The  complete HISTORY Of Immanuel Presbyterian Church

THE HISTORY 

OF

IMMANUEL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

1921 - 1996

THE FOUNDING OF THE MOSCOW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

AND THE EARLIEST  YEARS

Present day Immanuel Presbyterian Church was begun as a rural mission of the Presbyterian Church in the United States and the people of Clay County . The church was located in an area known as the Moscow Community and was originally organized as the Moscow Presbyterian Church. Early writings on the history of the church describe the Moscow community with these words:  "Before the days of the war between the states there had been a town on the site, known as Moscow, MO, a fair-sized town, post office, school, blacksmith shop, mill, several stores, and a brewery."

  In 1920, the post office had been moved to Randolph, MO, but some stores, a  construction company, the school, and Moscow station (interurban from Kansas City to Excelsior) remained.  There had been a Methodist church standing on what is now Cleveland.  The church burned, and the Methodist folks went to Avondale.  This church also burned, and the people of Moscow petitioned the Upper Missouri Presbytery to organize a church here.

One of the charter members of the church, Mrs. Annie B. Glasscock, related a story of driving her horse and buggy “all over the territory” to solicit funds to help establish a new church at Moscow .  Her travels and solicitations netted her exactly eighty cents.  Another tradition, which illustrates the creativity of church members in trying to raise money for a new church, concerns a “mule auction.”  Tom Neal  donated a mule for auction, and over fifty chances on the animal were sold. The person who won the mule immediately gave the mule back to the church so it could be auctioned off again.

On February 21, 1921, at a called meeting of the Upper Missouri Presbytery held in Kansas City , MO at the YMCA building, elder representatives met to consider the petition to organize the new church in the Moscow community.  The petition read as follows:

“The following being residents of the Moscow or nearby territory, as Christians, or desiring to become Christians, do petition the Presbytery of Upper Missouri to organize us into a Presbyterian church, pledging to the best of our ability, to perpetuate and build this organization in all faithfulness and obedience to the Lord.”

After some discussion, the Presbytery of Upper Missouri appointed a commission to visit the field on March 6, 1921, and, if the way be clear, to organize a church.  The members of the commission were: Rev. I. F. Swallow, Chairman, John E. Abbot, C. P. Browning, C. G. Partridge. Elders John Liapple, Liberty, MO and W. A. Cravens, Excelsior, MO.

On March 6, 1921, the commission met in the old school house in Moscow and organized the church as ordered.  Two ruling elders were elected on that day:  Mr. A. B. Glasscock and Dr. A. H. Mann.   The Rev. I. F. Svallow presided over the proceedings and the Rev. John Abbot preached the commissioning sermon.  The  Rev. C. P. Browning gave the charge to the congregation, while the Rev. C. G. Partridge charged the newly elected elders.

When it was originally organized, the Moscow Presbyterian Church had fourteen charter members: Mr. and Mrs. Perry Morgan, Mrs. Pansy Devling, Mrs. Birdie Devling, Mrs. Mary M. Cain, Mrs.  T. H. Laswell, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Cain, Mrs. Nellie Devling, Mr.  and Mrs. A. B. Glasscock, Mrs. Lela Sprinkle, and Dr. and Mrs.  A. H. Mann.

For the first year of its life, the congregation met and worshipped in the old Moscow school, while work was begun on the church building. Virginia Marchio recalls that her family was visited by Letta Cain, who rode on horseback to her family’s home to invite them to come and attend worship at the new church.  This kind of “horseback” evangelism allowed the church to record a membership of 113 by 1929. 

  By 1922, the beautiful white frame sanctuary was finished, and the congregation moved into its permanent home.  While the church was being built, Mr. Homer Devling traveled to Gower, MO and obtained a large church bell which had been located in the Gower Presbyterian Church.  He brought the bell back in a horse drawn wagon, and it was located in the steeple of the original church building.  The bell was placed in the tower, and the steeple was built around it.  This bell still occupies a place of honor outside the present church. While it is difficult to determine exactly how old this bell is, it is interesting to note that the Gower Church was formed in 1886.  In all probability, the bell is well over a century old.  

For the first 30 years of the church’s life, the congregation was served by supply ministers. Many of these men were students at Park College , which has an historic relationship with the Presbyterian Church. At times, other ministers from the Kansas City, or Liberty, area would supply the pulpit at Moscow Presbyterian Church.  Often, these ministers would supply the pulpit for only about a year or so, although there were several instances in which supply pastors served the church for as many as four years in a row.  The First Presbyterian Church in North Kansas City was organized on May 4, 1922 , and for a time, the two churches jointly shared the services of a supply pastor.   Lack of a full-time pastor for such a long period was difficult on the church, but this situation served to establish a tradition of strong, dedicated lay leadership which continues to this day.

