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Rosendale Christian Church

9976 Highway 48
816-567-2105

History:
A group of Christians dedicated to the service of the Lord met at the home of W.A. Chapman on April 15, 1890 for the purpose of establishing a Christian (Disciples of Christ) Church in Rosendale.

Mr. J.W. Gardner was elected chairman of the meeting and W.A. Chapman clerk. This group also elected E.M. Ward, W.A. Gardner, and W.A. Chapman for a building committee. Chosen as a board of trustees were: J.W. Gardner, J.L. Roberts and H.B. Watson.

At this meeting the group made plans to erect a frame structure thirty-two by fifty feet with sixteen foot ceilings to be located at the Northwest corner of block nine.

This building was erected at a cost of $1,287.80 and was dedicated on September 24, 1890. The dedication service was conducted by Reverend W.C. Rogers. There were thirty-three charter members. J.W. Gardner was appointed Elder and W.A. Gardner and Nathaniel Kellogg were appointed to serve as Deacons.

W.A. Chapman was the first minister. He served four different periods. Another minister, A.R. Hunt, served three different times. Twenty-four other ministers have served the church since its dedication.

The congregation started with quater time preaching. The minister served Fairview, a country church south of town and Bethel located northwest of town. In 1930 the preaching program was extended to three Sundays a month, and in 1932 to the present the congregation has had a full time ministerial program.

In 1904 an addition was built on the east. At the same time the pulpit was moved from the south to the east and the enterance from the north to the northwest.

Major improvements have been made through the years. The building has been raised, seven rooms have been added which includes a fellowship hall, Sunday School rooms, a mordern kitchen, and two rest rooms. A trailer sets on the east side of the building which serves as a nursery. Four memorial stain glass windows have also been added.

In 1949 the R.S. Mickey family added a new baptistry in honor of World War II veterans.

Many memorial gifts have been given that have added beauty both to the church and its services.

Active groups in the congregation are the Christian Women's Fellowship which was organized in 1931, the Christian Youth Fellowship, the Chi Rho group and a Bible study group. On the last Saturday morning of each month a prayer breakfast is held for men of the community.

During the past ninety years many generations have worshiped in the Rosendale Christian Church. May it stand as a "Beacon for Christ" for many future generations.

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