History of Greenwood Christian Church

Written May 12, 1974

The Greenwood Christian Church was organized in 1877 by the Reverend George Shanklin and the Reverend Robert McHattan in what was then known as the Boone Country School located where Hollywood Cross is now situated. The roster contained the following names as Charter Members: Mrs. Elizabeth Willsey, Mr. and Mrs. James McFarland, Mr. and Mrs. P.L. Holtzclaw, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor Hulen and Mr. and Mrs. James Nikirk.

The oldest living member on our roster at this time is Mrs. Stella Chiddix of Lee Haven Apartments, Lee's Summit.

After the organization was effected, Reverend Shanklin held a meeting which resulted in a membership of 57. Sunday School was held regularly every Sunday in the absence of a regular pastor. Later, in 1879, the congregation bought the Congregational Church building in Greenwood for $300.00. This was paid for by donations which could be turned into cash.

In 1881 all debts were paid and the congregation received the Deed. Daniel Cline, John Nicholson and James Nikirk were elected as Trustees. In May, 1881, the church was dedicated by the Reverend E.J. Morrison and Reverend Lawson. Reverend Morrison remained as a regular pastor for two years. Other pastors who have served the church are: J.W. Boulton (1906), Reverend Coggins, Reverend Harolow, Reverend Stanberry, Reverend Lee Barnum, Reverend Shanklin, Reverend Minges, Reverend Phil Stark, Reverend King Stark, Reverend Lyons, Reverend Lloyd Snapp, Reverend H. James Crockett, Reverend Nay, Reverend George H. Jones, Reverend Earl Blackman, Reverend Sophia Fritts, Reverend Orrin Dunham, Reverend David King, Reverend John Michael, Reverend Charles Johnson and Reverend Herbert Gebert.

Reverend James C. Stanley became our pastor in August, 1965 and continues to serve as our pastor today.

The church building continued in use from 1879 to January 19, 1969 when the first worship service was held in our new building. The new building was dedicated on March 9, 1969. The cost of the building was $40,000.00 and of this amount, $20,000.00 was borrowed from the Board of Church Extension of the Christian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The mortgage burning was held on May 12, 1974.

Our Memorial Windows

As written by Mary Gann
Worship Chairman, 1979

Stained glass windows have been treasured because they lend a warm glow of color that softens the total atmosphere of the sanctuary and induce a deeper sense of worship.

Such windows are usually symbols used as reproductions and reminders of realities in the history of man's relationship to God.

The word symbol comes from a Greek root meaning to put together an abstract idea and visible object so that the object stands for, or represents, the idea or concept. Symbolism is a language used in all ages, by all people.

The use of symbolism is sanctioned by both Biblical and ecclesiastical authorities. The Bible is full of symbolism. God, himself, used symbols and directed their use as we will show by the windows here in our sanctuary.

The windows were made by "The Hopcroft Stained Glass Studio" in Kansas City, designed by Mr. Paul Newman and painted by Mr. Stanley Klopfenstine.

The first window I will tell about is second on the South. The lamp is a symbol of intelligence and learning with an open Bible as a background for the lamp. We are reminded of Psalms 119: 105, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Christ said, "I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but, will have the light of life." (John 8:12)

This window was dedicated to Mr. and Mrs. James Nikirk, September 17, 1972. Mr. Nikirk was a founder of this church. He was traveling through the area looking for a home site and chose Greenwood. He found there was no church of his choice. He and his family and a few friends met in the Boone County School House located where Hollywood Cross is now, in 1877. After the organization was effected, Reverend Shanklin held a meeting which resulted in 57 members on the roster.

Mrs. Taylor, the person honored by the window to the left, was Mr. Nikirk's granddaughter and Mrs. Bessie Totten, sister of Mrs. Taylor, is a member of this church. The first window in memory of Mrs. Taylor was broken in shipping and when it was repaired, the wheat was left out by mistake. Several years after the window was dedicated, the sister, Mrs. Totten, was asked to give permission for the symbol to be corrected.

The symbol represents the elements of the Lord's Supper. In the upper room, as they were eating, Jesus took bread and broke it. He gave it to his Disciples and said, "Take eat, this is my body." He took the cup and when he had given thanks, He gave it to them saying, "Drink of it all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sin." (Matthew 26: 26-28).

The first window on the North was the first window installed in the church. It is in memory of Mr. Clay Kerr. He and his wife, Lotine, worked very hard - giving of themselves, time, money and anything that was needed to keep the church open and active for long periods of time. Mrs. Kerr is still a member of this church.

At the top of this emblem is the dove, the cross and the water which symbolizes that we must be buried with Christ in Baptism. This was the first public act of Christ (Matthew 3: 13-17). It was his final commandment to his Disciples (Matthew 28: 16-20). Mr. Kerr was a firm believer in Baptism. This window was dedicated in 1969.

The window second on the North was given in memory of Mr. Chas Danbury. He had a deep friendship for James C. Stanley, pastor of the church at the time he came and joined our church. Thru this great friendship he was led to know the true love of Jesus Christ. He confessed his love and was baptized. These clasped hands signify fellowship and peace in the kingdom of God. This symbol reminds us of Christ's statement for those who have been faithful in their love and service. "Well done oh good and faithful servant - enter into the joy of your Master" (Matthew 25:21)

The third window on the South was dedicated to Mr. and Mrs. E.R. Thompson. Mrs. Thomson attended church here and was very active for several years. Her son, Glenn, and wife Helen are members of this church and have played an active part in its growth thru the years. Glenn is an elder on the church board. This is the created window. The medallion at the top shows the hand of God creating the sun, moon, stars, water, the dry land and vegetation. "All have their beginning in the power of God" (Matthew 3:13-17)

The third window on the North dedicated September 5, 1974 to Mr. Bert Garretson. Mr. Garretson worked as the church clerk for several years. He worked in this capacity while this building was being erected. He donated many hours to supervision of the work; as the church was build and later. At the top of this window is the symbol of the flood. The Ark symbolized salvation; the church; and the rainbow is God's promise that the earth would not be destroyed by water again. (Genesis 6, 7, 8 & 9)

The last window on the North was dedicated to Lila B. Davisson by her children. Mrs. Davisson is still an active member of the church. She holds the record for most consecutive Sunday's attendance at Sunday School without missing. She owns 32 year pins issued by the church for attendance. She really deserved more pins, but, the church records were destroyed in early years so they gave her credit for what was on record. This symbol of the Cross and Crown stands for a reward to those who are faithful until death. (Revelation 2:106)

The last window on the South was dedicated January 14, 1977 in honor of our Christian Women's Fellowship. It is a symbol of the church and presents a picture of many members working together - each in their own capacity for the benefit of the entire group. This symbol suggests the organization of many human beings who function for the benefit of all people. This constitutes the church, the body of Christ (I Corinthians 12:27-30). That's all that can be said. It explains the work of the C.W.F. completely.