Second Presbyterian Church is rooted in rich and valued traditions spanning more than 130 years. Formed in 1865 as an anti-slavery church by Dr. Timothy Hill and a group of 3 men and 7 women who were determined to create a place for worship despite lack of money and a building, Second Presbyterian is a thriving church today whose members are engaged in all facets of church life. The same commitment to social responsibility, community leadership and worship and to gaining a deeper understanding of God's Word that excited the original organizers energizes Second's congregation today. Second survived and flourished in the early years (left)despite many setbacks, including a fire which destroyed the church building and manse (pictured below), which was located at 13th and Central in Kansas City, MO, in 1900 and continuing shifts in population. From 1865 to 1915, Second occupied buildings at several downtown locations, beginning with the first church at 809 Wyandotte. Realizing the need to follow the population south, in 1916 Second settled in one of Kansas City's first suburbs at 55th Street, between Brookside Blvd. and Oak Streets, where it makes its home today.

Fire destroyed the church and manse at 13th and Central. Pictured above are Fire Department Steamers fighting the fire.	This is the 13th and Broadway location in downtown Kansas City in the early 1900's.
	(left)Second Presbyterian 1898 - The artist stood where Municipal Auditorium now stands and was looking in a NW direction. The tall steeple stood at the south side of the church building facing the NW corner of 13th and Central. The building at the right may be the Convention Hall where the fire of April 1900 began.
	The first unit of Second's present structure (left) was erected in 1916 (the side chapel or south wing of the church, now called the transept). The sanctuary was completed in 1917. The tower was enlarged and chimes installed in 1924 and the educational wing was built in 1926. The remodeling of the sanctuary, with installation of the new organ, complete rebuilding of the chancel and provision of the new stained glass windows, was finished in 1949. Second's church building itself is a symbol of our heritage. The distinctive Gothic-style stone structure features a welcoming and inspiring sanctuary with carvings in the molding and furniture that reflect events and teachings in the life of Christ. Magnificent stained-glass windows, including a Tiffany window, depict Christian symbols and stories. Fifty colorful liturgical banners, created over a 12 year period, are changed to reflect church seasons and needlepoint cushions of Biblical figures decorate the front pews.

The windows, banners and cushions represent the work of dozens of men and women who devoted their talents to planning, designing and executing the art projects - yet another evidence of the spirit of involvement by its members that permeates Second. Christian education has been an important part of the life and work of Second Church throughout its existence. The first Sunday School was organized in 1866 and church calendars from the early years give ample evidence of the teaching ministry. Second today offers many innovative educational programs for children, youth and adults where they can study and share the Word of God.

Reaching out to the community continues to be a cornerstone of Second Church as it was in the early days when Second's members taught in mission schools and supplied food, clothing, supplies, labor and money for those in need throughout Kansas City and missions overseas. Today, Second champions a variety of agencies and outreaches in Kansas City that include food pantries, AIDS ministries, housing projects and social justice initiatives designed to build bridges toward racial harmony, quality public schools and nurturing children and youth in area neighborhoods. Second also provides assistance to missions and other projects in Ethiopia, Thailand, India, Brazil, Honduras and Guatemala.

Today, some 900 members drawn from the greater Kansas City area, gather for worship at Second Presbyterian, under the leadership of Dr. Edward J. Thompson, Senior Pastor. Our Clergy team is complete with Associate Pastor Rev. Don Fisher. Second continues to uphold and pursue its mission to "Gather, Grow and Go" that emerged from those simple beginnings in 1865.

The History of the Fountain Rock

Celebrating Women in Ministry
This is the 100th anniversary of the ordination of women as Deacons (1906 - 2006) and the 50th anniversary of the ordination of women as ministers of the Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Our denomination has declared a two-year celebration (2005-2006). We're a year late getting started, so we have a lot of catching up to do!

In our sister denomination, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Louisa M. Woosley (1862-1952) was ordained as a minister of the gospel in 1889. As a woman, she met with a great deal of scorn and opposition. She had no invitations to preach among her "own people," but preached "out-of-doors, in the open air, in schoolhouses." Her ordination was challenged by the Synod, and then by the General Assembly of the Cumberland Church, but eventually was allowed to stand, and in 1938 she was elected by acclamation as moderator of the Kentucky Synod. You can read more about The Reverend Woosley in the January/February issue of Horizon's magazine in the church library.

Happy 300^th Birthday
Before the Lewis and Clark expedition charted its course or the Declaration of Independence was signed, Presbyterians formally organized in the United States. It was 300 years ago, in 1706, that the first presbytery meeting in the U.S. was held, ultimately paving the way for what is today the Presbyterian Church (USA). Organized by the Rev. Francis Makemie in Philadelphia, that first presbytery brought together Makemie and six other ministers from several colonies, including Maryland and Virginia. Today, October 1, the denomination marks the historic anniversary with a worship service at Old Pine Street Presbyterian Church (aka Third Scots & Mariners) in Philadelphia.