Location: Denison, Kansas

Presbytery: Midwest

Organization: Oct. 6, 1871

Membership: 31 communicant; 10 baptized

Pastor: Caleb Allen

Website: www.denisonrp.org

Denison Reformed Presbyterian Church was organized as North Cedar RPC on Oct. 6, 1871, and originally located north of what is now the city of Denison. Built in the fall of 1871, the North Cedar RPC building cost $185.95. On Apr. 19, 1872, Pastor J.S.T. Milligan from Michigan was the first pastor installed. In 1884, a new church building was built for $2,689.86 at our current location in Denison, 106 Seventh Street. It has had lots of renovations over the years to make the building what it is today.

Reflections of the past 25 years bring to mind a variety of experiences as we endeavor to glorify God and enjoy Him as a body of believers. The faithful preaching of the Word, celebrating the sacraments of communion and baptism, fellowshiping together, and supporting one another through trying times has been the life of Denison, Kan., RPC.

After celebrating our 125th anniversary in 1996, Pastor Hindman asked which we would rather see, milestones or footprints? A milestone suggests a monument denoting how far someone has gone. A footprint suggests continuing progress toward a desired goal. Our outlook and attitude must be that of looking to the future. “Advancing still from strength to strength they go where other pilgrims trod/ Till each to Zion comes at length and stands before the face of God” (Ps. 84B, The Book of Psalms for Singing).

As a relatively small congregation, the number of children increases and decreases generationally. Through the 1950s and ’60s, about 50 children grew up in Denison RPC. In the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, about 30 children progressed through our Sabbath school program. Since 2000, the number of Sabbath school classes decreased gradually and now is again increasing with the blessing of three babies in recent months.

Being a rural congregation, many of our children have grown up and relocated for education and jobs. Some serve as officers in other RP churches, and some are active in other denominations. We continue to pray for all of our covenant children.

On Oct. 6, 2021, the church turned 150 years old. Four days later we celebrated 150 years of God’s faithfulness toward us. We had a guest speaker, Dennis Wing, who had grown up in our church and is now serving Christ as a ruling elder. After worship, we enjoyed good fellowship around a meal. The younger men prepared a variety of grilled meat, including pulled pork, BBQ chicken, and burgers. Friends and family came and celebrated with us. May the Lord continue to shepherd us for another 150 years.

Men who have served as ministers from 1937 to the present time are: Thomas M. Hutcheson, 1937–1949 (until they went to Cyprus as missionaries); Milton Wylie Dougherty, 1951–1964; Kenneth A. McBurney, 1965–1975; J. Edward Hindman, 1977–2019, retiring after serving 42 years; Caleb S. Allen, installed Jan. 8, 2021.

In 150 years of ministry, this church has seen many go out to serve Christ in diverse arenas. They include A.I. Robb, J.K. Robb, and Elizabeth Robb to China; Ella and Jennie Torrence to China; Dr. J.M. and Nannie Wright to China; Mary Robertson and Anna Milligan to Egypt; Remo Robb and Mabel Braum Caskey to Cyprus; and Eleanor Faris to Cyprus and Japan.

Our session has one teaching elder and two ruling elders. We are thankful for the shepherding care of Caleb, Jim, and Steve, the work of our two deacons, and others serving in a variety of ways.

Outreach opportunities include frequent Sunday dinners hosted by Pastor Caleb and Hannah Allen at their home; occasional Tuesday evening Women’s Bible study; Wednesday Bible study led by Pastor Allen at Finer Than a Frog’s Hair in Denison; Thursday evening Bible study in Sabetha, Kan., where three of our families reside; and themed fall parties and other family night events focusing on missions. Our men are invited to meet monthly with men of the Denison Bible Church for breakfast, where Pastor Allen is one of the speakers.