. T. J. Eaton, Dr. George Halley, Maj. B. L. . Woodson and John D. Parker are members of the executive committee.