1101 Millington Street, Winfield, KS 67156, US
About Us
Worship Schedule
Loving and Praising God at 10:00 a.m. every Sunday.
Winfield First Presbyterian Church -
1101 Millington, Winfield, KS 67156
620-221-4500
Learning Opportunities
Tuesday
10:00 am - Tuesdays @ 10 Bible Study
Welcome to Winfield First Presbyterian Church
The History of the Winfield First Presbyterian Church
Imagine a small settlement in the fertile Walnut River Valley, less than a decade after the United States Civil War. By 1873, this settlement would grow to become Winfield, Kansas.
Anxious to establish a decent and civilized life for all citizens, Winfield residents began 1873 with great eagerness and a focus on the future. On January 19, 1873, the First Presbyterian Church of Winfield was chartered.
Keep in mind, that times were tough. Settlers arriving in Kansas usually owned only the belongings they had carried across the country in their horse-drawn wagons. Upon arriving, every aspect of living was a daily struggle. There was no running water, no electricity, and cooking and heating were done by wood stoves or coal burners. Horses, oxen, or mules provided power for wagons and farm equipment.
Because of the challenges of everyday living, the pioneers of our community relied heavily on their faith and looked forward to Sundays. Religion provided a break from daily work and hardships; it was a source of fellowship and worship that strengthened and encouraged them.
In 1874, a grasshopper plague ravaged Cowley County, severely damaging its financial stability. Wages were practically unheard of. Most staples were raised at home, and anything else was bartered for or done without. It was not uncommon for a farm family to scrimp all year and, if it was a good year, be able to save $3. But no matter what, the church remained a primary focus for these individuals.
By early 1877, the infant congregation of the First Presbyterian Church had raised enough funds from church members to purchase ground at 10th and Millington and begin the building of the First Presbyterian Church in Winfield. The structure was brick with a stone basement. It had four chimneys and a tall, pointed steeple with a cross on top.
At much added expense, the church was provided with stained glass arched windows, and a large wagon wheel-style window centered on the upper front of the building. Decorative stone embellishments added to the beauty of the interior.
All this, in spite of the fact that something so simple today as getting a load of sand to make mortar for stone masonry, was expensive and required an entire day to get just one load hauled from the river. But with the encouragement and guidance of the Reverend James E Platter, the church family persevered.
September 23, 1877, was a glorious day. The First Presbyterian Church of Winfield no longer had to hold services in the Cowley County Courthouse. On that day, the new church was dedicated, much to the delight of the 156 church members. It had not been easy to reach that point, but the rewards were great. Forgotten were the personal sacrifices each had made to build God’s house. From this point on, only the celebration of worship and the joy of faith would be remembered.
The story does not end there. Because of growing membership (well over 500), a decision was made in 1910 to build a new church building. No doubt influenced by the majestic domed architecture of Richardson Hall at Southwestern College, which was completed that year, the new (and current church) was built on the southwest corner of 11th and Millington with a beautiful, domed roof and magnificent stained-glass windows. The first worship service was held there on June 15, 1913.
Through the 150+ years that the First Presbyterian Church has been a part of Winfield, much has changed, yet much stays the same. Members of the congregation warmly invite any and all to join our church family, meet our pastor, the Reverend Lori Robinson, and participate in Sunday worship services at 10:00 a.m. every week as we fellowship and celebrate the Glory of God.
The church is located at 1101 Millington.
