Minneola RPC

Organization date: April 2, 1906

Location: Minneola, Kan.

Presbytery: Midwest

Membership: 19 communicant, 5 baptized

Pastor-Elect: Stan Copeland

Our History

Associate Presbyterian farmers, mostly from Stafford, Kan., emigrated to the area in covered wagons in 1904. Convictions about worship and Sabbath-keeping led them to organize a congregation in 1906. It would be 8 years before they installed a pastor, but faithful leaders developed a thriving congregation. In 1914, these visionaries bought the vacant Mennonite building and moved it by steam-powered tractor three miles south of town.

From the Pearl Harbor attack until the V-J armistice, Rev. Kermit Edgar, a Reformed Presbyterian, was stated supply minister. In 1942, the congregation built a new worship center in Minneola, which they still occupy. Eleven ministers have served as stated supply; seven have been installed. The average pastorate has been 12 years, with the longest being Rev. Paul Hindman’s 29 years.

Our Ministry

The church’s primary ministry is to render biblically obedient worship to God. Secondarily, we support local schools and youth outreach, ongoing Christian education at every level, revival on the Great Plains, domestic and foreign missions, and Christian fellowship groups.

Minneola RPC continues to impact the world for Jesus through over 20 “vocational Christians” (and spouses) we have trained up and sent out into various ministries and denominations.

Pastor-elect Stan Copeland is to be installed during the congregation’s centennial celebration on Sept. 2-3 (Labor Day weekend). Everyone is invited to participate.

Fun Facts

• During a winter 1941-42 evening psalm sing, the “wind charger” powered, battery-operated lights went out as the congregation started to sing Psalm 43. Just as they started verse 3, “Oh send thy light forth and thy truth, and let them lead me well,” the lights came back on.

• One third of the members are descendents of founding members.

• Congregation members raise cattle, wheat, and milo on more than eight square miles of cropland and pastureland. Three families work in the local schools.

• The town was founded in 1885, when the railroad came through. Texas cattle-drives to Dodge City’s railhead all watered here at “Jacob’s Well,” a large natural spring never known to go dry. Santa Fe Trail swales (paths) are still visible, about 25 miles from the church building.

Prayer Requests

1. For us to catch God’s vision of how we are “to bloom and grow in the desert” where He planted and sustains us.

2. For God to provide suitable local employment for covenant youth and adults.

3. For church and community revitalization.

4. For favorable weather, water, and crops to sustain the congregation and community.