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The First Christian Church is the oldest church in Bonner Springs (originally named Tiblow). Henry Tiblow was an educated Delaware Indian who was an interpreter for the U.S. Government. He also operated a ferry across the Kansas River. In the early 1860’s, the Kansas-Pacific Railroad was built from Wyandotte City to Topeka. John McDanield was a young engineer working on the railroad. He saw these beautiful hills and bought hundreds of acres from Indians, including Tiblow. In 1870, he founded a town and he named it Tiblow. Early settlers met in homes to worship, often with an elder or deacon in charge. When Tiblow School was built in 1873, near the location of the current Library, it was used as a community center. Churches met there including First Christian Church members. In 1883, 30 members organized a church, which included a Sunday School. Around 1885-86, the town name was changed to Bonner Springs. This name was chosen for two reasons. Its citizens were hoping: 1) to capitalize on the mineral springs in the northwest part of the newly platted addition; and 2) for Robert Bonner, editor of the New York Ledger newspaper. It was thought in using Bonner’s name investors could be attracted for a proposed hotel and bathhouse they wanted to build. The money did not come in and all plans had to be abandoned. 
A few years later, the “City Fathers” offered a free lot to the first church to build. First Christian selected a site on the northwest corner of Allcutt and Insley streets. The first permanent church building erected was a small, clapboard church. It was dedicated in 1888.
As the 19th century came to a close, the church was growing and more room was needed. The frame building was sold to the Catholic Church for $700. The congregation met in the Opera House downtown, while a brick church was built on adjacent land to the west. It was dedicated in October, 1900. For the first time there was a baptistery. The tradition of baptizing in the river and surrounding lakes had come to an end. 
A little more than two decades later, again the need for more space was apparent. At that time land was donated where the church now stands. A colonial-style church was built and dedicated in 1927.The land bordering the church property to the west and south was purchased in the 1950’s. More parking spaces were added on the west side. An Educational Unit, with 15 rooms and the minister’s study, was built on the land to the south. This wing was dedicated in May, 1960. In 1966, the parsonage was sold and a new one was built. It is located on the northwest corner of Nettleton and Insley. Since the parsonage was located across the street from the church, the decision was made to build a colonial-style home to match the church. 
December 7th, 1969 a catastrophic fire destroyed the original church building and the rooms below. The double doors connecting the two buildings were closed, so the fire was contained to the sanctuary and basement. Since the Educational Wing was only smoke and water damaged, the Sunday School rooms were used after extensive cleanup. Church Services were held in the Methodist Church in Bonner Springs for nearly two years. In November 1971, the congregation met in the new basement Fellowship Hall, for the first service held after the devastating fire.The Centennial Celebration of the Church was in 1983. Two themes prevailed throughout the year: “100 Years of Worship and Service” and “Debt Free in ’83.” It was a momentous occasion when we burned the church mortgage in October of that Centennial Year- - -less than 12 years after rebuilding. There have been more than 30 ministers, including some interim ministers in the lifetime of First Christian Church. Reverend John B Walker was called in September, 1982. With almost 20 years of service to date (June 18, 2002), Dr Walker has served this congregation and the community longer than any other minister. The members of the First Christian Church of Bonner Springs feel very fortunate to have such quality people as John and his wife Kathy. We look forward to the 21st Century with gladness!! Content: Ella Mae Mitchell - Historian |