From its earliest years, Sunday School and Christian Education were an important part of Moscow Church’s ministry. In the beginning, the congregation would break into groups and meet for Sunday School in the sanctuary.   By 1930, the needs of the church required additional space.  A basement was built upon the adjoining lot, and the church building was moved on top of the newly constructed basement.  With the additional space, the children’s Sunday School was moved downstairs to the basement, while the adults continued to meet upstairs.

EARLY TRADITIONS

 OF THE MOSCOW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

The formation of the Moscow Presbyterian Church roughly coincided with the development of the Winnwood Lake Resort.  In its heyday, this resort was extremely popular, drawing large numbers of visitors from all over the region. One of the lower lakes, which formed the resort complex, was located very close to the property of the Moscow Church on the present day Chouteau traffic way. 

During the early years of the church, the area surrounding it was rural in character. One of the most popular early traditions of the church occurred in the fall of each year. Moscow Presbyterian Church would host a big chicken dinner for the surrounding community. The chickens and vegetables which were served were raised at the homes of the members of the church. The Women of the Church would cook the food on the grounds in back of the old sanctuary. Tables were set up inside the sanctuary itself.  Members of the church would collect items to be sold or given away from stores in downtown Kansas City .  A “fish pond” would be set up to allow the kids to “fish” for prizes. This annual event proved quite popular, drawing folks from all over the Kansas City area.  The annual Chicken Dinner was held for a decade or more. 

Each year, Moscow Presbyterian Church held revival meetings in the evening during one week of the year. A visiting evangelist would be secured to preach the gospel. This revival would often be the occasion for receiving new members into the life of the church as people were moved to dedicate themselves to Christ.  During the altar call, the traditional hymn “Just As I Am, Without One Plea” would be sung. Those wishing to make a profession of faith in Christ would come forward and the visiting evangelist would administer the sacrament of baptism utilizing a bowl of water placed near the front of the church. Many members of the church acknowledged Jesus Christ as "Lord of their lives” in this manner.

Holidays provided an opportunity for fun and fellowship. The church held a Halloween party for the kids from its earliest days. Children would meet at the church for a party and the lights would be turned out in the basement where someone would share a scary story. Refreshments would be served for all. 

TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS OF THE GREAT DEPRESSION

AND THE WAR YEARS 

The Moscow Presbyterian Church experienced hard times, along with the entire country, from the early 1930’s through World War II.  The Great Depression brought severe economic hardship to the area.  Always a congregation of modest financial means, these years brought additional difficulties. With no regular ordained minister to serve the church during this long period of time, the membership slowly declined from its peak in the late 1920’s. 

Early records indicate that the membership declined from 143 in 1929 to around 45 members in 1937. The disruption of the war brought further troubles, with many family members traveling to other parts of the country and the world due to military service or the needs of the war economy. 

Hazel Ford remembers being away herself during World War II and receiving a letter from her sister who remained in the Moscow community about how few people were around in Sunday School and worship during these difficult war years. Her sister wrote of coming to church one Sunday morning for Sunday School, and discovering that the only ones present were her, one other girl, and the pastor. Perhaps the most remarkable part of this period in the history of the Moscow Presbyterian Church is that no matter how few in number, the church continued to offer its ministry of Christian Education and worship without interruption.   

Many of the men of the Moscow Presbyterian Church served  courageously in the  United  States Armed Forces during World War II.   Today a Roll of Honor of many of our World War II veterans occupies a place of honor on top of one of our memorial cabinets in the rear of the sanctuary.

The formation of a Ladies Aid Society during the Great Depression started a tradition of women’s ministry that continues to this day.  Later known as the Women of the Church, the caring ministry of this active group of Immanuel women through the years is immeasurable. Through their prayers, their caring visits, their contributions — monetary and otherwise — to so many special ministries of the church countless individuals have  experienced the loving touch of God.

HE 1950’S

The post-war years brought significant changes to the area which had been known as Moscow community.  The return of many veterans and family members to the area saw a significant time of development in housing in the area. The population of the area grew at a fast pace.  Also significant, was the arrival in 1944 of a man named Dwight E. Seneker. Mr. Seneker served the Moscow Church originally from 1944 until 1947 while he was a student at Park College in Parkville . He returned to become the second full  time ordained pastor of the church in 1952.   The Rev. Seneker’s pastorate saw many significant changes.  The arrival of the Seneker family prompted the church to seek a manse to house their pastor.  In 1951, the present manse and property were purchased and the Seneker family became its first occupants. 

