Beecher Bible and Rifle Church

This church, built in 1862 and originally known as the First Church of Christ at Wabaunsee, is named in honor of the abolitionist Henry Ward Beecher, brother of Harriet Beecher Stowe, the author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin . The modern name refers to the Sharps rifles and Bibles that Beecher provided the abolitionists from New Haven, CT who settled here in 1856. The name came into being when the gift was announced, and headlines proclaimed, “Bibles and Rifles for Kanzas.” This incident escalated the tensions between pro and anti-slavery forces in the territory, which only weeks later led to the sacking and burning of the free-state capital at Lawrence. The church was placed on the National Register in 1971.

The chuch is still actively holding Sunday services. Our services are at 9:00 AM-all are welcome. We would love to have you join us. Pastor is Curtis Roudybush.