Friends of Sacred Structures

09/23/2025

Don't miss the Fall edition of our newsletter! Read a digital copy here: https://mailchi.mp/2c0ac1ececcc/foss-fall-25-newsletter

04/24/2025

For Immediate Release:

Historic Churches Open For Guided Tours

Sunday, May 4th, 2025, three Historic Northeast Kansas City churches will open their doors to the public for guided tours. Participants will hear about the art, architecture, and history of each unique structure from knowledgeable guides. The tour is sponsored by Friends of Sacred Structures*and the congregations to give the public a chance to see these beautiful structures and hear how these churches are making a difference in their communities.

St. Anthony’s Catholic Church at 309 Benton Boulevard began life as an Italian Church in 1906. Throughout its history it had several names and Annunciation Catholic Church has since transitioned into St. Anthony’s. With a recently redecorated exquisitely decorated interior, its message speaks to the participants in their language and the music of their ethnic background. Open from 2:30-4:00.

An amazing church with a unique approach to reaching out to the community, Grace United at 811 Benton Boulevard offers its members opportunities for full participation in worship. It’s strong stone exterior, built in 1925, reflects the strength of this congregation that is making an impact in the community through its multitude of services. Open from 2:30-4:30.

Independence Boulevard Christian at 606 Gladstone Boulevard was established in 1886 at 6th and Prospect. Due to the generosity of lumber baron R.A. Long a new church was erected on Gladstone and Independence Blvd. with magnificent stained-glass windows and artwork. Upon completion in 1919, it was considered one of the most beautiful and expensive churches in Kansas City. It continues to serve the Northeast community. Open from 2:30-4:30.

Visitors can stop by any of the three churches during the tour hours to take the 20-minute tours. Parking is available in the church lot and on the street.

*Friends of Sacred Structures (FOSS) was founded in 1992 and continues to help renovate and preserve religious structures who support vital neighborhood needs.

For More Information call:
Joan Shields, 913-908-7840

06/13/2024

Preservation Underway!

"The Parkville community received hopeful news on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday in January. Their treasured church, Washington Chapel, built in 1907, was given a grant for $160,000 from the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund to help with badly needed renovation."

National Trust for Historic Preservation

The Parkville community received hopeful news on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday in January. Their treasured church, Washington Chapel, built in 1907, was given a grant for $160,000 from the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund to help w...

04/27/2024

One of our Sacred Friends-- Chapel CME Church Parkville Missouri is making progress restore this historic space!

02/01/2024

10/24/2023

From our Historic Westport Church Tour on October 1st, 2023.

Unique Stained-Glass windows at St. James Missionary Baptist Church at 508 W. 43rd were the focus of visitors on the recent Friends of Sacred Structures tour. St. James is the 2nd oldest African American Christian church west of the Mississippi. The congregation’s history began in 1870 in a temporary location near Mill Creek Blvd. where Brush Creek served as the baptismal pool. In 1928 they moved to their present location and the church was placed on the Kansas City Historical Registry in 2013. The church is an active member of the Steptoe Lives Coalition, a group committed to honoring the legacy of the Steptoe neighborhood where St. James is located and was formed after the Civil War as a home for freed slaves.

05/20/2023

Rainbow Mennonite Church hosts a Community Concert this evening, Saturday May 20th, 7pm with the Kansas City Latin Jazz Orchestra. Open to all!

1444 SW Blvd Kansas City, KS 66103
Sponsored by Rainbow Performing Arts Committee

See you Saturday, May 20th, 7pm for a special Community Concert with Pablo Sanhueza and Kansas City Latin Jazz Orchestra!

Rainbow Mennonite Church
1444 SW Blvd Kansas City, KS 66103
Sponsored by Rainbow Performing Arts Committee

11/03/2022

10/10/2022

Join Friends of Sacred Structures for a guided tour of three Kansas City, KS churches!
Sunday, October 16th 230-5pm
Contact Joanie for more details!