Cumberland Presbyterian Church

Established 1868

History written by Mrs. Elsie Munson

November 4, 1868 at a meeting at the Grout school house, located in Jackson Township (on the east side of the road near the Wallace Crouch home) a Cumberland Presbyterian congregation was organized and named Bethlehem. Elders were G.M. Barrett, C.K. Woods, Johial Boyles. The first Cumberland Church building was built where this church now stands. The Parsonage building committee met August 8, 1867 and a parsonage was built.

Presbyterian USA

Established May 1, 1872

On May 1, 1812 the Presbyterian church USA was organized by Reverend Anderson and Elder Matthias McKinney. Twenty three members entered into the organization. The Winchester and Blacklocks were amongst them. F.G. Strange was the first installed pastor on March 24, 1878. They met in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church building once each month until they built their church were the Clark (now Gibson) mortuary now stands. The Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Presbyterian Church USA united September 17, 1906. March 30, 1907 the trustees of the two churches made deeds to the Presbyterian Church which was to be known as the First Presbyterian Church of King City.

First Presbyterian Church of King City

Established July 30, 1911

On July 30, 1911, deeds to the First Presbyterian Church of King City from the Cumberland Presbyterian and Presbyterian Churches were recorded.

Reverend Froman had long been pastor of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. I do not know who was pastor of the Presbyterian Church USA church, but both pastors resigned and Reverend George Newell was the first pastor of the First Presbyterian Church.

On Sunday, June 14, 1914, this present church building was dedicated, out of debt, at the cost of $17,000 (not including furnishings). There were three strong organizations in the church at the time. The Women's Mission Society, The Aid Society, and The Young People's Christian Endeavor.

There were about 20 adults in the choir and Professor George Tull was our organist. He continued playing the initiation pipe organ until his death in the mid 1930's.

Cornerstone laid 1913

EMPIRE PRAIRIE CHURCH

In 1861, a group of Presbyterians, not associated with any church, formed the "Union Presbyterian Church" in Flag Springs, Missouri.  It was named 'Union" because every man at the organizational meeting was a "Union Man".   In 1873, a more centrally located church was built 6 miles west of King City. The cost was $1,425.55.  The manse was located one-half mile south of the church on a ten acre tract of land.

In 1900, the new name of Empire Prairie Presbyterian Church was adopted to more closely reflect the community it served.  In 1919, the congregation voted to build a new, modern building.  At the cost of $7,009 a new church replaced the old one.  A single white pine board with the hand-stenciled date of 1873 remained as a reminder of the heritage.  In November, 1920, the new church was dedicated.

On January 5, 1983, a fire began in the furnace room of the church.   The building was a complete loss.  The congregation dissolved itself and the members joined different churches in the community.  Many chose to transfer their membership to the Presbyterian Church of King City. 

The white pine board is displayed in the King City church's library.   A miniature replica of the church has been built and is located at the original site of the Empire Prairie Church.

The Presbyterian Church of King City is a member of Presbyterian Church USA.  This page is maintained by the Computer Task Force Committee.  Comments can be sent to WebMaster@kingcitypres.org   .  This page was last updated on October 01, 2000.