In the early 1950’s, the area which had formerly been known as the Moscow community in rural Clay County,  had been incorporated by the City of Kansas City, MO. This area was now officially designated as Kansas City, North. The area was slowly undergoing a significant pattern of growth in population and development which was changing its character from rural to suburban.  The membership had slowly grown from its low point during the late 30s and early 40’s to 72 in February, 1952.  In October, 1953, the congregation took the significant step of changing the name of the church.  They chose the name Immanuel which means “God with Us” and refers to our Lord Jesus Christ. From that point forward, the Moscow Presbyterian Church has been known as Immanuel Presbyterian Church. 

A NEW NAME, A NEW SITE, AND NEW MINISTRIES 

In 1957, the Rev. Edwin F. Kagin began a long and fruitful ministry at Immanuel Presbyterian Church. Under the Rev. Kagin’s leadership, the membership accepted the ambitious challenge of  relocating the church to a new site with new, expanded facilities.  An initial capital funds campaign raised $73,000.  This amount came from a combination of gifts, grants, and the sale of other property. The success of this initial campaign allowed construction of the new church at our current site to begin.

Groundbreaking for the new church was held on October 15, 1961. The Rev. Kagin  preached a sermon entitled “I Will Build My Church” at the dedication service. Using a gold spade, Mrs. Paul Kraus, Mrs. Homer Devling, Mrs. Harold Brewer, and Mr. Miles Nelson each took turns “breaking ground.” Sacrificial giving by the congregation, a $17,700 grant from Upper Missouri Presbytery, the sale of the old church, and a generous bequest from the family of John Paul Kraus totaling $81,003 allowed the completion of the new church. On October 21, 1962 , Immanuel Presbyterian Church held its first worship service in the new sanctuary. It took another seven months before the Kraus Education Building was completed in May, 1963.  

Some interesting facts 

about our church building 

In newspaper accounts of the completion of the new church:  

"The church is built in a modern interpretation of the classic Gothic style.  The spire, topped with a Latin cross, reaches 57 feet into the air. The sanctuary ceiling rises to 33 feet above the floor. The sanctuary has a seating capacity of 306 persons.  The total space for worship and education is 10,693 square feet. "

The formal dedication of the new church was held on Sunday, November 17, 1963 . Morning worship on that day focused on the congregation’s gratitude to God for his blessings in their efforts.  The church gathered at 3:00 pm for the Dedication Service.

An interesting insight into the magnitude of this project for the congregation can be seen from the report of Lucille Brewer, Finance Chairman of the church, as it is reported in the Dedication bulletin for the day:  

The Sanctuary and the Kraus Hall of Christian Education.  Total Cost of the Project (1958-1963)        $181,778.06.

 

Source of Funds:

Sale of old church property                $ 22,901.43

Grant - Upper Missouri Pres.                  $ 7,700.00

Grant - Board of Church Extension       $10,000.00

Members of Immanuel and friends      $121,917.57

Mortgage - Blue Valley S&L                  $19,259.06

Total Cost of Project                            $181,778.06

 A further indication of the dedication of the congregation to providing adequate facilities for the church’s ministry can be seen by the fact that the final payment on the mortgage was paid on May 20, 1966.  On June 5, 1966 , a mortgage burning ceremony was held on the grounds of the church.  

A further indication of the dedication of the congregation to providing adequate facilities for the church’s ministry can be seen by the fact that the final payment on the mortgage was paid on May 20, 1966.  On June 5, 1965 , a mortgage burning ceremony was held on the grounds of the church.  

The decade of the sixties was a time of growth in numbers and ministry for Immanuel Presbyterian Church.  In new facilities, worship and education ministries thrived. An active youth group engaged in many activities of service and learning.  In February of 1963, the Rev. Edwin F. Kagin resigned his pastorate to return to his native Kentucky after 11 years of dedicated service to the church. The Rev. Kagin proved an able leader during a time of transition for the church. An article in The Dispatch, which reported Kagin’s resignation, indicates that the church had a membership of 250 in 1968.

 The 1970’s  

The transition from the decade of the 1960’s into the 1970’s saw the arrival of the Rev. Hugh Berry as the pastor of Immanuel Presbyterian Church.  A significant ministry for the church began during these years — the Immanuel Presbyterian Church Preschool.

