Beecher Bible And Rifle Church Celebrates 145 Years

Members and friends of the Beecher Bible and Rifle Church in Wabaunsee will celebrate 145 years on Sunday August 25.

Congregationalist pioneers from Connecticut founded the anti-slavery Church in 1857. The name came from minister Henry Ward Beecher, New York, who sent 50 Sharps rifes with the settlers to start the Wabaunsee Town Company.

Pastor Lynn Roth, Wamego said, "If you were going to survive on the frontier, with slavery forces battling against the abolitionists, Beecher thought you needed as many rifles as Bibles to do the job."

The native limeston-and-timber structure has been wired for electricity and the outdoor privy was replaced when the $53,000 fellowship hall was completed in the early 1990's.

Roth said, "There has never been any talk about closing the church." Roth's duties at Beecher have spanned more than two decades. "Of course, that's a question that nobody wants to talk about. For now, we're going to do what we we've always done, spreading the word about the Bible."

August 25 is "Home Coming" formerly know as "Old Settler Days." The congregation and friends will be enjoying a day of worship and socializing beginning with Sunday School at 9:00 a.m. and Worship Service at 9:45 a.m.

A basket (potluck) dinner is scheduled at 12:00. Anyone my attend.