Shrine Church history 1925-1955

by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

The little Shrine Church, resident of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries, has played a number of roles, each of historic significance. 

    

First recognized as the first Lutheran Church built west of the Missouri River on Kansas soil, the building served the congregation of the Rev. J.B. McAfee. Removed from its original foundation to make room for a family residence, the church served the African Methodist Episcopal congregation, as a public meeting place, a public schoolroom, and home to temporarily orphaned denominations of worshippers. All well-known facts to citizens of the Valley Falls community.

An outstanding role, organized by Mrs. E.E. (Lida) Ferguson and Mrs. R.C. Simpson, was that of Bible school for African-American folk of Valley Falls who were having no privileges of religious services. According to a Valley Falls Vindicator article July 1955, the school was organized in 1925 and time was set for 10 a.m. Sundays. 

The meeting place was in the Second M.E. Church, which was badly in need of repairs. Come winter the room was uncomfortably cold, so when the second winter came, the group moved to the Second Baptist Church building where all were comfortable until spring rains began. The roof was a veritable sieve, letting water pour through onto song books and study literature, ruining all supplies donated by other churches. It was decided a new beginning had to be made.

Of  the other buildings at their disposal, it was decided to repair the building that would cost the least in outlay of cash and work.

The Second Baptist Church had a paving mortgage of $300, besides a roof that would have to be replaced. The Second M.E. Building needed walls to be repaired and the foundation pointed up, but had no mortgage to be paid off; so was chosen as the building to be repaired.

An appeal was sent out to churches and friends for financial aid. Mrs. A.D. Kendall backed the Bible school organization morally and financially. Friends gave substantial assistance, including a piano and heating stove. The Lutheran Church of Chapman sent discarded pulpit furniture, consisting of three high-backed chairs and a pulpit. Others donated their work specialty — foundation repair etc. The Coal Creek Church donated hanging lamps, later replaced with electric fixtures.

During the 30-year period from 1925 to 1955 of the school's existence, the church again needed repairs and redecoration. Again friends of the church came to the rescue. Since members of the school represented several different church denominations, the school was named Colored Union Sunday School. Mrs. E.E. Ferguson, pianist, together with Mrs. R.C. Simpson guided the activities and studies of all the years.

On July 24, 1955, a dedication of the building and celebration of the 30th anniversary of the organization of the school was held. All churches of the community were invited to attend.

The society's museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14.