Background
In January, 2024, Friends of Farmington Christian Church (FFCC), a group comprised of Atchison County citizens and former church members, began the process of saving what is considered to be one of the most historically significant buildings in the county.
Located in the small agricultural community of Farmington approximately 12 miles west of Atchison, the church, then known as The Church of Christ, was organized and started by pioneer minister and Kansas legend Pardee Butler on October 6, 1867. A fervent abolitionist, Pardee played an active role in securing the admission of Kansas to the Union as a free state just prior to the outbreak of the Civil War. He also helped organize the Republican party in Kansas.
Pardee passed away on September 19, 1888. Nine years later, the congregation was able to build the existing church structure. Standing proudly in its pastoral country setting for over one and a quarter century, the building serves not only as a distinct rural landmark, but as a tribute to the faith, courage and determination of the area’s early settlers. In collaboration with the Atchison County Historical Society (ACHS), the FFCC has launched efforts to extend the life and legacy of the church for many more years.
We began this quest by seeking advice from the historical society, which has been very helpful in sharing knowledge and providing valuable guidance. Meeting with other organizations which have accomplished successful restoration projects, exploring grant opportunities, and sifting through legal- and historical-related documents and records are among other tasks we have undertaken. Additionally, we have created this website as a way for anyone interested in this project to share our excitement. This is where you can monitor our progress and receive updates. For those not familiar with the Farmington Christian Church’s history, we hope the information provided here will help promote an understanding of why we feel this is a building worth preserving, not only for its contribution to free state history, but also for its early northeast Kansas Christian church history.
Persons visiting Atchison quickly become aware of the beautiful historic buildings that exist throughout the city. This same could apply to the county as a whole through concerted efforts to maintain uniquely significant sites and structres that dot the countryside. Unfortunately, the ravages of time combined with socio-economic factors have taken their toll on many small hamlets and buildings presenting special challenges to our agricultural populace. Being mindful and supportive of our pastoral communities and their projects can go a long way toward helping reverse this trend. Raising awareness, strengthening interest, and increasing involvement through financial and hands-on assistance are all steps toward saving and sustaining our iconic rural landmarks.
Atchison County Historical Society thanks all fcc supporters
The Atchison County Historical Society and The Friends of Farmington Christian Church would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended the October 11th celebration at the Farmington Christian Church. Over one hundred former members and community supporters joined together for a truly memorable day.
Our oldest attendee was 93 years young, and we were blessed to welcome friends and former members from across the country from Oklahoma, Florida, Nevada and even as far away as Alaska! Guests enjoyed learning about Pardee Butler’s contributions to Kansas history and to this church through the engaging historical reenactment presented by Steve and Suzanne Germes.
Everyone’s presence reaffirmed our long-held belief that this historic church’s story is not finished. By repurposing this beloved landmark as an extension of the Atchison County Historical Society, we hope it will continue to serve as a spiritual and cultural center for rural families for generations to come.
Thank you again for all the support you’ve given to this preservation project. As we begin the exciting work of rebuilding and repairing the church, we hope you’ll continue to stand with us, whether by volunteering your time or offering financial support. Every bit of help makes a difference, and we’re so grateful for you.
Click on the picture at left to see a few pictures from the October 11th event!
learn more about the Farmington Christian Church & Founder
learn more about the christian church movement
learn more about the christian church movement
architectural features of the farmington christian church
Sanctuary
The pulpit is in the Northern part of the sanctuary
Stained Glass
East end of the sanctuary is the location of the one piece of stained glass.
Sanctuary
Sanctuary
The entrance to the sanctuary is at the southeast corner of the church.
some items needing attention at the FCC
Siding
Windows
Siding
There are many areas of the siding that need to replaced before a painting can be done.
Doors
Windows
Siding
The main doorway needs to either be replaced or receive a severe restoration.
Windows
Windows
The frames and sashes need to be repaired, caulked and painted.
Front Entry
Room behind pulpit
The ceiling and wall under the steeple are needing to be completely redone.
Room behind pulpit
Room behind pulpit
Room behind pulpit
The plaster and lathe is needing to be taken down and replaced.
Basement
Room behind pulpit
Room behind pulpit
The north wall of the basement has shifted and pushed the stairway out of alignment.
Preservation needs your support
The ACHS and FFCC enthusiastically looks forward to your support of our project as a step toward preserving important components of Atchison County’s rural history and culture. You are welcome to contact us directly if you have any questions, and we invite you to continue to visit this site for updates on our progress and related events. Your consideration is deeply appreciated.
BECOME INVOLVED
Your support will help us achieve our mission by making sure that our rural Kansas History is passed on to future generations.
MEMORIALS
HONORING LOVED ONES THROUGH PRESERVATION
The Farmington Christian Church Memorial offers a meaningful way to honor the life and legacy of a loved one. When someone dear to us passes, their family and friends may choose to celebrate their memory by making a donation in their name to the Farmington Christian Church Preservation Project. Each memorial gift will be recognized on this site with the loved one’s name and a brief tribute, ensuring their story lives on and continues to inspire others. Whether they were a former member, minister, neighbor or friend of the Farmington community, a supporter of Kansas history, or someone who simply values rural preservation, this memorial space provides a lasting way to honor their positive influence. Through these tributes, their legacy becomes part of the ongoing effort to preserve the historic Farmington Christian Church for future generations.
CHOOSE YOUR DONATION
You may email your personalized tribute for your loved one to gowest1854@gmail.com.
Information needed:
Name _______________________________________
Date of birth to death______________________
Tribute language _____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Enter your contact information:
Name _____________________________________
Email address ____________________________
Phone ____________________________________
We kindly ask for up to one week to add it to the memorial link below.
ALTERNATE WAYS TO GIVE
Through the Funeral Home:
You may make a memorial gift in your loved one’s name through the funeral home. They will receive donations designated for the Farmington Christian Church Memorial and ensure they are forwarded to the Atchison County Historical Society.
By Mail:
The Atchison County Historical Society
Attn: Farmington Christian Church Preservation Project
200 S 10th St.
Atchison, Ks 66002
By Phone:
913-367-6238