The idea for a preschool to serve area children was a dream of a few women in the congregation, including Carol Berry, Geneva Henley, and Jeanine Ressler.   When the idea was presented to the Session, approval was given to begin this new outreach ministry.  From the beginning, it was the intention of the church to provide a low cost, high quality preschool education.  Many families who otherwise could not have afforded preschool education for their children have been served by this fine ministry.

In the early years, the Immanuel Preschool was strongly supported by the Women of the Church.  Many women served in the preschool on a volunteer basis.  By the mid 1970’s, Lou  Paris had become the director of the preschool.   Under her able leadership, the Immanuel Preschool prospered. To this day, our preschool has a fine reputation among the area’s parents and elementary school teachers.

In November, 1972, the Rev. Lyle J. Dykstra accepted the call to become the pastor of Immanuel Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Dykstra served Immanuel for over a decade. During his tenure, the church was active in many areas of ministry.  The 1970’s featured a strong Christian Education program, including a vital and active youth group. The church also sponsored a large, active Boy Scout Troop. Quite a few of the church members served as leaders for the troop and many of the boys in the church participated in it. Through the years, Immanuel has consistently ranked very high in per capita mission giving.

The 1980’s to the Present 

  In 1982, the Rev. Taylor Alan Thames was called to be the pastor at Immanuel Presbyterian Church. Highlights of these years include a very  active youth group ministry, including a mission trip to Oklahoma . The church also utilized the talents of many of its members in music and drama to present creative fellowship events that were enjoyed by all. 

 The church experienced some membership growth during these years. The church  was faced with a number of major capital needs related to the upkeep of the building and grounds. The members of the church responded faithfully and sacrificially to these large financial needs and much was accomplished.

 The last years of the 1980’s and the first years of the 1990’s were difficult for the congregation. Extended periods of time without the services of a full time called pastor resulted in membership decline. In 1991, Immanuel reported 93 members.  In July, 1992, the Rev. Jeffrey Clayton was called to be the pastor of Immanuel Presbyterian Church. The last four years have seen a slow, steady growth in membership. Presently, Immanuel has 132 members.  Immanuel continues to place a strong emphasis on mission outreach.  Traditional support for area ministries has continued.  Immanuel regularly supplies volunteers at the Clay County Clothes Closet, The North Kansas City Hospital, and the  Northland Meals On Wheels program.

 In addition, Immanuel supports the food pantry ministry of Metropolitan Lutheran Ministries with weekly food donations. Immanuel proudly participates in the annual “Souper” Bowl contest among Northland Presbyterian churches in January of each year. Immanuel has frequently been awarded the “golden soup can” award for collecting the most soup cans during January of each year. Most years this total has exceeded 1,000 cans. All of the soup goes to the food pantry ministry at Metropolitan Lutheran Ministries.

In 1993, Immanuel began a new mission partnership with Restart, Inc. a downtown ministry focused on the needs of homeless persons in Kansas City .  Providing volunteer opportunities once a month, the congregation staffs ReStart’s emergency night shelter and provides a meal for over 100 individuals four times a year. With this partnership, Immanuel has extended its mission across the Missouri River into the urban core of the city, thus affirming our concern for the problems of the wider metropolitan areas. Recent years have also brought an increased request from local groups to utilize our facility. Immanuel has responded generously to these requests. We now host a WIC (Women/Infant Children Nutrition program) clinic once a month for pregnant and new mothers.  Also, neighborhood organizations have utilized our building for their meetings.

 Immanuel continues its fine tradition of quality Christian Education. We hosted a mid-week kid’s club called Wonderful Wednesday, a creative summer program called Super Summer Sunday School, as well as Vacation Church School .  The last two years have seen the return of a youth group ministry to Immanuel’s program. We give thanks for the fine heritage of Christian Education at our church. It is an inspiration to us as we look to the future.

The greatest strength of Immanuel Presbyterian Church has always been the sense of caring and family that

 the members experience in our life together. Through times of joy and celebration, distress and sorrow, we

 are sustained by the strength of the love and caring of the body of Christ at Immanuel.   Through the 

Christian friendship we share, we are empowered to serve God in every part of our lives.

Immanuel celebrated  75 years of ministry, we are grateful to God for the contributions of all the saints of our congregation through the years.  For 75 years, the gospel of Jesus Christ has been proclaimed in word and deed through the ministry of  Moscow/Immanuel Presbyterian Church. With such a fine and inspiring history, we look to the future with hope and confidence that God will continue to bless us and lead us in service to Christ.

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