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2123 Forest Ave.
Great Bend,
Kansas 67530
(620) 792-2148
Sunday Worship:
8:30 & 10:30 AM
Sunday School:
9:30 AM
Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday
8:00 AM - 12 Noon
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 12 Noon
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History
About Us
THE STORY OF THE CHURCH
This poem, written and read by Mrs. Price Bondurant, was read at the service in the old Methodist Church in 1924 as part of the farewell ceremonies.
Our superintendent said a reading we must have today.
Since it was our last Sunday in the old church to stay.
My good classmates viciously said, "Mrs. Bondurant,"
And I know you are all wishing I'd said "I can't."
But I did not refuse and I'll tell you why.
When as a small child I was taught, "I'll try."
So listen good people, and I'll try to tell
A story of the old church that served us so well.
It was in the year of about 1885
When some of us were not yet alive,
That the good people in the church down the street
Thot a better place should be built to meet.
Then discussions arose as discussions will
About the place, the plans, the size and the bill.
Some said: "build it large, we want much room."
Others retorted "you must expect a church to boom."
By and by it was finished and viewed from the street.
It was a fine structure, imposing complete.
But the brethren said, "our work's not begun,"
Not the house, but prayer will win the home run.
So everyone worked and sang, and prayed.
And money into the Lord's treasury paid.
God sent His blessing upon the few
And people began to fill every pew.
Children and more children to the Sunday school came
Till in this room they could not remain,
Teachers lamented, "Where now shall we meet?"
The basement floor is damp to their little feet."
But the brethren said: "Our room will not bequeath,
They're only children - let them go beneath."
Even after this they continued to grow more and more
Till finally the house was rented next door.
Music had advanced as the years rolled on
And the piano made the organ look out of date and forlorn.
Then the brethren said: "A pipe organ we'll install.
The very place will be here at this west wall."
Such an improvement it made in the service in song -
The melody rolled out and seemed each motto to prolong.
In time when the building showed signs of wear and tear,
Plans were made to beautify and repair;
They bought some figured red paper, when looked at a great deal
Would make one's vision seem to dance, jump and reel.
One night in a storm lightning chanced to strike the steeple
And again repairs must be made by the people.
The Wesleyan Guild said "some electric fans we'll buy,
Then on hot days folks will come to church and not sigh."
Not many years have passed since these lights were new -
And joyful news - the walls were repaired too.
Now with restful walls and the old lights gone
Folks again get a vision of a new church, ample and strong.
For several years this vision grew and grew,
But for the lack of funds, the plans failed to come through.
Then the war came on and times were hard.
And the building plans needs retard.
We waited in patience and tried not to complain
Because in the crowded condition we must remain.
Now the new church stands as a dream come true.
And demands a service from me and you.
Our hearts are happy, but as this church we have
We feel something akin to sorrow and grief.
Like as when we leave the old home to find another place
We feel a tug at the heart strings that draws and bind.
Places here decay.
So good people, times change and but tender memories remain always.
Some dear heart may ache and have a regret
That in this good place the last time we have met.
But good is good and as we count our blessings o'er,
Let's thank Him for realized dreams and a prophet "Moore."