Richard Cordley became pastor in 1857, when the congregation was moved into the then-unfinished "Stone Church."
The Territory of Kansas was opened to settlement by the Kansas–Nebraska Act on May 30, 1854.[4] Reverend Samuel Y. Lum of Middletown, New York was sent by the American Home Missionary Society to create a church in the Kansas Territory. This would become the first church in the entire territory. Before he came, sermons were given by laymen.[5][6] The first service of Plymouth Congregational Church was held by Lum on October 1, 1854 in a mudbrickboarding house. Settlers who had come from New England came to the service.[3][6]
Reverend Richard Cordley became a pastor in 1857. This was when the people moved into its first permanent building, called the "Stone Church." Though the building was not completed until 1862. Cordley was an abolitionist and was a free-stater.[3] During the American Civil War, some members were killed by pro-Confederate soldiers in the Lawrence Massacre of 1863. Cordley's home was burned, but the church building was not hurt.[6][7]
The Brick Church
"The Brick Church" shortly after being constructed
The present-day building, also called "The Brick Church," was designed by architect John G. Haskell. Haskell also worked on other churches, schools, and the Kansas State Courthouse. Construction started in 1868. It was finished in May 1870. it costed $45,000. The windows were made in England.[6] Services have been held regularly in the building since 1870.[2]
