Beecher Bible and Rifle Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Beecher Bible and Rifle Church
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 Location in Kansas
Location in the United States
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| Location | SE corner of Chapel and Elm Sts., Wabaunsee, Kansas |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1862 |
| Architectural style | Plains Vernacular |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000334 |
| Added to NRHP | February 24, 1971 |
The Beecher Bible and Rifle Church is a very old and important church building. It is located in Wabaunsee, Kansas, at the corner of Chapel and Elm Streets. This church is named after a famous person named Reverend Henry Ward Beecher. He helped the town by giving money. He also helped get rifles to the settlers. These rifles were hidden in boxes that looked like they held Bibles. This was done to get them past people who supported slavery.
History of the Church
The Beecher Bible and Rifle Church has a fascinating history. It is connected to a time when Kansas was fighting over slavery. This period was known as Bleeding Kansas.
Founding of Wabaunsee
The town of Wabaunsee was started in 1855. About 70 people from New England, specifically New Haven, Connecticut, moved there. They formed a group called the Connecticut Kansas Colony. This group was also known as the New Haven Colony or the Beecher Rifle Colony.
These settlers were inspired by a speech from Henry Ward Beecher. He was a well-known abolitionist. An abolitionist was someone who wanted to end slavery. Beecher gave money to help the men in Wabaunsee get rifles. These weapons were for defending themselves.
Beecher's Bibles
The rifles were secretly moved through areas where people supported slavery. They were hidden in crates marked "Beecher's Bibles." Because of this, the rifles themselves became known as "Beecher's Bibles." Wabaunsee was strongly against slavery. It became a part of the Underground Railroad in late 1856. The Underground Railroad was a secret network. It helped enslaved people escape to freedom. Wabaunsee also helped the city of Lawrence after an attack known as Quantrill's Raid.
Building the Church
The Beecher Bible and Rifle Church was finished in 1862. It took four years to build. A church member named Robert Banks built it using local limestone. The church has a simple, traditional style. It has a pointed roof and a wooden bell tower. Inside, a chimney connects to wood stoves. These stoves kept the church warm. The main area was once divided into separate sides for men and women.
In 1971, the church building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as an important historical site.
